The 12 highest-paying jobs you can get with a master's degree

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1. Nurse anesthetists

1. Nurse anesthetists

They administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia.

Median annual wage (2016): $160,270

Projected job openings (through 2024): 16,400

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2. Political scientists

2. Political scientists

They study the origin, development, and operation of political systems; research political ideas; and analyze governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.

Median annual wage (2016): $114,290

Projected job openings (through 2024): 700

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3. Mathematicians

3. Mathematicians

They create models to solve practical problems in fields like business, government, engineering, and the sciences.

Median annual wage (2016): $105,810

Projected job openings (through 2024): 1,300

4. Physician assistants

4. Physician assistants

They examine, diagnose, and treat patients.

Median annual wage (2016): $101,480

Projected job openings (through 2024): 50,000

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5. Economists

5. Economists

They study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues.

Median annual wage (2016): $101,050

Projected job openings (through 2024): 7,000

6. Nurse practitioners

6. Nurse practitioners

They diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team.

Median annual wage (2016): $100,910

Projected job openings (through 2024): 74,700

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7. Nurse midwives

7. Nurse midwives

They diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team.

Median annual wage (2016): $99,770

Projected job openings (through 2024): 2,500

8. Elementary and secondary school education administrators

8. Elementary and secondary school education administrators

After several years of working in a leadership or administrative capacity, they plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of public or private elementary or secondary level schools.

Median annual wage (2016): $92,510

Projected job openings (through 2024): 83,800

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9. Postsecondary education administrators

9. Postsecondary education administrators

With several years of experience working in a college administrative setting under their belt, they oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities.

Median annual wage (2016): $90,760

Projected job openings (through 2024): 66,100

Work experience: Less than 5 years

On-the-job training: None

10. Industrial-organizational psychologists

10. Industrial-organizational psychologists

Often after completing an internship, they go on to apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems.

Median annual wage (2016): $82,760

Projected job openings (through 2024): 800

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11. Occupational therapists

11. Occupational therapists

They treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities and help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

Median annual wage (2016): $81,910

Projected job openings (through 2024): 52,600

12. Statisticians

12. Statisticians

They use statistical methods to collect and analyze data and to help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, healthcare, or other fields.

Median annual wage (2016): $80,500

Projected job openings (through 2024): 15,400

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