Are you considering studying for a master’s degree after completing your undergraduate studies? Do you need help choosing the right master’s program? To help you out, we provided a list of well-paying jobs that require a master’s degree in 2024.

Why a master’s degree? With a master's degree, you'll be able to apply for leadership roles, research positions, managerial jobs, teaching positions, or other specialized roles. So, choosing the right master’s degree is the first step toward fulfilling your career goals.

The list below includes 11 interesting jobs which require a master’s degree, as well as descriptions of positions related to those degrees and average national salaries.

Once you have finished your graduate studies, you’ll have many new job opportunities – including leadership, research, teaching, and specialized positions. That’s why it’s paramount to choose the right master’s degree.

If you haven’t decided what master’s degree you’ll go after, here are some jobs that require a master’s degree:

• Speech-language Pathologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Statistician
• Prosthetist
• Physical Therapist
• Family/Marriage Therapist
• Education Administrator
• Curator
• School Counselor
• Urban Planner
• Social Worker

By choosing the right master’s program in the right field, you’ll be better positioned to land higher-paid jobs.

1. Speech-language Pathologist

• Average Yearly Salary: $117,026

A speech-language pathologist evaluates and treats individuals with communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists work with people of all ages to address speech, language, and even swallowing difficulties caused by various conditions. They often develop personalized treatment plans for patients.

2. Occupational Therapist

• Average Yearly Salary: $96,589

An occupational therapist helps individuals regain and enhance their ability to perform daily activities. Occupational therapists evaluate patients' physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities and develop treatment plans accordingly.

3. Statistician

• Average Yearly Salary: $92,900

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret numerical data. They design surveys, experiments, and data collection methods. They also provide insights and make predictions based on data patterns, helping businesses, government agencies, and researchers make informed decisions.

4. Prosthetist

• Average Yearly Salary: $86,419

A prosthetist designs prosthetic body parts for individuals with disabilities. They evaluate patients' needs, take measurements, and provide ongoing care and adjustments to ensure the proper function and comfort of the custom prostheses. Some prosthetists design devices such as artificial limbs for their patients.

5. Physical Therapist

• Average Yearly Salary: $85,864

Physical therapists help patients regain movement, manage pain, and improve physical function. They evaluate patients' conditions, develop treatment plans, and provide hands-on therapies and exercises. Physical therapists treat various conditions, such as injuries, neurological disorders, and chronic illnesses.

6. Family/Marriage Therapist

• Average Yearly Salary: $82,926

Family/marriage therapists help individuals, couples, and families overcome interpersonal issues. They conduct assessments, provide counseling, and develop treatment plans to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and promote healthy relationships.

7. Education Administrator

• Average Yearly Salary: $62,735

Education administrators ensure efficient operations in educational institutions. They develop policies, manage budgets, coordinate curricula, and supervise staff. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to improve educational outcomes and maintain a positive learning environment.

8. Curator

• Average Yearly Salary: $62,648

Curators manage collections of artifacts and artwork in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. They research, acquire, document, and preserve objects and curate exhibitions or displays.

9. School Counselor

• Average Yearly Salary: $62,242

School counselors help students with academic planning, college applications, and personal development. They address social and emotional issues, provide counseling sessions, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to support student well-being and success.

10. Urban Planner

• Average Yearly Salary: $61,397

Urban planners design plans for the use of land and resources in urban areas. They analyze population trends, assess community needs, and propose sustainable development strategies. They also work with government agencies, architects, and community groups in order to improve the quality of life for residents.

11. Social Worker

• Average Yearly Salary: $60,649

Social workers assist individuals and families in addressing social and emotional challenges. They provide counseling in difficult situations, such as those related to poverty, abuse, or mental health issues. Often, social workers collaborate with other professionals to connect individuals with necessary services.

Upon obtaining a master's degree, you'll be able to find specialized jobs, research positions, and managerial and leadership roles.

With a master's degree you can expect to earn a better salary than you could with just a bachelor’s degree — for example $60,000 a year as an urban planner and more than $177,000 a year as a speech-language pathologist. (These salaries are national averages; specific salaries depend on the job location, your expertise, and other factors.)

Talk about your options to your friends, family, and professors, then think about careers that require a master's degree and what you want to do. Without a doubt, you'll be able to apply for many jobs with good salaries, but first, you need to apply for the right master's program.