The most and least lucrative college majors in Florida Public Universities (2024)
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At the beginning of 2022, the Florida University System Board of Governors launched a public-facing, online dashboard and data repository called MyFloridaFuture. The State University System of Florida developed this online platform as directed by House Bill 1261, which was enacted in 2021. MyFloridaFuture allows students and potential students to compare different programs and career paths across multiple data sets from Florida's 12 public universities. The information in the MyFloridaFuture tool includes:
- earnings over time by field of study,
- the effects of higher education levels on average earnings for each field to study,
- the percentage of graduates working full-time,
- typical student loan amounts, and
- information on average student loans and student loan payments over time.[1][2][3]
This page shows the fields of study in each education level (secondary vocational, postsecondary vocational, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate) within the Florida Public University System with the highest and lowest average earnings one year after graduation. It also shows the average full-time employment rate for each field.
The median of the average earnings across all fields of study and degree levels was $44,244 one year after graduation.
Fields of study with highest and lowest average earnings by education level
Secondary vocational degrees
Average annual earnings one year after graduating with a secondary vocational degree within the Florida Public University System ranged from $21,800 to $48,184 depending on the field of study. Average full-time employment rates ranged from 8% to 79% depending on the field of study.
Highest average earnings
Within the Florida Public University System, the three fields of study with the highest average annual earnings one year after a secondary vocational degree are below:
- Correctional Officer with an average earning of $48,184 and an average full-time employment rate of 79%
- Advanced Manufacturing (and Production) Technology with an average earning of $32,460 and an average full-time employment rate of 31%
- Agricultural Manufacturing Technology with an average earning of $32,460 and an average full-time employment rate of 31%
Expand the chart below to see the 15 fields of study with the highest average earnings one year after a secondary vocational degree.[4]
| The 15 fields of study with the highest average earnings 1 year after a secondary vocational degree | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Field of study | Avg. earnings | % employed |
| 1 | Correctional Officer (Traditional Correctional BRTP) | $48,184 | 79% |
| 2 | Advanced Manufacturing (and Production) Technology | $32,460 | 31% |
| 3 | Agricultural Manufacturing Technology | $32,460 | 31% |
| 4 | Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology | $32,008 | 40% |
| 5 | Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing | $31,772 | 29% |
| 6 | Electricity | $30,880 | 37% |
| 7 | Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality | $29,464 | 40% |
| 8 | Customer Service Representative | $29,108 | 16% |
| 9 | Technical Agriculture Operations | $28,969 | 40% |
| 10 | Hospitality and Tourism | $28,708 | 13% |
| 11 | Agricultural Communications | $28,600 | 25% |
| 12 | Building Construction Technologies | $28,448 | 30% |
| 13 | Welding Technology Fundamentals | $28,312 | 29% |
| 14 | Java Development and Programming | $28,044 | 11% |
| 15 | Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair/Technician | $27,888 | 32% |
Lowest average earnings
Within the Florida Public University System, the three fields of study with the lowest average annual earnings one year after graduating with a secondary vocational degree are below:
- Journalism with an average earning of $21,800 and an average full-time employment rate of 16%
- Digital Cinema Production with an average earning of $22,856 and an average full-time employment rate of 10%
- Game/Simulation/Animation Programming with an average earning of $22,920 and an average full-time employment rate of 13%.[4]
Expand the chart below to see the 15 fields of study with the lowest average earnings one year after a secondary vocational degree.[4]
| The 15 fields of study with the lowest average earnings 1 year after a secondary vocational degree | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Field of study | Avg. earnings | % employed |
| 1 | Journalism | $21,800 | 16% |
| 2 | Digital Cinema Production | $22,856 | 10% |
| 3 | Game/Simulation/Animation Programming | $22,920 | 13% |
| 4 | Commercial Art Technology | $23,300 | 18% |
| 5 | Principles of Teaching | $23,404 | 16% |
| 6 | Digital Photography Technology | $23,788 | 15% |
| 7 | Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences/Allied Health Assisting | $23,844 | 17% |
| 8 | Early Childhood Education and Teaching | $23,864 | 16% |
| 9 | Digital Media Technology | $23,924 | 14% |
| 10 | Fashion Technology and Design Services | $23,996 | 14% |
| 11 | Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration/Criminal Justice Operations | $24,012 | 17% |
| 12 | Marketing/Marketing Management, General / Marketing, Management, & Entrepreneurial Principles | $24,068 | 8% |
| 13 | Promotional Enterprise | $24,084 | 23% |
| 14 | Interior Design / Interior Design Services | $24,108 | 11% |
| 15 | Workplace Essentials | $24,132 | 14% |
Postsecondary vocational degrees
Average annual earnings one year after graduating with a postsecondary vocational degree within the Florida Public University System ranged from $25,196 to $103,664 depending on the field of study. Average full-time employment rates ranged from 19% to 100% depending on the field of study.
Highest average earnings
Within the Florida Public University System, the three fields of study with the highest average annual earnings one year after graduating with a postsecondary vocational degree are below:
- Elevator Constructor Mechanic APPR with an average earning of $103,664 and an average full-time employment rate of 84%
- Heavy Equipment Operation APPR with an average earning of $91,276 and an average full-time employment rate of 80%
- Fire Fighter APPR with an average earning of $75,208 and an average full-time employment rate of 100%.[4]
Expand the chart below to see the 15 fields of study with the highest average earnings one year after a postsecondary vocational degree.[4]
| The 15 fields of study with the highest average earnings 1 year after a postsecondary vocational degree | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Field of study | Avg. earnings | % employed |
| 1 | Elevator Constructor Mechanic APPR | $103,664 | 84% |
| 2 | Heavy Equipment Operation APPR | $91,276 | 80% |
| 3 | Fire Fighter APPR | $75,208 | 100% |
| 4 | Millwright APPR | $62,104 | 55% |
| 5 | Paramedic | $60,122 | 87% |
| 6 | Heavy Equipment Service Technican | $59,080 | 48% |
| 7 | Heavy Equipment Mechanics APPR | $56,846 | 92% |
| 8 | Industrial Pipefitter APPR | $56,808 | 96% |
| 9 | Crossover from Correctional Officer to Law Enforcement Officer | $56,476 | 81% |
| 10 | Plumbing Technology APPR | $54,996 | 84% |
| 11 | Fire Sprinkler System Technology APPR | $54,740 | 78% |
| 12 | Electrician APPR | $54,648 | 84% |
| 13 | Florida Law Enforcement Academy | $53,876 | 85% |
| 14 | Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology-APPR | $52,376 | 87% |
| 15 | Structural Steel Work APPR | $51,552 | 75% |
Lowest average earnings
Within the Florida Public University System, the three fields of study with the lowest average annual earnings one year after graduating with a postsecondary vocational degree are below:
- Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair/Technician with an average earning of $27,888 and an average full-time employment rate of 32%
- Digital Communication & Media/Multimedia/Digital Multimedia/Multimedia Design with an average earning of $24,768 and an average full-time employment rate of 13%
- Early Childhood Education and Teaching with an average earning of $23,864 and an average full-time employment rate of 16%.[4]
Expand the chart below to see the 15 fields of study with the lowest average earnings one year after a postsecondary vocational degree.[4]
| The 15 fields of study with the lowest average earnings 1 year after a postsecondary vocational degree | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Field of study | Avg. earnings | % employed |
| 1 | Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair/Technician | $25,196 | 40% |
| 2 | Digital Communication & Media/Multimedia / Digital Multimedia/Multimedia Design | $25,588 | 21% |
| 3 | Early Childhood Education and Teaching | $26,160 | 27% |
| 4 | Early Childhood Education APPR | $26,160 | 27% |
| 5 | Veterinary Assisting | $26,780 | 19% |
| 6 | Digital Design | $26,854 | 26% |
| 7 | Legal Administrative Specialist | $27,304 | 41% |
| 8 | Massage Therapy | $27,480 | 30% |
| 9 | Optometric Assisting | $27,496 | 44% |
| 10 | Home Health Aid | $27,748 | 33% |
| 11 | Cosmetology | $28,420 | 27% |
| 12 | Patient Care Assistant | $28,424 | 22% |
| 13 | Pharmacy Technician | $28,596 | 51% |
| 14 | Patient Care Technician | $29,036 | 41% |
| 15 | Medical Administrative Specialist | $29,780 | 34% |
Bachelor's degrees
Average annual earnings one year after graduating with a bachelor's degree within the Florida Public University System ranged from $26,700 to $99,300 depending on the field of study. Average full-time employment rates ranged from 30% to 100% depending on the field of study.
Highest average earnings
Within the Florida Public University System, the three fields of study with the highest average annual earnings one year after graduating with a bachelor's degree are below:
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other with an average earning of $99,300 and an average full-time employment rate of 94%
- Fire Science/Fire-fighting with an average earning of $85,700 and an average full-time employment rate of 95%
- Laser and Optical Engineering with an average earning of $77,200 and an average full-time employment rate of 85%.[4]
Expand the chart below to see the 15 fields of study with the highest average earnings one year after a bachelor's degree.[4]
| The 15 fields of study with the highest average earnings 1 year after a bachelor's degree | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Field of study | Avg. earnings | % employed |
| 1 | Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other | $99,300 | 94% |
| 2 | Fire Science/Fire-fighting | $85,700 | 95% |
| 3 | Laser and Optical Engineering | $77,200 | 85% |
| 4 | Systems Engineering | $75,000 | 89% |
| 5 | Computer Engineering, General | $71,100 | 89% |
| 6 | Nuclear Engineering | $70,300 | 79% |
| 7 | Chemical Engineering | $69,200 | 86% |
| 8 | Materials Engineering | $68,900 | 87% |
| 9 | Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $68,800 | 86% |
| 10 | Electrical and Electronics Engineering | $68,000 | 90% |
| 11 | Computer and Information Sciences, General | $67,400 | 88% |
| 12 | Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician | $67,300 | 81% |
| 13 | Construction Engineering Technology/Technician | $64,600 | 93% |
| 14 | Mechanical Engineering | $63,900 | 88% |
| 15 | Industrial Engineering | $63,800 | 91% |
Lowest average earnings
Within the Florida Public University System, the three fields of study with the lowest average annual earnings one year after graduating with a bachelor's degree are below:
- Nutrition Sciences with an average earning of $26,700 and an average full-time employment rate of 41%
- Dance, General with an average earning of $27,600 and an average full-time employment rate of 33%
- Exercise Physiology/Exercise Science with an average earning of $28,000 and an average full-time employment rate of 46%.[4]
Expand the chart below to see the 15 fields of study with the lowest average earnings one year after a bachelor's degree.[4]
| The 15 fields of study with the lowest average earnings 1 year after a bachelor's degree | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Field of study | Avg. earnings | % employed |
| 1 | Nutrition Sciences | $26,700 | 41% |
| 2 | Dance, General | $27,600 | 33% |
| 3 | Exercise Physiology / Exercise Science | $28,000 | 46% |
| 4 | Zoology/Animal Biology | $28,400 | 50% |
| 5 | Russian Language and Literature | $28,700 | 57% |
| 6 | Food Science | $28,800 | 49% |
| 7 | Biomedical Sciences, General | $29,200 | 48% |
| 8 | Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography | $29,700 | 62% |
| 9 | Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management | $30,000 | 51% |
| 10 | Agriculture, General | $30,000 | 62% |
| 11 | Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist | $30,300 | 30% |
| 12 | Cinematography and Film/Video Production | $30,300 | 46% |
| 13 | Biology/Biological Sciences, General | $30,300 | 53% |
| 14 | Music Performance, General | $30,600 | 33% |
| 15 | Physiological Psychology/Psychobiology | $30,700 | 48% |
Master's degrees
Average annual earnings one year after graduating with a master's degree within the Florida Public University System ranged from $31,600 to $151,100, depending on the field of study. Average full-time employment rates ranged from 39% to 100% depending on the field of study.
Highest average earnings
Within the Florida Public University System, the three fields of study with the highest average annual earnings one year after graduating with a master's degree are below:
- Dental Clinical Sciences, General with an average earning of $151,100 and an average full-time employment rate of 77%
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing with an average earning of $124,100 and an average full-time employment rate of 90%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General with an average earning of $103,900 and an average full-time employment rate of 94%.[4]
Expand the chart below to see the 15 fields of study with the highest average earnings one year after a master's degree.[4]
| The 15 fields of study with the highest average earnings 1 year after a master's degree | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Field of study | Avg. earnings | % employed |
| 1 | Dental Clinical Sciences, General | $151,100 | 77% |
| 2 | Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing | $124,100 | 90% |
| 3 | Computer and Information Sciences, General | $103,900 | 94% |
| 4 | Adult Health Nurse/Nursing | $103,200 | 86% |
| 5 | Tax Law/Taxation | $98,800 | 97% |
| 6 | Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | $96,300 | 85% |
| 7 | Physician Assistant | $96,200 | 96% |
| 8 | Systems Engineering | $93,600 | 93% |
| 9 | Computational Science | $90,100 | 94% |
| 10 | Insurance | $88,600 | 95% |
| 11 | Family Practice Nurse/Nursing | $87,600 | 90% |
| 12 | Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $86,500 | 91% |
| 13 | Electrical and Electronics Engineering | $86,200 | 90% |
| 14 | Computer Engineering, General | $85,700 | 93% |
| 15 | Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | $85,000 | 93% |
Lowest average earnings
Within the Florida Public University System, the three fields of study with the lowest average annual earnings one year after graduating with a master's degree are below:
- Art History, Criticism and Conservation with an average earning of $31,600 and an average full-time employment rate of 70%
- Cinematography and Film/Video Production with an average earning of $33,200 and an average full-time employment rate of 60%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies with an average earning of $34,800 and an average full-time employment rate of 60%.[4]
Expand the chart below to see the 15 fields of study with the lowest average earnings one year after a master's degree.[4]
| The 15 fields of study with the lowest average earnings 1 year after a master's degree | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Field of study | Avg. earnings | % employed |
| 1 | Art History, Criticism and Conservation | $31,600 | 70% |
| 2 | Cinematography and Film/Video Production | $33,200 | 60% |
| 3 | Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies | $34,800 | 60% |
| 4 | Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling | $34,900 | 94% |
| 5 | Religion/Religious Studies | $35,600 | 57% |
| 6 | Biomedical Sciences, General | $36,000 | 47% |
| 7 | Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | $36,000 | 57% |
| 8 | Mental Health Counseling/Counselor | $36,600 | 88% |
| 9 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | $36,700 | 54% |
| 10 | Fine and Studio Arts Management | $36,700 | 88% |
| 11 | Sociology | $37,000 | 77% |
| 12 | Social Sciences, General | $37,500 | 85% |
| 13 | Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General | $38,000 | 54% |
| 14 | Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General | $38,600 | 94% |
| 15 | Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor | $38,900 | 85% |
Doctorate-level degrees
Average annual earnings one year after graduating with a doctorate within the Florida Public University System ranged from $40,000 to $168,800, depending on the field of study. Average full-time employment rates ranged from 60% to 100% depending on the field of study.
Highest average earnings
Within the Florida Public University System, the three fields of study with the highest average annual earnings one year after graduating with a doctorate are below:
- Laser and Optical Engineering with an average earning of $168,800 and an average full-time employment rate of 79%
- Business Admin & Management, General/Business Management & Analysis with an average earning of $144,000 and an average full-time employment rate of 92%
- Computer Engineering, General with an average earning of $135,000 and an average full-time employment rate of 98%.[4]
Expand the chart below to see the 15 fields of study with the highest average earnings one year after graduating with a doctorate.[4]
| The 15 fields of study with the highest average earnings 1 year after a doctorate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Field of study | Avg. earnings | % employed |
| 1 | Laser and Optical Engineering | $168,800 | 79% |
| 2 | Business Admin & Management, General/Business Management & Analysis | $144,000 | 92% |
| 3 | Computer Engineering, General | $135,000 | 98% |
| 4 | Computer and Information Sciences, General | $134,500 | 93% |
| 5 | Business/Commerce, General | $129,700 | 100% |
| 6 | Systems Science and Theory | $114,100 | 100% |
| 7 | Statistics, General | $109,600 | 98% |
| 8 | Electrical and Electronics Engineering | $106,200 | 93% |
| 9 | Nursing Practice | $105,700 | 94% |
| 10 | Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other | $99,300 | 94% |
| 11 | Chemical Engineering | $98,600 | 92% |
| 12 | Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering | $96,100 | 93% |
| 13 | Pharmacy | $95,900 | 89% |
| 14 | Dentistry | $93,400 | 84% |
| 15 | Nursing Science | $92,800 | 92% |
Lowest average earnings
Within the Florida Public University System, the three fields of study with the lowest average annual earnings one year after graduating with a doctorate are below:
- Music Performance, General with an average earning of $40,000 and an average full-time employment rate of 60%
- Agricultural Engineering with an average earning of $43,700 and an average full-time employment rate of 73%
- Philosophy with an average earning of $44,400 and an average full-time employment rate of 68%.[4]
Expand the chart below to see the 15 fields of study with the lowest average earnings one year after graduating with a doctorate.[4]
| The 15 fields of study with the lowest average earnings 1 year after a doctorate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Field of study | Avg. earnings | % employed |
| 1 | Music Performance, General | $40,000 | 60% |
| 2 | Agricultural Engineering | $43,700 | 73% |
| 3 | Philosophy | $44,400 | 68% |
| 4 | Plant Molecular Biology | $48,000 | 100% |
| 5 | Entomology | $48,900 | 90% |
| 6 | Oncology and Cancer Biology | $49,200 | 100% |
| 7 | Animal Science/Animal Science and Services | $49,300 | 92% |
| 8 | Religion/Religious Studies | $49,500 | 86% |
| 9 | Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology | $49,800 | 77% |
| 10 | Soil Science and Agronomy, General | $50,200 | 92% |
| 11 | History, General | $50,400 | 85% |
| 12 | Biology/Biological Sciences, General | $51,300 | 83% |
| 13 | Ecology | $51,500 | 95% |
| 14 | English Language and Literature, General | $53,800 | 93% |
| 15 | Political Science and Government, General | $54,400 | 91% |
The data
Click here to access all of the data from MyFloridaFuture on average earnings and full-time employment rates one year after graduation.
See also
- Florida Public University System average earnings by field of study and education level (2024)
- MyFloridaFuture state university information dashboard
- Higher education in Florida, 1993-2016
- Public education in Florida
- Public education in the United States
- Higher education in the United States
- Education policy in the United States
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Florida State Legislature, "House Bill 1261 (2021)," accessed February 16, 2024
- ↑ "UCF Today," "State University System of Florida Launches MyFloridaFuture," January 11, 2022
- ↑ "Florida Blog," "MyFloridaFuture," accessed February 14, 2024
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 "State University System of Florida," MyFloridaFuture Tool
