Getting a Job in the US After Taking Your MS Degree: What’s in Store for You?

Employability is a serious concern for most international graduates. The detrimental impact of immigration policies under the previous Trump Administration currently persists on the job market.

In 2020, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 14.7% increase in the unemployment rate. And since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 33 million Americans have been rendered unemployed. 

With these statistics and evident decline in job prospects for international graduates, is there hope of landing a good job?

High-Paying, In-demand Jobs for MS Degree Holders

A survey by Strada Education Network revealed compelling information on the boost in employability for master’s degree holders. According to the survey, 51% of graduate degree holders still landed new jobs—compared to bachelor’s degree holders, where only 30% got hired.

If you’ve earned your Master of Science (MS) degree in the US, you still have a high chance of landing an employment opportunity. And depending on your program and industry, you may even earn 28% more than bachelor’s degree holders. 

Here are some of the high-paying jobs with high demand in the US for MS graduates:

Master of Science in Computer Science

Graduates of MS in Computer Science can expect jobs related to data analytics, information technology, and cloud computing.

• Roles – Programmer / Support Specialist / Research Scientists / System Analyst / Network Architect
• Job Growth by 2028 – 12%
• Average Annual Salary – $79,793

Master of Science in Civil Engineering 

According to US News Ranking for 2020, civil engineering jobs rank 17th on the best STEM jobs and 2nd on the best engineering jobs.

• Roles – Transportation Engineer / Construction Engineer / Geotechnical Engineer
• Job Growth by 2028 – 6%
• Average Annual Salary – $72,201

Master of Science in Finance

The finance industry in the US is one of the least affected sectors by the pandemic. It’s a considerable alternative for a Master’s in Business Administration, but MS in Finance is more concentrated in technical facets of business. 

• Roles – Financial Analyst / Accountant / Auditor / Budget Analyst 
• Job Growth by 2028 – 7%
• Average Annual Salary – $87,850 to $129,890

Master of Science in Healthcare Management 

Graduates of MS in Healthcare Management are expected to take on more administrative roles than clinical roles in the healthcare industry. 

• Roles – Health Manager
• Job Growth by 2028 – 18%
• Average Annual Salary – $100,980

Master of Science in Nursing

The healthcare crisis today has influenced the spike in demands for registered nurses. Also, due to the high-labor intensity required in these jobs, graduates of MS in Nursing can expect lucrative salaries.

• Roles – Nurse Practitioner / Nurse Anesthetist
• Job Growth by 2028 – 17% – 26%
• Average Annual Salary – $115,800 to $167,950

Boosting Job Prospects in 2021 

Great job prospects will go to waste if you don’t know how to effectively hunt for them. To help you successfully land a well-paying job in the US, we’ve collected simple tips to kickstart your job search.

• Perform Self-Assessment – A simple evaluation of your skills, knowledge, experience, and credentials can give you a great start. Just make sure to stay as realistic and as specific as possible.

• Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities – Local connections can be the key to your dream job. Contact your college alumni, or utilize your LinkedIn profile to expand your prospects.

• Use Your University’s Placement Department – Universities often have partners to connect their students from education to employment. Take advantage of these placements.

• Search in Specific Locations – Certain job roles have higher demand in certain states in the US. Location can also determine your salary grade. Look for a job in states where there are higher opportunities.

Despite the decline in the job market for international graduates, there are still plenty of promising opportunities for MS degree holders in the US. Stay updated with relevant, fact-based reports with our articles here at MSM Unify.