A new study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) has found that more education is generally associated with higher earnings over a lifetime, but other factors also matter, such as field of study, occupation, gender, race and ethnicity, and location.

The study, titled “The College Payoff: More Education Doesn’t Always Mean More Earnings”, analyzed the median lifetime earnings of full-time workers in the U.S. by the level of education, from less than high school to professional degree. It also examined how earnings vary by major, industry, occupation, gender, race and ethnicity, and state.

The study found that adults with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $2.8 million during their careers, $1.2 million more than the median for workers with a high school diploma. At every additional level of education, workers tend to earn more than those with less education.

However, the study also revealed that there is a lot of variation in earnings within and across education levels, depending on other factors. For example, the study found that:

  • 16% of high school graduates, 23% of workers with some college education but no degree, and 28% of associate’s degree holders earn more than half of workers with a bachelor’s degree.
  • 36% of workers with a bachelor’s degree earn more than half of workers with a master’s degree.
  • One-quarter of workers with a bachelor’s degree earn more than half of workers with a master’s or a doctoral degree.
  • The median earnings by those with a bachelor’s degree range from $2.1 million for majors in education to $3.8 million for majors in architecture and engineering.
  • The median earnings by occupation range from $1.7 million for food preparation and serving workers to $4.4 million for chief executives.
  • The median earnings by gender show that women earn 81% of what men earn over a lifetime.
  • The median earnings by race and ethnicity show that Asian Americans earn the most ($3.6 million), followed by whites ($3 million), Hispanics ($2.5 million), and African Americans ($2.4 million).
  • The median earnings by the state show that workers in Massachusetts earn the most ($3.3 million), followed by New Jersey ($3.2 million), and Connecticut ($3.1 million), while workers in Mississippi earn the least ($2 million), followed by West Virginia ($2.1 million), and Arkansas ($2.2 million).

“More education doesn’t always get you more money,” CEW Director and lead report author Anthony P. Carnevale said. “There’s a lot of variation in earnings related to field of study, occupation, and other factors.”

The study also noted that education has other benefits beyond earnings, such as improving health, civic engagement, and personal satisfaction. It also suggested that policies should aim to increase access and quality of education for all groups, especially those who face barriers or disadvantages in the labor market.

Q: How can I increase my lifetime earnings?

There is no definitive answer to how you can increase your lifetime earnings, as it depends on many factors such as your education, occupation, industry, location, skills, performance, and personal goals. However, based on some online sources, here are some possible tips that might help you:

There is no definitive answer to how you can increase your lifetime earnings, as it depends on many factors such as your education, occupation, industry, location, skills, performance, and personal goals. However, based on some online sources, here are some possible tips that might help you:

  • Choose or switch to a career that has a high earning potential
    This might require you to invest in more education, training, or certification, but it could pay off in the long run. Some examples of high-paying careers are in the fields of architecture, engineering, computers, mathematics, health, law, and business.
  • Negotiate your salary or raise with your employer
    Don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve based on your skills, experience, achievements, and market value. Do your research and prepare a strong case for why you should get higher pay. Be confident, respectful, and realistic.
  • Seek opportunities to advance your career within or outside your organization
    Express your career ambitions and aspirations to your manager and seek their support and guidance. Look for projects, assignments, or roles that challenge you and allow you to grow and learn new skills. Network with people who can mentor you or connect you with better opportunities.
  • Increase your skills and knowledge
    Keep yourself updated with the latest trends and developments in your field. Take courses, workshops, webinars, or online programs that can enhance your expertise and credentials. Learn new technologies or tools that can make you more efficient and productive.
  • Diversify your income sources
    If possible, look for ways to earn extra income from other sources besides your main job. This could be through freelancing, consulting, teaching, investing, or starting a side business. However, make sure you don’t compromise your quality of work or well-being by taking on too much.

These are just some general suggestions that might help you increase your lifetime earnings. You should also consider your personal values, interests, passions, and goals when making career decisions. Money is not the only factor that matters in work; you should also find meaning, satisfaction, and fulfillment in what you do.