Transportation & Construction Are in the Top 10 Paying Industries for Graduates
A study revealed the top 10 highest salaries in America for graduates.
The top 10 highest-paying graduate salaries in the U.S. revealed.
Photo: Work Truck
Research conducted by QR code generator, QRFY, revealed the highest-paying sectors for graduates across America.
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on median salary per field of degree, as of September 2023, were analyzed to reveal the industries in which graduates can earn the most.
As well as this, the study examined the percentage of employees with an advanced degree and the most popular major per field of degree.
Transportation Majors Have 30% Higher Median Salaries
The median wage for graduates across all industries stands at $63,000, and individuals with engineering degrees are earning 54% more on average.
Within the engineering field, 42% of professionals hold an advanced degree, and electrical engineering is a particularly popular major, with 22% of graduates specializing in this discipline.
The transportation industry ranks as the third highest-earning sector for graduates, boasting a median salary of $82,000. Those with transportation degrees earn 30% more than the average graduate, and all these individuals majored in Transportation Sciences and Technologies. Additionally, 21% of workers in this field have pursued advanced degrees.
In the construction industry, graduates earn a median salary of $77,000, surpassing the average by 22%. All graduates in this sector specialized in construction services, and 11% hold an advanced degree.
Interestingly, there appears to be little correlation between possessing an advanced degree and earning a substantial salary. Notably, four of the least well-paid industries also have the highest percentage of workers with advanced degrees.
Rank | Field of degree/industry | Median annual wage ($) |
1 | Engineering | 97,000 |
2 | Computer and information technology | 90,000 |
3 | Transportation | 82,000 |
4 | Engineering technologies | 80,000 |
5 | Mathematics | 78,000 |
6 | Construction | 77,000 |
7 | Physical science | 74,000 |
8 | Science technologies | 72,000 |
9 | Architecture, Biology, Military | 70,000 |
10 | Business | 69,000 |
More Operations
Shades of Fleet Call for Voices: Next Up in Fleet
Apprentices, interns, young professionals, and rising leaders: share your voice in our "Next Up in Fleet" episode of our Shades of Fleet video series!
Read More →
Fleet Leadership, Skilled Trades, and Better Data Take Center Stage | Weekly Cheat Sheet
Skilled trades, fleet leadership, DataQs, and driver input take center stage in this week's Truck Chat Weekly Cheat Sheet. Watch the latest fleet headlines.
Read More →
NAFA Names 2026 Class of Fellows, Honoring Leaders in Fleet Management
NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) has recognized five fleet professionals by naming them to the 2026 Class of NAFA Fellows. Find out who they are and learn more about their impact on the fleet management profession.
Read More →
Verisk CargoNet Assists in Manhattan Cargo Theft Indictment Targeting Multi-State Impersonation Ring
Verisk CargoNet assisted law enforcement efforts tied to an indictment related to an organized, multi-state cargo theft operation that allegedly took nearly $5 million in stolen goods through impersonation tactics.
Read More →
What Does a Potato Have to Do with Leadership?
From simple process improvements and creative problem-solving to the little moments that strengthen team culture, this conversation dives into the power of unexpected ideas and why innovation doesn't always arrive wrapped in new technology or a major initiative.
Read More →
Looking for a New Podcast for the Road? Start Here!
Looking for a new podcast? Truck Chat delivers fleet leadership insights, industry deep dives, AI discussions, innovations, and real-world stories.
Read More →
WTX Fleet Manager Applications Close Soon (and Yes, You Want In)
WTX Fleet Manager Applications close soon for the hosted Work Truck Exchange, Sept. 23-25, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Limited spots available, apply today!
Read More →
Did You Know What You Don't See May Be Costing You Big?
As more employees choose personal vehicles (including hybrids and EVs) for business use, companies face new challenges around visibility, insurance, liability, and cost control.
Read More →
Veteran Voices in Fleet | How Military Service Shapes Fleet Leaders
Across every perspective, one message is clear: the experiences gained through military service continue to influence how veterans contribute to the fleet industry every day.
Read More →
The Fleet Lessons That Don’t Show Up on a Spreadsheet
From index cards to predictive maintenance, Robert Martinez shares the hard-earned leadership lessons that shaped nearly 40 years in fleet.
Read More →