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What is the Salary for MS in USA in 2024? Is it a Rewarding Program?

Updated on 27 February, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

The United States of America (USA) is one of the most popular study locations for students. The USA features some of the greatest educational institutions in the world with a variety of science programs. A Masters of Science (MS) degree in the US is a popular choice among international students. As colleges in the US are at the forefront of innovation, research, and strategy, students can look forward to a prosperous career and lucrative job opportunities after completing their MS degrees.

Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, and Data Science are the most lucrative and high-paying occupations in the US after pursuing an MS degree. Masters degree is one of the most valuable degrees in the USA which attracts many international students, as the annual average base salary of an MS degree holder in the USA is USD 83,000. (Payscale 2024)

Read More: Guide to settle in USA from India

Scope of MS from Job Perspective 

In the job market, a masters degree in science has gained interest in recent times. An employee with a masters degree is prioritized over others. Sectors like Robotics, pharmacy, computer science, engineering, data science, and information technology are among the most that demand masters degree holders. The professional opportunities after MS are endless, and there is a tremendous demand for work in numerous countries. MS is always profitable since the average salary after MS in the USA is competitive and leading in worldwide employment markets.

Read More: Best cities to study in USA for higher education || Masters in USA

Top Universities in USA with Courses in MS and Average Salary

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Management) programs are primarily included in MS or Masters programs in the United States. Engineering, Information Technology, Business Management, and Data Science are popular choices among international students seeking an MS degree in the United States.  Top organizations throughout the world value MS degrees earned from US universities.

Top IT firms, brands, and multinationals employ MS graduates from these universities and pay them well. 

Here are some of the best universities in the United States of America, along with the courses they offer and their duration:-

Name of UniversityCourse or degree in MSDuration of Course
Stanford UniversityMS in Data Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Harvard UniversityMS in Data Science2 years ( 4 semesters)
John Hopkins UniversityMS in Data Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Pennsylvania MS in Data science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Yale UniversityMS in Data Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
MITMS in Data Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
UC BerkeleyMS in Data Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Columbia UniversityMS in Data Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Southern CaliforniaMS in Data Science2 years ( 4 semesters)
UCLAMS in Data Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Carnegie Mellon UniversityMS in Data Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
MITMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Stanford UniversityMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of California BerkeleyMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Carnegie Mellon UniversityMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Harvard UniversityMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Yale UniversityMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
John Hopkins UniversityMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Pennsylvania MS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Carnegie Mellon UniversityMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Columbia UniversityMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Texas at AustinMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Michigan State UniversityMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Florida International UniversityMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of MinnesotaMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of PrincetonMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of ChicagoMS in Computer Science2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology MS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Stanford UniversityMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of California BerkeleyMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
California Institute of TechnologyMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Georgia Institute of TechnologyMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Purdue University—West LafayetteMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Texas—AustinMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Harvard UniversityMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Yale UniversityMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Texas at AustinMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Columbia UniversityMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Pennsylvania MS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Carnegie Mellon UniversityMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Northeastern UniversityMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteMS in Engineering2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Notre DameMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
New York UniversityMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Iowa State UniversityMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of PittsburghMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Arizona State UniversityMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Harvard UniversityMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
John Hopkins UniversityMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Southern CaliforniaMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Yale UniversityMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Pennsylvania MS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
MITMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
UC BerkeleyMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Columbia UniversityMS in Business Analytics2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of MichiganMS in Pharmaceutical2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Southern CaliforniaMS in Pharmaceutical2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Washington SeattleMS in Pharmaceutical2 years ( 4 semesters) 
The Ohio State UniversityMS in Pharmaceutical2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of North CarolinaMS in Pharmaceutical2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of MinnesotaMS in Pharmaceutical2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of TexasMS in Pharmaceutical2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of FloridaMS in Pharmaceutical2 years ( 4 semesters) 
MITMS in Finance2 years ( 4 semesters) 
UC BerkeleyMS in Finance2 years ( 4 semesters) 
UCLAMS in Finance2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of Southern CaliforniaMS in Finance2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Columbia UniversityMS in Finance2 years ( 4 semesters) 
University of MichiganMS in Finance2 years ( 4 semesters) 
Yale UniversityMS in Finance2 years ( 4 semesters) 

Read More: Key Requirements for studying in USA

List of top paying job titles after MS in the USA with average salary package yearly

1. Project Manager:

Project managers are in high demand, with an average annual pay of $79,500 (Payscale) and a job growth of 7%. Project Manager positions are plentiful in the United States, with competitive pay and benefits. Project managers serve a critical role in firms with large-scale IT projects. 

2. Chief Financial Officer:

A Chief Financial Officer is a high-end employment opportunity in the US market, with an average annual pay of $147,700 USD (Payscale). A Master of Science in Finance is essential for this opportunity. It’s a top job with a lot of potential for advancement if you have the right experience, and international corporations hire CFOs all year long.

3. Civil Engineer:

A civil engineer’s average annual pay in the United States is nearly $74,000 (Payscale) per year. The country produces excellent chances for MS in Civil Engineering, with projected job growth of 6%. 

4. Mechanical Engineer:

Mechanical engineers are in high demand, with an average annual salary of $78,300 USD (Payscale). With lucrative offers from the largest manufacturing brands and conglomerates, the career progression is fantastic.

5. Information Technology Manager:

With an average base income of $92,400 (Payscale), an Information Technology Manager is a lucrative and well-known profession to pursue. It is one of the most sought-after job possibilities in the United States, with prestigious brands. 

Recommended Reads: Study in USA

6. Software Developer:

The average annual income for software developers &92,800 (Payscale). Software developers with past job experience and a degree from a reputable university in the United States are given priority by the top IT organizations and tech giants. 

7. Data Scientist:

In terms of market analysis, data is the pinnacle of achievement. Data Scientists are hired in large numbers by brands and multinationals, with an average annual remuneration of $100,100 (Payscale). Because of the increasing demand for Data Scientists, recruitment takes place all year. 

8. Operations Manager:

In the United States, operations managers are in high demand. The strong job market provides many chances for operations managers at the top levels, and the pay is competitive. Top brands and corporations pay MS graduates an average base salary of $72,200/yr (Payscale). 

9. Pharmacist:

Pharmacists earn an mean annual salary of $129,400 (BLS) in the United States. MS in Pharmaceuticals is one of the most well-known career paths in the United States, with numerous job options in both the commercial and public sectors. 

10. Petroleum Geologists:

After passing their MS degree, Petroleum Geologists can earn an average base salary of $132,400/yr (Payscale) each year. It pays well and is one of the highest-paying jobs in the country. The demand is great, and the pay is among the highest in the industry. 

11. Investment banker:

Investment banking is a lucrative profession, with an average annual pay of $117,700 (Payscale). Top brands and corporations employ MS graduates as Investment Bankers to manage funds and investments for their companies.

Read More: Guide to masters in USA cost

What is the salary after MS in USA?

Pursuing an MS overseas, especially in the USA, would cost you about US$65,000- US$70,000. Now, once you decide to invest such an amount on your education, it is natural that you will want to find out the return you can earn after completion of your MS. Let us now look at a list indicating the average salary after MS in USA:

Business and Management Managers – $70,000 to $72,000

Math & Science Professional – $66,000 to $69,000

Computer Science Engineer – $70,000 to $72,000

Social Sciences Professional – $50,000 to $52,300

Communication and Media Professional – $50,000 to $55,700 

Additionally, if you choose to pursue a PhD then you can earn a starting salary of about $100,000.

Conclusion

The United States of America is one of the world’s most powerful economies. The United States is a dream location for students, with universities ranked among the top 50 in the world. MS degrees from the United States are recommended for international students who want to study abroad and pursue advanced research, receive a world-class education, and have outstanding work prospects. It is a country of opportunities, where students can work for the world’s most prestigious companies and earn the highest salaries. The aforementioned employment opportunities and MS specializations are the most profitable and sought-after in the United States.

Recommended Reads:

MS in Data Analytics in USAMS in IT in USAMS in Project Management in USA
Master’s in Machine Learning in USAMaster’s in Marketing in USAMS in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in USA
Master’s in Business Analytics in USAMasters in Data Science in USAMasters in Digital Marketing in USA
MS in MIS in USAMS in Computer Science in USAMasters in Public Health in USA
Masters in Physiotherapy in USAMaster’s in Biotechnology in USAMaster’s in Pharmacy in USA

FAQs

What is the eligibility for MS in the USA?

The universities in the USA are top-ranked and globally renowned. The competition for MS in these renowned universities is huge. Here are a few eligibility requirements:
1) A bachelor’s degree in the relevant field from a recognized institution or board of study for up to four years is required.
2) 3.5 or higher GPA, equivalent to 87% in bachelors
3) A GRE score of 330 or above
4) IELTS score and TOEFL score, whichever is applicable
5) 2 to 3 letters of recommendation
6) Research Internships
7) Work experience
8) Statement of purpose.

Will prior work experience help with admission?

An MS degree in the United States of America is highly recommended. Universities may look for job experience or internship programs following graduation because it is a postgraduate degree. Work experience, on the other hand, will only be counted if it is relevant to the study and not something else. For example, if a student applies for engineering and has prior marketing expertise, he is at a disadvantage. Work experience should be relevant and for at least six months. Applicants with more than six months of relevant job experience always stand out.

What is the average salary in USA after MS?

The salary after MS in USA that you can earn would range anywhere between US$54,000 and US$140,000 (Payscale). However, the average salary after MS in the USA largely depends on the specialization that you pursue.

How many years can you work after MS in the USA?

Based on the restrictions of one’s Visa, international students are allowed to stay back and work in the USA after completion of their MS for a period of 3 years.


 

What is monthly salary after MS in USA?

The yearly average salary after MS in USA is around $50,000 to $60,000, the monthly salary being $4,000 to $5,000.


 

 

 

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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