What is the Salary for MS in USA in 2024

The United States of America (USA) is one of the most popular study locations for students. The USA features some of the greatest educational institutions in the world with a variety of science programs and offers lucrative salaries after MS in the USA.

A master's degree is one of the most valuable degrees in the USA which attracts many international students. The annual average base salary of an MS degree holder in the USA is $83,000. (Payscale 2024) 

A Masters of Science (MS) degree in the US is a popular choice among international students. As colleges in the US are at the forefront of innovation, research, and strategy, students can look forward to a prosperous career and lucrative job opportunities after completing their MS degrees.

Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, and Data Science are the most lucrative and high-paying occupations in the US after pursuing an MS degree. Masters degree is one of the most valuable degrees in the USA which attracts many international students, as the annual average base salary of an MS degree holder in the USA is USD 83,000. (Payscale 2024)

Scope of MS from Job Perspective 

In the job market, a master's degree in science has recently gained interest. An employee with a master's degree is prioritized over others. Specializations in subjects like robotics, pharmacy, computer science, engineering, data science, and information technology are among the most demanding master's degree holders. Let’s dig deeper into the scope of MS from a job perspective. 

1.Job Market Demand and Opportunities

MS degrees are often required for specialized positions, such as data scientists and nurse practitioners. For instance Data scientists' employment is projected to grow by 36% till 2031 {as per Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS)}. And nurse practitioners' employment is expected to grow by 40% (BLS).

2. Earning Potential

MS graduates typically earn higher salaries. For instance, the average starting salary for an MS in computer science is about $98,000 (as per National Association of Colleges and Employers). In addition, individuals with a master's degree earn a median annual wage of $75,650, compared to $63,440 for bachelor’s degree holders (BLS).

3. Career Advancement & Leadership

Advanced degrees facilitate career advancement. The Harvard Business Review notes that MS graduates are more likely to qualify for senior and executive roles. 

4. Networking & Professional Connections

Approx. 72% of MS graduates report their degree helped build valuable professional networks (Graduate Management Admission Council).

5. Long-Term Career Impact

Advanced degrees offer greater career flexibility. Approx. 35% of master’s degree holders work in fields different from their undergraduate study (Georgetown University). 

Average Salary for MS Graduates in USA

The average MS salary in the USA is around $81,848 annually as per BLS. Now, let’s dive deeper into how much salary you can expect in the various cities of the country. 

Average Salary for MS in USA - City Level

Here is a list of the average salary after an MS in the USA, varying from city to city, depending on factors such as cost of living.

Technology & Engineering Fields:

1. San Francisco, CA - $120,000 to $150,000
2. Seattle, WA - $110,000 to $140,000
3. New York, NY - $100,000 to $130,000
4. Austin, TX - $100,000 to $130,000
5. Boston, MA - $100,000 to $130,000

Finance & Business Fields:

1. New York, NY - $110,000 to $140,000
2. San Francisco, CA - $100,000 to $130,000
3. Chicago, IL - $90,000 to $120,000
4. Los Angeles, CA - $85,000 to $115,000
5. Washington, DC - $90,000 to $120,000

Healthcare & Life Sciences Fields:

1. Boston, MA - $100,000 to $130,000
2. San Francisco, CA - $95,000 to $125,000
3. New York, NY - $90,000 to $120,000
4. Philadelphia, PA - $85,000 to $115,000
5. Chicago, IL - $85,000 to $115,000

Education & Social Sciences Fields:

1. Washington, DC - $75,000 to $100,000
2. New York, NY - $70,000 to $95,000
3. Boston, MA - $65,000 to $90,000
4. San Francisco, CA - $60,000 to $85,000
5. Chicago, IL - $60,000 to $85,000

Please note that this is a general idea of what you might expect, though keep in mind these figures can fluctuate based on factors like industry trends, company size, and local cost of living: 

Top Universities in USA with Courses in MS

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Management) programs are primarily included in MS or Masters programs in the United States. Engineering, Information Technology, Business Management, and Data Science are popular choices among international students seeking an MS degree in the United States.  Top organizations throughout the world value MS degrees earned from US universities.

Top IT firms, brands, and multinationals employ MS graduates from these universities and pay them well. 

Here are some of the best universities in the United States of America, along with the courses they offer and their duration:-

University	Course	Duration of Course
Stanford University	MS in Data Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Harvard University	MS in Data Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
John Hopkins University	MS in Data Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Pennsylvania	MS in Data science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Yale University	MS in Data Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
MIT	MS in Data Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
UC Berkeley	MS in Data Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Columbia University	MS in Data Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Southern California	MS in Data Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
UCLA	MS in Data Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Carnegie Mellon University	MS in Data Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
MIT	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Stanford University	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of California	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Carnegie Mellon University	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Harvard University	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Yale University	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
John Hopkins University	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Pennsylvania	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Carnegie Mellon University	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Columbia University	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Texas at Austin	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Michigan State University	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Florida International University	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Minnesota	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Princeton	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Chicago	MS in Computer Science	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Stanford University	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of California Berkeley	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
California Institute of Technology	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Georgia Institute of Technology	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Purdue University—West Lafayette	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Texas—Austin	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Harvard University	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Yale University	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Texas at Austin	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Columbia University	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Pennsylvania	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Carnegie Mellon University	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Northeastern University	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	MS in Engineering	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Notre Dame	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
New York University	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Iowa State University	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Pittsburgh	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Arizona State University	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Harvard University	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
John Hopkins University	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Southern California	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Yale University	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Pennsylvania	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
MIT	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
UC Berkeley	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Columbia University	MS in Business Analytics	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Michigan	MS in Pharmaceutical	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Southern California	MS in Pharmaceutical	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Washington Seattle	MS in Pharmaceutical	2 years ( 4 semesters)
The Ohio State University	MS in Pharmaceutical	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of North Carolina	MS in Pharmaceutical	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Minnesota	MS in Pharmaceutical	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Texas	MS in Pharmaceutical	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Florida	MS in Pharmaceutical	2 years ( 4 semesters)
MIT	MS in Finance	2 years ( 4 semesters)
UC Berkeley	MS in Finance	2 years ( 4 semesters)
UCLA	MS in Finance	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Southern California	MS in Finance	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Columbia University	MS in Finance	2 years ( 4 semesters)
University of Michigan	MS in Finance	2 years ( 4 semesters)
Yale University	MS in Finance	2 years ( 4 semesters)

Best Specializations for MS in USA

Here are the best specialization courses to consider pursuing an MS in the USA:

• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Data Science
• MS in Biostatistics
• MS in Marketing
• MS in Finance
• MS in International Management
• MS in Pharmacy
• MS in Embedded Systems
• MS in Petroleum Engineering

While there are a lot of other specialization courses for pursuing an MS in the USA, the above-listed ones are the most trending ones to consider. 

Top-Paying Industries for MS in USA

Graduating with a Master of Science degree from the United States of America opens up a lot of potential opportunities in various industries. Here is a list of top-paying industries for MS in the USA:

Industry	Average Pay Scale (annually)
Computer Science & Engineering	$1,11,449
Data Science & Analytics	$1,55,536
Biotechnology and Bioengineering	$1,65,430
Healthcare	$1,13,325
Finance	$1,16,518

5 Highest Paying Masters of Science (MS) Jobs in USA 

1)MS in Computer Science Salary in USA

Computer science and engineering are among the industries that pay the most to pursue a master of science in the United States of America. Pursuing an MS in computer science comes with a lot of career options.

Let us explore opportunities when considering an MS in computer science in the USA salary and other career paths.

2)Software Developer

As an MS graduate in the United States, considering software development as a career can be a wise decision to earn a wholesome amount and approach potential job opportunities in the future.

Market Demand: The demand for software engineers is quite high in the United States. This is due to the need for more innovative software solutions and the limited lifespan of code. Moreover, as the complexity of projects increases, the industry experiences a surge in software engineer demands.

Salary Range: The average base salary of a software engineer in the United States is around $105,538 per year. (as per Glassdoor)

3)Information Technology Manager

As an IT manager, the candidate's role will be to manage the company's system requirements. This includes ensuring that both the hardware as well as the software systems function properly and are constantly updated and maintained.

Market Demand: The demand for IT manager jobs will likely surge 15.4% between 2022 and 2032, according to the BLS. Around 86,000 jobs are likely to be opened during this period.

Salary Range: The average base salary of an IT manager in the United States is $97,364 annually. (as per Indeed)

4)Database Administrator

A database administrator is responsible for taking care of issues and troubleshooting those related to the database. As a database administrator, your job will be maintaining, securing, and operating databases to ensure that data is properly stored and retrieved.

Market Demand: According to a survey of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth of database administrator jobs is expected to surge by 7% between 2022 and 2032. Hence, the demand for database administrators is quite high in the US market.

Salary Range: The average base salary of a database administrator is $75,995 in the US. (as per Indeed)

5)Computer Network Architect

A computer network architect is a person responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data communication networks for the company. These can include LANs, WANs, intranets, or any other network connections.

Market Demand: According to the BLS, computer network architect jobs are expected to grow by 3.5% between 2022 and 2032, therefore showing great potential for newcomers.

Salary Range: The average salary of a computer network architect can be around $127,554 in the US (as per Indeed).

6)DevOps Engineer

As a DevOps engineer, your main role will be to build, test, and maintain the infrastructure of software. You will also be responsible for pushing, pulling, and coding on live servers and other similar tasks.

Market Demand: The demand for DevOps engineers has recently recorded a surge in the US market. This is due to the increased demand for production releases and more, which has made this job profile in demand.

Salary Range: An average DevOps Engineer earns around $1,39,424 annually in the US (as per Glassdoor).

MS in Finance Salary in USA

An MS in Finance in the USA provides knowledge of advanced financial analysis, investment strategies, and risk management, making graduates highly desirable in the job market. Here’s a look at some top career opportunities for graduates with an MS in Finance:

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts evaluate financial data to help businesses and individuals make informed investment decisions. 

• Market Demand - The field of financial analysis is growing at a steady pace. Financial and investment analysts' employment will grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032. This growth amounts to about 29,000 new financial analyst jobs by 2032.

• Salary Range - $63,000 and $100,000 per year, as per Glassdoor.

Financial Manager

Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They oversee financial reports, investment activities, and long-term financial planning.

• Market Demand - Financial managers who can navigate international finance and the complex world of financial instruments and securities, including derivatives, are highly marketable to employers. A 16% employment growth for financial managers between 2022 and 2032 is expected.

• Salary Range - $96,000 and $200,000 per year as per Glassdoor.

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in insurance, finance, and other industries. They help design policies and strategies to minimize the financial impact of risk. 

• Market Demand - The demand for actuaries is high, and employers compete for top talent. Nearly 50% of insurance companies looking to hire need more staff to meet growing business demands or enter new markets. This shows the strong need for actuaries in the industry.

• Salary Range - $100,000 and $200,000 per year, as per Glassdoor. 

MS in Data Science Salary in USA

An MS in Data Science in the USA equips professionals with the skills to analyze complex data and extract valuable insights. This field is critical for businesses looking to make data-driven decisions. Let's explore some top career opportunities:

SQL Developer

SQL developers specialize in managing and manipulating databases using SQL (Structured Query Language).

• Market Demand

An impressive 63% of industries and companies are seeking proficient SQL developers due to the growing need to develop new applications, work on software, and manage databases. 

• Salary Range

$85,000 and $100,000 per year (according to Glassdoor)

Statistician

Statisticians are vital for interpreting data and providing statistical insights to help guide business decisions.

• Market Demand

The employment of statisticians and mathematicians is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2026. This significant growth is driven by the increasing use of statistical analysis in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and government.

• Salary Range

$77,000 and $100,000 per year (as per Glassdoor)

Data Engineer

Data engineers are in high demand because they build and maintain the infrastructure that allows data scientists to work efficiently. 

• Market Demand

A shortage of data engineers makes it hard to maintain data quality and accessibility. Because of this, data engineers are in high demand, with great pay and career opportunities. Jobs for data engineers are expected to grow by 21% from 2020 to 2028, much faster than the average for all jobs.

• Salary Range

$88,000 and $100,000 per year (according to Glassdoor) 

MS in Business Analytics Salary in USA

An MS in Business Analytics in the USA prepares professionals to analyze business data and provide actionable insights. This field bridges the gap between IT and business management. Take a look at these top career choices:

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative analysts use mathematical models to analyze financial data and assist in investment decisions.

• Market Demand

The demand for quantitative analysts is high. This is due to the rapid growth of hedge funds and automated trading systems, the increasing complexity of financial securities, and the need for pricing and risk models for traders, accountants, and sales reps.

• Salary Range

$100,000 and $200,000 per year (according to Glassdoor)

Business Consultant

Business consultants are sought after for their ability to improve business performance by analyzing data and providing strategic advice.

• Market Demand

As per Statista, the management consulting market in the United States was valued at around $329 billion in 2022. The USA hosts some of the most prestigious and successful consulting firms globally, leading to a high demand for business consultants.

• Salary Range

$63,000 and $100,000 per year (according to Glassdoor)

Operations Research Analyst

As per BLS, operations research analysts are in high demand as businesses look to optimize their operations and reduce costs. 

• Market Demand

The employment of operations research analysts is projected to grow 23% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 9,800 openings for operations research analysts are expected each year over the decade.

• Salary Range

$84,000 and $100,000 per year (according to Glassdoor)

MS in Biotechnology Salary in USA

An MS in Biotechnology in the USA provides advanced knowledge in biological sciences and the application of technology to improve healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. Here are a few of the most promising career opportunities:

Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microorganisms to understand their impact on humans, animals, plants, and the environment.

• Market Demand

Employment for microbiologists is expected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032. Roughly 1,700 new job openings will be created for microbiologists each year, reflecting the steady demand in this field.

• Salary Range

$53,000 and $89,000 per year (according to Glassdoor)

Research Scientist

Research scientists conduct experiments and analyze data to develop new products and technologies in various fields, including healthcare and agriculture.

• Market Demand

The global biotechnology market was valued at $1.55 trillion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.96% from 2024 to 2030. This significant market growth drives high demand for research scientists, which is crucial in developing new biotechnological products and innovations.

• Salary Range

$85,000 and $100,000 per year (according to Glassdoor)

Senior Biochemist

Senior biochemists focus on the chemical processes within living organisms, contributing to advancements in medicine and biotechnology.

• Market Demand

The global biochemical market was valued at $65.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach around $179.66 billion by 2032. This market expansion drives the demand for biochemists, with job growth expected to increase by 6.7% between 2022 and 2032.

• Salary Range

$100,000 and $200,000 per year (according to Glassdoor)

5 Tips for Finding Job After MS in USA

Here are some crucial tips to consider so as to successfully find a job after MS in the United States:

1. Network Proactively: Attend industry conferences, webinars, and meetups to build relationships with professionals and recruiters in your field. Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for targeted networking can also open doors to hidden job opportunities.
2. Showcase Your Skills: Create a strong online presence by building a portfolio or personal website that highlights your projects, research, and key skills. This can set you apart and provide tangible evidence of your expertise.
3. Leverage University Resources: Use your university’s career services for personalized job search assistance, including mock interviews, job fairs, and connections with alumni working in your desired field.
4. Engage in Industry-Specific Communities: Join professional organizations and online communities related to your field. Participation in these groups can provide job leads, industry insights, and valuable connections.
5. Pursue Certifications: Complement your MS with relevant certifications or training programs that are highly valued in your industry. This can demonstrate continued learning and make you a more competitive candidate.

Major Recruiters Offering Jobs After MS in USA

After completing an MS in the USA, several major recruiters and companies are prominent in hiring graduates across various fields. Here are some notable ones:

1.Tech Giants:

1. Google: Known for hiring MS graduates in roles related to software engineering, data science, and AI.
2. Microsoft: Offers positions in software development, cloud computing, and data analysis.
3. Amazon: Recruits for roles in machine learning, cloud services, and operations management.

2. Consulting Firms:

1. Deloitte: Seeks MS graduates for consulting roles, especially in technology and strategy.
2. Accenture: Offers positions in digital transformation, technology consulting, and analytics.
3. McKinsey & Company: Hires MS graduates for management consulting and specialized industry roles.

3. Financial Services:

1. Goldman Sachs: Recruits for roles in finance, risk management, and quantitative analysis.
2. J.P. Morgan Chase: Offers positions in investment banking, data analysis, and financial technology.
3. Morgan Stanley: Seeks graduates for roles in finance, risk management, and quantitative research.

4. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals:

1. Pfizer: Hires MS graduates for research, data analysis, and project management roles.
2. Johnson & Johnson: Offers positions in research and development, data science, and operations.
3. Novartis: Recruits for roles in drug development, clinical research, and data analytics.

5. Engineering & Manufacturing:

1. General Electric (GE): Seeks MS graduates for roles in engineering, data analysis, and project management.
2. Tesla: Offers positions in engineering, data science, and energy solutions.
3. Boeing: Hires graduates for roles in aerospace engineering, data analysis, and project management.

These recruiters are known for valuing the advanced skills and knowledge that MS graduates bring, offering opportunities for growth and development in their respective industries.

Conclusion 

In 2024, a Master of Science (MS) degree significantly boosts earning potential and career prospects across various fields. With average starting salaries for MS graduates ranging from $85,000 to $110,000 depending on the industry—such as computer science, engineering, and data science—this advanced degree opens doors to specialized and higher-paying roles. 

As demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, particularly in high-growth areas like healthcare and technology, an MS degree enhances not only immediate salary potential but also offers long-term career advancement and flexibility.

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