The job market for recent graduates has been described as challenging, grim, and among the toughest in years. The unemployment rate for college graduates aged 22 to 27 stood at 5.8% as of March, based on data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, compared to the national average of 4.2%.
However, not all the news is discouraging. High-paying jobs, offering salaries over $100,000, are still available. What’s critical now is the need to differentiate yourself during the job search process.
“Securing a well-paying position as a recent graduate is feasible, but you must present more than just your academic credentials,” explained Nathan Soto, a career expert at the online platform Resume Genius, via an email. “Emphasize the experience, certifications, and abilities that align with the employer’s requirements as listed in the job advertisement.”
That’s why Resume Genius researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and a job platform that focuses on new grads to reveal its 2025 High-Paying, New Grads Jobs Report, released this week.
“Internships, class projects, and even side gigs can be really effective at proving you’ve got the skills companies are looking for,” Soto said. “Don’t forget to tailor your resume for each job.”
Here are the 10 highest-paying jobs for new graduates in 2025 (and all are six-figures). For the full list, click here.
1. Product marketing manager
- Median annual salary: $159,660
- Number of jobs (2023): 411,300
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 8%
2. Machine learning engineer
- Median annual salary: $140,910
- Number of jobs (2023): 36,600
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 26%
3. Avionics systems manager
- Median annual salary: $134,830
- Number of jobs (2023): 68,900
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 6%
4. Software developer
- Median annual salary: $131,450
- Number of jobs (2023): 1,897,100
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 17%
5. IT security analyst
- Median annual salary: $124,910
- Number of jobs (2023): 180,700
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 33%
6. Electrical engineer
- Median annual salary: $118,780
- Number of jobs (2023): 287,800
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 9%
7. Mechanical engineer
- Median annual salary: $102,320
- Number of jobs (2023): 291,900
- Estimated job growth: 11%
8. Financial advisor
- Median annual salary: $102,140
- Number of jobs (2023): 321,100
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 17%
9. Financial analyst
- Median annual salary: $101,190
- Number of jobs (2023): 404,800
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 9%
10. Project manager
- Median annual salary: $100,750
- Number of jobs (2023): 973,600
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 7%
The job market for new graduates has been called tough, bleak, and the worst in years — the unemployment rate for new college grads (ages 22 to 27) was 5.8% as of March, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The national average, meanwhile, was 4.2%.
But it’s not all bad news. Fortunately, jobs with high pay (read: over $100,000) do still exist, but it’s just more important than ever to find ways to stand out in the job search.
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