Jace Lamonica
Here’s the deal. You might not like it, but facts are facts: Not every high-paying degree thrives in the states you’d imagine. The biggest paychecks aren’t always found in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or financial centers like Wall Street. Some of the best-earning degrees shine in places most people overlook. Let’s take a state-wise detour into degrees dominating in the shadows in these 10 states.
Alabama, Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering in Alabama carries surprising weight. Thanks to Huntsville’s booming aerospace sector and a steady demand in automotive manufacturing hubs, graduates earn thousands within a few years of entering the field. The draw? Local firms value precision, and competition is tight. In Alabama, circuitry equals currency.
Alaska, Petroleum Engineering
Boom or bust, Petroleum Engineering in Alaska pays off. With energy production anchoring the state’s economy, this major opens doors to high-paying roles right out of college. Companies like ConocoPhillips offer salaries close to six figures, and most jobs involve hands-on fieldwork.
Arkansas, Nursing
Suddenly, scrubs in Arkansas are more than a uniform—they’re a financial statement. Arkansas’ demand for nurses has increased median earnings, especially in underserved rural areas. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences funnels talent straight into urgent care roles, and nurses here are evidence of this.
Delaware, Business Administration
One moment you’re drafting reports, the next you’re helping manage a corporate merger. That’s the reality for Business Administration graduates in Delaware. Thanks to the state’s business-friendly incorporation laws, over a million companies are registered here. Some graduates land roles with Fortune 500 firms immediately after school.
Idaho, Computer Science
Zipping past the potato punchline, Idaho’s tech footprint is growing fast. Boise’s “Silicon Prairie” boom has made Computer Science degrees a serious moneymaker. Micron Technology, among others, recruits early and pays well. Combine affordable tuition with high ROI, and this path becomes a no-brainer.
Iowa, Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering in Iowa quietly fuels the state’s infrastructure. With John Deere’s headquarters in Moline nearby, grads often design systems that power global farming. Salaries start strong and climb steadily. Engineering may not shout in Iowa, but its paycheck certainly hums a confident tune.
Montana, Civil Engineering
Montana’s wide-open terrain and aging infrastructure create a strong demand for Civil Engineering graduates. With a limited pool of local engineers and plenty of contracts to fill, new grads often have the upper hand when negotiating roles. In Big Sky Country, engineers quite literally shape the land.
Nebraska, Finance
Finance in Nebraska is quietly fierce. Omaha, Warren Buffett’s kingdom, sets the stage for high-stakes fiscal careers. Additionally, local universities churn out savvy analysts who often leap straight into Berkshire-affiliated firms. It’s less flashy than Wall Street but just as lucrative.
New Mexico, Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering in New Mexico offers more than lab coats and equations—it often leads straight to Sandia or Los Alamos National Laboratories. These federal research hubs hire grads into high-clearance roles with excellent pay and serious responsibilities. Imagine blending chemical formulas by day and flashing a government badge by night.
Wyoming, Geology
Wyoming’s rugged, resource-rich land makes Geology one of its most valuable degrees. Oil, gas, and mineral companies actively recruit graduates, particularly from the University of Wyoming. Many start working right out of college, often outdoors rather than behind desks. In this state, geological expertise builds wealth.
