Top 6 Growing Jobs that Require a Graduate Degree

One of the main reasons for pursuing a graduate degree is that it is required by your desired field of study and eventual job prospects just to break into the field.

While the business world continues to hold the most graduate degrees conferred, you do not need a master’s degree to get a job in the business field. However, there are several jobs that do require a graduate degree, either a master’s or doctorate, to obtain an entry-level position.

While there are a number of jobs that require graduate degrees, here are some of the top occupations predicted to have the most openings through 2032 in numerous field categories:

1. In the field of community and social service/education, educational, guidance, school and vocational counselors are predicted to have an average of 26,600 openings per year, with a median salary of $61,170. Employment rate is expected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032.
2. Within the legal field, and despite the adage of there being more law students than lawyers, we expect to see an 8% growth for this occupation with 39,100 projected job openings each year and a median annual salary of $145,760.
3. The medical field has seen accelerated growth compared to other industries due to heightened demand. Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners expect to see a total of 29,200 job openings on average each year with a median salary of $129,480.
4. In other health care occupations, social workers are seeing an influx of job openings in the market. With an average of 63,800 openings each year, this field requires an individual to earn their master’s and obtain a license for an annual salary of $58,380.
5. In education, becoming a college professor, or postsecondary teacher usually requires a PH.D. Over the next decade, we can anticipate seeing 118,000 job openings each year, on average, with a median annual salary of $84,380. If you are looking to become an elementary, middle, or high school principal, you can expect 20,200 job openings with a median salary of $103,460
6. Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and evaluate standards for teaching. By 2032 we can expect to see 19,200 job openings, on average, each year with a median salary of $74,620. While the growth rate is lower compared to other industries, becoming an instructional coordinator provides the flexibility to work with primary education through professional schools and educational support services for the state and local governments.

The notion of when to apply for grad school depends on your personal life situation. If your goal is to acquire a job in your chosen field right away, then grad school will most likely immediately follow undergrad. If your undergrad degree allows you to work in a related field, you may feel that gaining some experience first is beneficial before attaining the grad degree for your intended career.