Salary Projections for Class of 2022 bachelor’s grads
Salary projections for Class of 2022 bachelor’s degree graduates are mostly showing gains, according to results of a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
NACE’s Winter 2022 Salary Survey found that projections for the Class of 2022 range from an increase of 5.4% for math and sciences and agriculture and natural resources majors to a decrease of 14.8% for humanities majors. (See Figure 1.)
“This is unlike what we saw last year at this time. Then, employers projected increases in all reported categories of majors at the bachelor’s degree level, and now we’re seeing some majors lose ground in terms of starting salaries,” says Shawn VanDerziel, NACE executive director.
“However, it is important to keep in mind that these are projections, and it is very early in the salary-reporting cycle for the Class of 2022.”
Currently, computer sciences majors are projected to be the highest paid group of majors, with an average salary projected at $75,900. This is nothing new: They were also the highest paid category last year, with an average salary projection of $72,173.
The high salaries reflect both significant demand and low supply. According to the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics, computer sciences graduates account for just 4.4% of bachelor’s degrees conferred.
Other top disciplines include engineering ($73,922) and math/sciences ($66,760)—STEM fields and areas in which demand exceeds supply.
| AVERAGE SALARIES BY DISCIPLINE / BACHELOR’S DEGREES | |||
| Broad Category | 2022 Salary Projection | 2021 Salary Projection | % Change |
| Computer Sciences | $75,900 | $72,173 | 5.2% |
| Engineering | $73,922 | $71,088 | 4.0% |
| Math & Sciences | $66,760 | $63,316 | 5.4% |
| Social Sciences | $61,173 | $59,919 | 2.1% |
| Business | $60,695 | $58,869 | 3.1% |
| Agriculture & Natural Resources | $57,807 | $54,857 | 5.4% |
| Communications | $55,455 | $58,174 | -4.7% |
| Humanities | $50,681 | $59,500 | -14.8% |
About Salary Survey: The Winter 2022 Salary Survey report contains annual salary projections for Class of 2022 college graduates. The figures reported are for base salaries only and do not include bonuses, commissions, fringe benefits, or overtime rates. The report provides the detailed salary projections by academic major and degree level, along with breakouts by both industry and geographic region.
NACE obtained the data in this report by surveying its employer members from October 4, 2021, through December 3, 2021. A total of 124 surveys were returned – a 17% response rate. An executive summary of the Winter 2022 Salary Survey report is available at www.naceweb.org/store/subscription/salary-survey/ .
(Source: NACE)
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
