A degree from Arizona State University, lauded for years as the "#1 in the U.S. for innovation," represents more than just a world-class education; it's a powerful launchpad for a rewarding and lucrative career. For prospective students and current Sun Devils, one of the most pressing questions is: "What kind of salary can I expect after graduating?" While the answer is multifaceted, the data reveals a promising financial future for ASU alumni.
This guide will break down the average salaries for ASU graduates, explore the critical factors that influence your earning potential, and provide a clear, data-driven picture of what to expect in the job market.
What Do Arizona State University Graduates Do?
With one of the largest and most diverse student bodies in the nation, it's no surprise that ASU graduates enter nearly every sector of the global economy. The university is a major talent pipeline for industries both within Arizona and across the world.
Graduates from the prestigious W. P. Carey School of Business are sought after for roles in finance, marketing, and supply chain management. Alumni from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering are at the forefront of innovation in software development, aerospace, and sustainable energy. Meanwhile, graduates of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law become leaders in media and the legal profession. From healthcare and education to technology and public service, an ASU degree opens doors to a vast spectrum of career paths.
Average Arizona State University Graduate Salary
To understand earning potential, it’s helpful to look at both early-career and mid-career salaries. This shows your starting point and your potential for growth as you gain experience.
According to data from the reputable salary aggregator Payscale, the average salary for an Arizona State University graduate is as follows:
- Average Early Career Salary (0-5 years of experience): Approximately $66,600 per year.
- Average Mid-Career Salary (10+ years of experience): Approximately $125,400 per year.
It's important to note that these are averages across all majors and career paths. A graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science working in California will have a different starting salary than a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Education working in rural Arizona. The following factors are what truly define your individual salary trajectory.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary is not a fixed number determined solely by your diploma. It’s a dynamic figure influenced by a combination of your decisions, skills, and market forces. Here are the key factors that will impact your earnings as an ASU graduate.
### Level of Education
The type of degree you earn from ASU is a primary driver of your salary. Advancing your education typically leads to higher earning potential and access to more specialized, senior-level roles.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) consistently shows a strong correlation between education level and income. For example, in 2022, the median usual weekly earnings for full-time workers were:
- Bachelor's Degree: $1,432 ($74,464 annually)
- Master's Degree: $1,661 ($86,372 annually)
- Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.): $2,083 ($108,316 annually)
- Professional Degree (Law, Medicine): $2,080 ($108,160 annually)
An ASU MBA from the W. P. Carey School of Business, for instance, can significantly boost earning potential. The school's 2022 Full-Time MBA employment report noted an average base salary of $135,510 for its graduates.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant factors in salary growth. As you move from an entry-level position to a mid-career and senior professional, your compensation will increase to reflect your expanded skill set, leadership capabilities, and proven track record.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Focus is on applying academic knowledge and learning industry-specific skills. Salaries are typically at the lower end of the range for a given profession.
- Mid-Career (5-10 years): Professionals have developed expertise and often take on project management or leadership responsibilities, commanding a significant salary increase.
- Senior/Executive Level (15+ years): At this stage, individuals are often in strategic leadership roles, directing teams or entire departments, with compensation packages that can include substantial bonuses and stock options.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. A job in a major metropolitan hub with a high cost of living, like San Francisco or New York City, will almost always pay more than the exact same job in a smaller city.
According to Salary.com, a Software Engineer I in Phoenix, AZ (a major hub for ASU grads) has a median salary of around $78,000. That same role in San Jose, CA, the heart of Silicon Valley, has a median salary of approximately $98,000 to account for the competitive tech market and significantly higher cost of living. Many ASU grads leverage their degree to secure high-paying jobs in top-tier markets across the country.
### Company Type
The size and type of company you work for can have a major impact on your salary.
- Large Corporations & Big Tech (e.g., Intel, Microsoft, Amazon): These companies often offer the highest base salaries and most comprehensive benefits packages to attract top talent. ASU is a key recruiting school for many Fortune 500 companies.
- Startups: While base salaries may be lower than at large corporations, startups often offer equity (stock options) that can lead to a significant financial windfall if the company is successful.
- Government & Public Sector: Federal, state, and local government jobs may offer lower base salaries than the private sector but often compensate with exceptional job security, generous retirement plans, and excellent work-life balance.
- Non-Profit: Salaries in the non-profit sector are typically lower, but these roles attract individuals driven by mission and purpose.
### Area of Specialization
Perhaps the most crucial factor for a new graduate is their field of study. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and business fields, especially those with a strong quantitative focus, consistently command the highest starting salaries.
Based on data from Payscale for ASU graduates, here’s how salary can vary by major:
- High-Earning Majors: Graduates in fields like Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Finance, and Supply Chain Management (an area where ASU is a national leader) often see starting salaries well above the average, frequently in the $70,000 to $90,000+ range. The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering reports that its computer science graduates earned an average starting salary of $84,655 in 2021-2022.
- Mid-Range Majors: Fields like Marketing, Communications, and certain Social Sciences tend to have solid starting salaries that align with the university-wide average.
- Lower-Range Majors: Majors in fields like Education, Social Work, and the Fine Arts typically have lower starting salaries. However, these careers offer immense personal fulfillment and have pathways for salary growth through advanced degrees and experience.
Job Outlook
An ASU degree positions graduates to excel in a growing economy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in occupations requiring a bachelor's degree is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.
Furthermore, ASU's strategic focus on high-demand fields such as sustainability, data science, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing ensures that its curriculum is aligned with the needs of the future workforce. This innovative approach means that ASU graduates are not just prepared for the jobs of today but are equipped with the critical thinking and adaptability skills to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Conclusion
A degree from Arizona State University provides a powerful return on investment, with graduates earning competitive salaries that show significant growth throughout their careers. While a university-wide average offers a helpful benchmark, your ultimate earning potential is in your hands.
By carefully selecting your major, pursuing advanced education when appropriate, gaining valuable experience, and being strategic about your industry and location, you can leverage your ASU education to build a financially secure and professionally fulfilling future. The data is clear: Sun Devils are well-equipped to succeed in the modern economy.