Best careers to study: demand, salaries, and future

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Choosing what to study has never been so complex or so strategic. Employability, salary and market trends They weigh almost as much as a vocation, and the truth is that some degrees today offer more opportunities than others. In this guide, you'll find, without hesitation, the degrees with the most opportunities, the best paying in Spain and abroad, and the areas with the greatest future prospects. If you need guidance, take our career tests to study.

In addition to reviewing recent rankings and studies, you will also see Specific lists of careers, indicative salaries, employment rates and even countries where the pay is better (with common access routes). If you're interested in studying online or in a blended learning mode, there are options with good connections to the labor market and no cut-off mark, with virtual campus, tutoring and flexibility to combine work and personal life.

What we mean by “best careers” and how to decide

When we talk about “best”, we are not just referring to prestige, but to real demand for employment, stability, salary and projectionIt is key to cross-reference sources: employability reports, salary data by country and sector, and graduate job placement surveys. And, beware, the continuous training make a difference: master's degrees, certifications and specializations boost employability.

A practical consideration: today there are online and blended learning degrees in engineering, health sciences and social sciences with very good integration. Universities with good company-classroom bond They offer internships, job boards, and methodologies that save time and travel thanks to the virtual campus.

Most in-demand careers according to job offers

According to the analysis of job market offers, there are degrees that appear frequently in hiring requirements. Nursing and Medicine They maintain their strength, as do Business Administration (alone or combined with Law) and several engineering courses.

• Nursing
• Medicine and Biomedicine
• Combinations like Nursing and Pedagogy
• Business Administration and Management (ADE)
• ADE and Law (double degree)
• Informatics Engineering
• Psychology and Psychopedagogy
• Industrial engineer
• Physiotherapy
• Telecommunications Engineering

This photo is consistent with other insertion indicators that place Medicine, various engineering and business administration in exit positions for quality employment (tasks related to studies, salaries above €1.500 and percentage of employment five years after graduation).

Degrees with the best insertion results

If we focus on the quality of employment five years after graduation, they emerge strongly Medicine, Aeronautical Engineering, Computer Engineering and dual degrees such as Business Administration and Law. These programs offer good average salaries and jobs appropriate for their level.

• Medicine
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• ADE y BADE + Law
• Informatics Engineering
• Psychology and Psychopedagogy
• Industrial engineer
• Physiotherapy
• Telecommunications Engineering

Together, these races show high employment rates and better salaries relative, something that also holds true looking to the future in technology, industry and health.

Degrees with the greatest future prospects

Looking ahead to the coming years, demand will continue to push strongly in technology (software, multimedia, electronics), telecommunications, industrial organization and, on the health side, Medicine, Dentistry and PodiatryThe combination of digitalization and population aging supports this trend. If you are interested in the sector, consult the careers in health sciences.

• Informatics Engineering, Software y Multimedia
• Industrial Organization Engineering
• Telecommunications Engineering y Aeronautics
• Electronic Engineering
• Medicine, Dentistry y Chiropody

If you are looking for practical advice, choose STEM or healthcare base and specialize with master's degrees focused on growing niches (AI, data, cybersecurity, biomedical, digital dentistry, etc.).

The highest-paying careers in the world (reference US)

Employment portals with salary data place several medical specialties at the top, followed by engineering and quantitative profiles. The figures are approximate base averages for the US market for junior or first-year profiles, and can increase significantly with experience, employer, and role.

• Anesthesiology: exceeds USD 370.000 annually.
• Surgery: around USD 297.000 per year.
• Dentistry/Orthodontics: about USD 294.000.
• Psychiatry: around USD 255.000.
• General medical practice: above USD 214.000.
• Nursing specializing in anesthesia: ~USD 199.000.
• Pediatrics: ~USD 166.000.
• would act: more than USD 120.000.
• Farmacia: more than USD 119.000.
• Maths: around USD 111.000.
• Economist : above USD 110.000.
• Software engineering: ~USD 109.000.
• computer's science: ~USD 108.000.
• Aerospace engineering: ~USD 103.000.
• Petroleum engineering: ~USD 96.000.
• Electric engineering: ~USD 95.000.
• Chemical engineering: ~USD 93.000.
• Statistics: ~USD 86.500.
• Civil Engineering: ~USD 82.000.

Keep in mind that these figures are a international reference; in other countries they can vary considerably depending on the cost of living and the level of technological or healthcare development.

Where salaries are best paid and where are the usual ways to work?

When comparing average monthly gross salaries, countries with the highest rates stand out: high productivity and high cost of livingHere's a look at the top spots and other attractive destinations:

• Top 10: Switzerland (~USD 8.985), United States (~USD 7.308), Denmark (~USD 7.246), Liechtenstein (~USD 6.660), Germany (~USD 6.099), Luxembourg (~USD 5.884), Monaco (~USD 5.466), Singapore (~USD 5.434), Netherlands (~USD 5.319), Sweden (~USD 5.222).
• Del 11 al 20: United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Belgium, Norway, Austria, Finland, New Zealand, San Marino, Oman and France, with average salaries that are also competitive.

If you're considering taking the plunge, there are common routes: Working holiday (available according to nationality and quotas) and study or work visasDenmark offers WH and a Pay Limit Scheme; Germany offers WH and work visas; Norway offers WH and good conditions; Canada and Ireland combine WH with student visas that allow work; New Zealand It has WH and study-work options, although the classic work visa requires more requirements.

Top careers with the most job opportunities today

Beyond the general lists, it is advisable to refine by areas with high sustained employabilityHere are some of the most robust, with suggested specializations:

Business Administration and Finance

A classic that works: banking, finance, accounting, marketing or HR. The key is to specialize (logistics, data analytics, international trade, or an MBA) to differentiate yourself in a market with many graduates. Consult the business-related careers.

Informatics Engineering

She is the queen of digitalization: software development, systems, networks, databases, cybersecurity, and AI. Sectors such as banking, consulting, telecommunications, and tech are continually absorbing well-trained profiles. Check out the highest-paying computer science careers.

Industrial engineer

Process optimization, quality, logistics, supply chain, safety and energy efficiencyHighly versatile, with opportunities in manufacturing, automotive, energy, and operations.

Trade and Marketing

With the business becoming increasingly digital, profiles are in demand in brand, social media, content marketing, analytics, sales, and market research. A good field for strategic minds.

Psychology and Pedagogy

Mental health and educational innovation have gained importance. Educational psychology and psychopedagogy They open doors in schools, offices, and technological learning programs.

Double degree in Business Administration and Law

Highly valued by companies for its mix in management, finance, marketing and law (commercial, labor, tax). In the future, an MBA can further enhance your profile.

Engineering in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Big data, machine learning algorithm and AI deployments applied to business. Masters in Big Data or AI help consolidate highly sought-after specializations.

Labor Relations and HR

Recruitment, development, compensation, labor relations and change management. Modernizing the workplace requires professionals who combine regulatory and analytical skills.

Dentistry

From prevention to restoration and aesthetics, it has high global demandSpecializations such as digital dentistry or pediatric dentistry boost employability.

Industrial Electronic and Automatic Engineering

Design and implementation of electronic systems, control and automationSectors such as robotics, manufacturing, and smart environments require these profiles.

Physiotherapy + Physical Activity and Sports Sciences

A very powerful double itinerary for sports and health. Performance, prevention and rehabilitation with outings to clubs, clinics and specialized centers.

ELE (Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language)

The global demand for Spanish is growing. It usually starts from Humanities, Linguistics or Translation, and the ELE master's degree opens up options here and abroad. More about humanities degrees.

Key data on employment and salaries in Spain

If we look at recent graduates in Spain (approximately four years after graduating), these stand out: highest paying careers by average gross annual salary:

1. Medicine: ~€39.377 (≈€2.812 gross/month in 14 payments)
2. Informatics Engineering: ~€34.207 (≈€2.443/month)
3. Nursing: ~€34.199 (≈€2.442/month)
4. Maths: ~€33.304 (≈€2.379/month)
5. Electric engineering: ~€33.207 (≈€2.372/month)
6. Mechanical Engineering: ~€31.643 (≈€2.260/month)
7. Industrial engineer: ~€31.474 (≈€2.247/month)
8. Materials Engineering: ~€31.450 (≈€2.246/month)
9. Farmacia: ~€31.391 (≈€2.242/month)
10. Civil Engineering: ~€30.370 (≈€2.169/month)

At the bottom, the lowest paid at the beginning are Biology (~24.772 €/year), Education/Pedagogy (~24.527 €), Physiotherapy (~24.341 €), Earth sciences (~24.022 €) and Journalism (~€23.480). Paying less at the start doesn't mean careers are dead; with specialization and experience, the trajectory can improve notably.

Employability: what INE and other studies say

The highest employment rates in Spain are concentrated in technical and health sectors: Electronics Engineering (97,5%), Software and application development (97,4%), Telecommunications (97,1%), Podiatry (96,9%), Industrial Organization Engineering y Nanotechnology (96,7%), with Dentistry, IT, Computers above 96%, and Medicine around 95%.

In geographical concentrations, university offers are given mainly in Madrid (≈19,85%)followed by Andalusia (13,81%), Catalonia (12,84%) y Castile and León (10,2%)The large urban universities (Complutense, Seville, Basque Country, Barcelona) they push the insertion with a wealth of degrees and business connections. Some comparative tools allow you to review cut-off marks, prices and work results, useful for choosing the right center and grade.

Practical tips for choosing a well-paid career

Research the job market

Visit job portals, talk to professionals and consult wage and demand reportsSelect high-paying, high-skilled jobs, and from there, determine what education and specializations you need.

Think about the careers of the future

Technology changes rapidly; new roles can emerge in 3–6 years. Stay up to date on AI, data, sustainability and cybersecurity. These are fields with net job creation and rising wages.

10 careers with high future demand and where to study them

Several disciplines are reporting growth well above average. In healthcare, the Nursing It will skyrocket due to aging, chronicity, and prevention. In engineering, electrical, biomedical, chemical, civil, and software profiles remain strong. And in tech, data science, IT, cybersecurity and AI they are a winning horse.

• Nursing (very high growth in the future). Leading international universities include the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Emory, and the University of Rochester.
• Engineering (electrical, civil, software, biomedical, environmental, etc.). MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Caltech, and Carnegie Mellon stand out.
• Culinary arts (More places are expected). References: Le Cordon Bleu (London and Australia) and The Culinary Institute of America.
• Data science (very high growth). Academic references: UC Berkeley, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Stanford and University of Michigan.
• Information Technology (IT). Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, University of Michigan, Penn State and Hallmark University stand out.
• computer's science. Leaders: Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley, MIT, and UIUC.
• Economist . With outputs in data, finance, and public policy.
• BUSINESSBroad careers with entrepreneurial opportunities and high-value specializations.
• Artificial Intelligence. Reference universities in Asia-Pacific: Tsinghua, NTU, CUHK, UTS and NUS.
• Advertising and marketing. With a significant influence on digital and social media in B2B and B2C.

Special Mention for PharmacologyThe role is evolving into clinical, industrial, research, and insurance fields. Top universities: Harvard, UNC Chapel Hill, UC San Diego, Monash University, and Johns Hopkins University. Opportunities: pharmacist, pharmacologist, pharmaceutical sales and marketing or medical writer.

Is it really worth getting a college degree?

In many itineraries it is not optional, and although in others it is, a title gives competitive advantage, specialization, networking, and higher potential salaries. Common reasons:

1. Requirement for certain professions.
2. Differentiate yourself in competitive markets.
3. More chances of employment.
4. Preparation for specialized fields.
5. Greater income potential.
6. Networks Contact (networking).
7. More work satisfaction.
8. Increased confidence. professional life.

Frequently asked questions about exits, salaries and the future

What is the highest-paid career in the world?

There is no single answer because it depends on the country and the economic cycle, but in general terms the medical specialties and engineering lead the salaries. In engineering, oil It is usually noted for the profitability of the sector and the relative scarcity of professionals.

Which careers are most in demand globally?

With technological acceleration, demand is growing in Data Science, AI, software development, cybersecurity, UX, digital marketing and programming. Many developed economies are strongly attracting these profiles.

What will the professions of the future be?

Technological changes, sustainability, and digitalization are reshaping employment. Among the roles with the greatest potential are: AI specialist, sustainability expert, cybersecurity, data analyst, robotics engineer, flood architect, advanced agricultural equipment operator, digital transformation specialist, blockchain developer and e-commerce expert.

What can I study that is short and has an outlet?

The technicalities (≈2–3 years) in programming, computer science, AI, web development, or software offer high employability. On the health-social side, there are options such as Surgical Instrumentation, Logistics, Agricultural Production, Therapeutic Support or hospital pharmacy.

Studying in Spain: practical notes

There is a shortage of hands in healthcare: Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy have great appeal. In IT and software, demand is transversal and the teleworking It expands your options (you can live in Valencia and work for Berlin). With Business Administration, if you add logistics or analytics, you multiply your options. There's scope in education and psychology, especially if you're proficient. languages ​​and innovative methodologies.

If you come from abroad to study, check the study stay requirements and the approval processes in regulated professions (healthcare, for example), to avoid problems with visas and professional associations.

After reviewing demand, salaries and prospects, the best advice is not only to chase salary, but to aim for growing sectors where you can enjoy learning and specializing. The market rewards those who combine vocation with strategy: choose your foundation wisely (health or STEM if you're looking for stability), adds specialization and rely on universities with strong business ties and flexible formats that allow you to give your best from day one.