Many students dream of pursuing a master’s program in the USA. From top-ranking universities to high ROI to excellent faculty, the country offers many benefits to its students.
Pursuing higher education in the USA is undoubtedly expensive. However, the country’s highly sought-after education system increases your employment value, leading to handsome salaries at some of the top organizations in the world.
An MS graduate’s salary in the USA can go as high as INR 1.33 crores annually, depending on the career field. So, if you dream of studying in the USA and wonder what salaries you will earn post-graduation, read the full blog below.
Scope after an MS in the USA – Salary and career opportunities
An MS in the USA opens many doors and offers exciting opportunities for graduates. The job market in the USA seeks skilled individuals for fields like healthcare, data science, technology, etc. Taking advantage of the extensive curriculum and STEM-certified programs, you can either seek employment or pursue higher education.
By 2032, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts occupational growth by:
- 6% in aerospace engineering,
- 9% in biochemistry and biophysics, and
- 23% computer and information science.
MS programs in the USA also offer high earning potential, with graduates receiving salary packages between INR 54.07 lakhs and INR 1.33 crores per annum.
Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students
What is the salary after an MS in the USA?
Your salary after an MS in the USA depends on various factors, including:
- Area of study: Specializations like anesthesiology, data science, artificial intelligence, investment banking, etc., tend to have higher ROI than others. For instance, a data scientist earns an average annual package of INR 95.36 lakhs, whereas a sociologist earns about INR 70.05 lakhs per annum.
- Job location: Your employer’s location can significantly affect your salaries. For instance, tech companies in Austin offer an average package ranging from INR 85.82 lakhs to INR 1.11 crores per annum. On the other hand, companies in San Francisco offer packages ranging from INR 1.02 crores to INR 1.28 crores
- Work experience: The greater the work experience, the higher the salary. For instance, a 1st-year private equity associate in the USA earns an average annual salary of INR 1.15 crores – INR 1.33 crores. A third-year associate, on the other hand, earns INR 1.54 crores – INR 1.88 crores per annum.
Top paying jobs and salaries after an MS in the USA
Here are some top-paying job roles and salaries you can explore after completing an MS in the USA:
| Job Roles | Average Annual Salaries |
| Senior Data Scientist | INR 95.36 lakhs |
| Private Equity – 1st Year Associate | INR 1.16 crores – INR 1.33 crores |
| Financial Analyst | INR 78.10 lakhs |
| Cardiac Anesthesiologist | INR 2.15 crores |
| Healthcare Administrator | INR 71.96 lakhs |
| Marketing Director | INR 1.05 crores |
| Technology Specialist | INR 1.29 crores |
| General Pediatrician | INR 1.77 crores |
| General Internal Medicine Physician | INR 2.11 crores |
| Environmental Engineer | INR 85.90 lakhs |
| Financial Economist | INR 99.32 lakhs |
| Dentist | INR 1.43 crores |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | INR 1.19 crores |
| Engineering Manager | INR 84.71 lakhs |
| Supply Chain Director | INR 86.01 lakhs |
| Software Development Manager | INR 1 crores |
| Machine Learning Engineer | INR 96.58 lakhs |
| AI Research Scientist | INR 1.23 crores |
| Robotics Engineer | INR 80.66 lakhs |
Also Read: Best Exams to Study in USA for Indian Students (Masters & UG)
Top MS universities in the USA
Here are the top 10 MS universities in the USA you can explore:
| Universities | QS World University Rankings (2025) | Top MS Programs | Admission Requirements |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 | Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Aeronautics and Astronautics | TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/ GMAT, SOP, LORs, CV, bachelor’s in relevant field |
| Stanford University | 6 | Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering | TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/ GMAT, SOP, LORs, CV, research experience |
| Harvard University | 4 | Architecture, Bioethics, Biotechnology | TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/ GMAT, SOP, LORs, academic transcripts |
| University of California, Berkeley | 12 | Mechanical Engineering, Data Science | TOEFL/ IELTS, GRE/ GMAT, SOP, LORs, bachelor’s in relevant field |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 | Mathematics, Astrophysics, Computer Science, Aeronautics | GRE, IELTS/ TOEFL, CV, SOP, unofficial copy of transcripts |
| University of Chicago | 21 | Biomedical Informatics, Public Health, Precision Health | GRE/ GMAT, IELTS/ TOEFL, CV, SOP, academic transcripts |
| Cornell University | 16 | Aerospace Engineering, Applied Economics and Management, Architectural Science, Applied Economics | GRE/ GMAT, IELTS/ TOEFL, CV, SOP, academic transcripts |
| Yale University | 23 | Applied Mathematics, Architecture, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Computer Science | GRE/ GMAT, IELTS/ TOEFL, CV, SOP, academic transcripts |
| Columbia University | =34 | Financial Economics, Marketing Science, Applied Analytics, Bioethics, Insurance Management | GRE/ GMAT, IELTS/ TOEFL, CV, SOP, academic transcripts |
| Princeton University | 22 | Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Finance, Public and International Affairs | GRE/ GMAT, IELTS/ TOEFL, CV, SOP, academic transcripts |
Now, let’s learn more about MS programs at some of the top universities in the USA:
MS Programs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Here are some top master’s programs at MIT, along with their admission requirements:
| Areas | Top MS programs | Application deadline | Entry requirements |
| Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | Electrical Engineer or Engineer in Computer Science, Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | 1st December | Academic transcripts, 2 essays, 3 letters of recommendation, IELTS (at least 7) or TOEFL iBT (at least 100) |
| Aeronautics and Astronautics | MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics | 1st December | Academic transcripts, an SOP, 3 letters of recommendation, IELTS (at least 7) or TOEFL iBT (at least 100) |
| Business | MIT Sloan Master of Business Analytics | 3rd January | Academic transcripts, GMAT/ GRE – optional, resume, 3 LORs, professional certifications, portfolio |
| Architecture | Master of Architecture, MS in Architecture Studies,MS in Art, Culture, and Technology (SMACT), and MS in Building Technology | 7th January | Academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, portfolio/ writing sample, IELTS (at least 7) or TOEFL iBT (at least 100) |
MS Programs at Stanford University
Here’s a list of the top MS programs at Stanford University:
| School/ Department | MS Programs | Program Type | Application Deadline (tentative) | Admission Requirements |
| School of Engineering | Master of Science (MS) in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Master of Science (MS) in Design | Full-time | December 3, 2025, December 5, 2025 | Unofficial academic transcripts, application fee, 3 letters of recommendation, a SOP, official TOEFL Scores |
| School of Engineering and the School of Medicine | Master of Science (MS) in Bioengineering | Full-time | December 2, 2025 | A relevant bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, A minimum GPA of 3.5, GRE scores |
| School of Humanities and Sciences | Master of Science (MS) in Statistics | Full-time | January 15, 2026 | A relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent to a UG degree in the USA from a recognized institution, official GRE scores, TOEFL scores |
MS Programs at Harvard University
From business to engineering to architecture, here are some of the top MS programs Harvard University has to offer:
| Programs | Colleges/ schools/ departments | Duration (in years) | Program type |
| MS or MBA in Biotechnology and Life Sciences | The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Medical School | 2 | Full-time |
| MS in Data Science | Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 1.5 – 2 | Full-time |
| Master of Engineering in Computational Science and Engineering | Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 2 | Full-time |
| Master in Business Administration | Harvard Business School | 2 | Full-time |
| Master of Architecture | Harvard Graduate School of Design | 2 | Full-time |
Top 10 MS specializations for high-paying jobs in the USA
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly salary of an individual with a master’s degree in the USA is INR 1.49 lakhs, compared to INR 1.28 lakhs for a bachelor’s degree holder.
Here are 10 highest-paying study areas that you can explore for an MS in the USA:
Aerospace Engineering:
MIT, Caltech, Georgia Tech, and Stanford University are some of the best institutions for a master’s program in aerospace engineering. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in aerospace engineering-related occupations in the USA by 2032. This growth rate is faster than the average occupations in the country. As an aerospace engineer, you can earn an average median salary of INR 1.12 crores per annum.
Anesthesiology:
The average base salary of an anesthesiologist in the USA is INR 3.08 crores per annum and can go up to INR 5.15 crores. This is an in-demand profession in which you may be required to make split-second decisions in life-or-death situations.
Different roles you can explore in this field are:
- Anesthesiologist Assistant
- Cardiac Anesthesiologist
- Critical Care Anesthesiologist
- Physician
Technology Management:
This stream combines science with a management program and offers great compensation. The average base salary in this field is INR 1.04 crores annually.
Architecture:
An architect in the USA earns an average base salary of INR 91.57 lakhs per year. You can earn over INR 1.71 crores per year by working in the following roles:
- Chief Architect
- Junior Architect
- Lead Architect
- Principal Architect
- Program Architect
- MS Dynamic 365 Architect
- Mainframe Architect
Astronomy:
Astronomy is yet another high-paying stream in the USA. Organizations like the federal government, scientific research and development companies, and postsecondary educational institutes hire astronomy graduates. You can earn up to INR 1.44 crores per year or more by specializing in the following fields:
- Cosmology
- Galactic Astronomy
- Planetary Astronomy
- Solar Astronomy
- Stellar Astronomy
Biochemistry and Biophysics:
Professionals in these fields typically work in offices and labs to conduct experiments and derive results. Biophysicists and Biochemists study the physical and chemical principles of biological processes and living things.
The median annual wage for these individuals in the USA is INR 92.23 lakhs, and the number of occupations in these fields is projected to increase by 9% between 2023 and 2033.
Computer and Information Science:
In the current era of technology and AI, the demand for computer engineers and researchers continues to increase every year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 23% increase in this field’s employment by 2032. An individual earns a median annual salary of INR 1.24 crores in the computer and information science industry.
Data Science:
With a projected growth of 35% in employment by 2032, this field offers an average salary of INR 92.72 lakhs per year per year. As a data science graduate, you can work in:
- Tech giants (Google and Meta)
- Financial institutions (Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan)
- Healthcare (UnitedHealth Group, Kaiser Permanente)
- Pharmaceuticals (Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson)
- Consulting firms (Deloitte, McKinsey & Company, KPMG)
Economics:
The median annual salary for financial economists in the USA is INR 99.32 lakhs. You can work as a:
- Research Analyst
- Economist
- Financial Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Portfolio Manager
Human Resource Management:
An HR manager can earn an initial salary of INR 1.17 crores per annum in the USA.
How to get jobs after an MS in the USA?
Whether it’s through campus placements, online applications, or networking, here are 5 actionable tips that will help you get a job after an MS in the USA:
- Universities in the USA offer career training programs and career coaches that prepare students for job interviews. Many universities also offer personalized job search assistance, job fairs, and networking events. Take advantage of these opportunities.
- Networking is a crucial step in getting high-paying jobs. Engage in student communities, alumni events, and with your faculty.
- Create an online presence and use it to showcase your skills, qualifications, and previous achievements. LinkedIn is a great platform for creating a professional presence online and building a network.
- Pursuing an MS in the USA is a great achievement. However, you need to keep upskilling yourself and staying up-to-date with the changing techniques in your field. To do so, you should keep pursuing relevant certificate courses and workshops.
- The electives and concentrations you choose for your MS in the USA can decide your entire future. So, choose your courses after doing a thorough research and go for the courses that offer high ROI.
Also Read: Master’s in Engineering Management in USA: Universities, Fees & Jobs
Major recruiters offering jobs after an MS in the USA
From technology to retain to space, here are some major recruiters offering jobs after an MS in the USA:
| Industries | Top recruiters | Roles/ areas |
| Technology | Amazon, Microsoft, Google | Artificial Intelligence, data science, machine learning, software engineering, software development, data analysis, cloud computing, operations management, cloud services, etc. |
| Engineering and Manufacturing | Boeing, General Electric (GE), Tesla | Mechanical engineering, data analysis, project management, energy solutions, aerospace engineering, etc. |
| Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals | Pfizer, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson | Research and development, operations, data analysis, clinical research, drug development, project management, etc. |
| Financial Services | J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley | Financial analysis, risk management, investment banking, quantitative analysis, data analysis, financial technology, risk management, quantitative research, etc. |
| Consulting Firms | McKinsey & Company, Accenture, Deloitte | Consulting in strategy, technology, management, digital transformation, etc. |
So, it’s clear that an MS in the USA can open doors to excellent career opportunities and high salaries. While the journey may seem daunting. But it has to begin somewhere. For almost every student, it begins with finding the right universities. This is where SelectRight (by GradRight) becomes invaluable.
SelectRight is designed to make your university search stress-free. This AI-powered search algorithm analyzes over 8 million data points from 40,000 global programs to match your academic background and career ambitions to universities that offer the highest ROI. With SelectRight, you can create a detailed profile and receive tailored university recommendations that suit you best.
After shortlisting universities, the next major step is to secure the right education loan at the lowest possible interest rate. FundRight (by GradRight) helps simplify this process.
Begin by creating your account on FundRight and then complete your profile. With one profile, you WILL gain access to loan offers from 15 top lenders, including popular public and private banks. In just two days, FundRight presents you with multiple loan options. You can then compare and choose the best offer for your needs.
Starting your MS journey with these tools ensures that you make informed decisions every step of the way. Let SelectRight and FundRight guide you as you plan for your admissions.
FAQs
Depending on your skills, area of study, job location, employer, and work experience, you can earn an average salary of INR 54.07 lakhs to INR 83.22 lakhs annually in the USA.
Computer Science graduates in the USA earn an average base salary from INR 74.53 lakhs to INR 1.31 crores annually.
As a fresh MS graduate in the USA, you can get high-paying jobs in the following fields:
– Aerospace Engineering
– Technology Management
– Architecture
– Anesthesiology
– Biochemistry and Biophysics
– Computer and Information Science
– Astronomy
– Economics
– HR Management
– Data Science
The eligibility for an MS in the USA varies for different programs. However, in general, universities require the following:
– A relevant bachelor’s degree
– Academic transcripts
– 2 essays
– 3 letters of recommendation
– IELTS (at least 7) or TOEFL iBT (at least 100)
– GRE/ GMAT
– Thesis/ research project/ portfolio
– Work experience
Whether or not it’s easy for you to find a job after an MS in the USA depends on your capabilities and job requirements. If you are pursuing a program in an in-demand field like AI, data science, or finance, you have higher chances of receiving employment through campus placements.
