Better-paid jobs for those with a PhD Why is it worth doing?

Having a doctoral degree is a sure path to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater professional stability.

You may consider starting an online doctoral program with many doubts about whether it is really worth the investment, effort, and time, but once you are on the path, you will see that it is everything you hoped for.

Therefore, in this article, you will find real data, as well as the different benefits and how the best doctoral programs can have a positive impact on your professional and academic record.

Why is it still worthwhile to pursue a doctorate today?

Thanks to distance learning programs, higher education has evolved in recent decades and is now more accessible to professionals over the age of 35 who have work and family commitments or who live far from academic centers.

The flexibility you need to achieve your postgraduate studies goals is within your reach without compromising on quality or employment prospects, even securing well-paid jobs with a PhD. It also represents a clear step forward in your professional life. It is well worth it, beyond the convenience.

The versatility of a doctorate. The numbers speak for themselves.

When it comes to statistics, people with a doctorate not only have access to better job opportunities, but also to higher salaries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released data that tells us the following:

The average weekly income for people with a doctorate was $2,083 in 2023, compared to $1,432 for those with a master's degree.

On the other hand, the unemployment rate for those with a doctorate was just 1.1%, which is one of the lowest of all educational levels.

Apart from this, a study published by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce showed that higher salaries for people with doctorates are becoming increasingly common. According to the latest report, professionals with a doctorate earn an average of 26% more than those with a master's degree, and 71% more than those with only a bachelor's degree.

So... Which sectors pay doctoral students the most?

It is important to note that although a doctorate can open doors to many areas and fields, there are industries where the difference in salary is more significant. Several of the highest-paying sectors only offer job opportunities to those with a doctoral degree. These include computer science and engineering, where professionals with a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence, data science, or cybersecurity can earn $150,000 per year or even more, especially if they work for technology companies.

Public health and biotechnology are among the highest-paying jobs for PhD holders. Doctorates in areas such as epistemology or clinical research can also lead to salaries exceeding $130,000 per year.

In higher education, although it is not the highest-paying field, there is an exception for those with doctorates in education or advanced teaching qualifications, as they are more likely to attain management positions, deanships, and consulting roles.

Doctorates in business, economics, finance, or strategic management are currently highly valued in consulting firms and international organizations. Their annual earnings can exceed $140,000.

Last but not least, another of the highest-paying doctoral jobs are those who choose organizational psychology and human resources. With a doctorate in these areas, they are able to innovate and lead the well-being of large organizations, which gives them access to an ambitious salary and perhaps high positions.

More than just a salary: non-monetary benefits that a PhD can provide.

Although there are better-paid jobs with a PhD, no one can deny that economics is extremely important; the impact of a PhD is not limited to financial compensation. In fact, many PhD students have expressed what this training has given them:

Better development and improvement of their high-level critical and analytical thinking skills

Increase your prestige as a professional and authority in your field, for example, by developing professional skills for research leaders.

Access to networks for international collaborations

Completing and publishing research or books, thereby consolidating their academic profile.

A sense of professional and personal fulfillment

What if I study remotely?

As a working professional with many responsibilities, your best ally could be a flexible program, allowing you to earn a higher salary in the future with a PhD. That's why online doctoral programs are the perfect solution.

These allow you to study from home, at the most convenient time, access international universities without having to move, continue with your current job while studying, and immediately apply what you have learned in your professional environment.

An important fact: In recent decades, approximately 70% of online PhD students are aged 35 and older, with the majority combining study with employment and family life.

After achieving your goal, new doors can open

Upon completing your doctorate, as we have already mentioned, you not only earn a simple degree, but you also become part of a community of experts. Many universities encourage contact between graduates, and best of all, there are better opportunities for those with careers with a doctoral degree

These can have several benefits, such as professional networking, opportunities to research and subsequently publish, participate in international conferences, and access to postdoctoral or mentoring programs. In addition, it is common for graduates to be invited as consultants, lecturers, or advisors in their areas of expertise.

Is it possible to stay active after graduation?

Consider these suggestions:
Never stop learning, whether through certifications or simply seminars, to stay up to date.

Participate openly in academic forums or professional associations.

Collaborate on new things, whether research or teaching.

If possible, mentor other new students who are starting down the path you have already completed, so that they, too, can get jobs that require a doctorate.

Apply the Five Daily Habits of Highly Paid Professionals with a Doctorate Degree

All investments in your career will always pay off

I finished my PhD, now what?, is a question many people ask themselves upon completing their studies. If you are the type of person who is at that point in life where you want to make a change, give your life new meaning, leave a legacy, or simply reach your full potential, a doctorate can be the catalyst for all of this.

In addition to the financial rewards, it will also broaden your intellectual and professional horizons.

Online education has removed many obstacles that previously made it difficult and almost impossible to achieve this aspiration. Today, a PhD is within reach of anyone who, like you, is motivated to continue growing without interrupting their family or work life.