30 Best Paying College Majors: 2013

As college graduates head out into the real world, we thought it would be interesting to look at what kind of pay they can expect.

Many of the spots are occupied by occupations in some field of engineering or another. For the record, coming in dead last is Child and Family Studies with a starting salary of $29,300 and a mid-career salary (15 years in) of $37,700.

Last year, we looked at which degrees were paying the most. This year, we drilled down into specific majors using data from payscale.com. Payscale lists 130 majors on its site.

(Also check out Top 30 Colleges for Highest Starting Salaries and 2012’s Top 15 Best Paying College Degrees.)

The rankings below are based on data collected from 1,000 universities and include graduates with bachelor’s degrees only. The universities surveyed include 88% of U.S. schools with an enrollment of more than 5,000.

Take a look at the 30 Best Paying College Majors for 2013:

30. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Starting Salary: $49,700

Mid-Career Salary: $81,300 (Rank: 35th)

29. COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Starting Salary: $49,000

Mid-Career Salary: $84,800 (32nd)

 

28. STATISTICS

Starting Salary: $49,300

Mid-Career Salary: $99,500 (10th)

27. CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Starting Salary: $49,500

Mid-Career Salary: $86,100 (28th)

26. CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Starting Salary: $49,500

Mid-Career Salary: $80,500 (38th)

25. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Starting Salary: $49,600

Mid-Career Salary: $76,000 (49th)

24. MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Starting Salary: $49,600

Mid-Career Salary: $60,200 (86th, tie)

23. INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

Starting Salary: $49,700

Mid-Career Salary: $81,300 (36th)

22. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Starting Salary: $50,500

Mid-Career Salary: $76,700 (42nd, tie)

21. APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Starting Salary: $50,800

Mid-Career Salary: $102,000 (8th)

20. INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Starting Salary: $50,900

Mid-Career Salary: $86,700 (27th)

19. PHYSICS

Starting Salary: $51,200

Mid-Career Salary: $99,100 (11th)

18. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Starting Salary: $51,600

Mid-Career Salary: $88,600 (23rd)

17. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Starting Salary: $52,900

Mid-Career Salary: $83,400 (33rd)

16. CIVIL ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $53,800

Mid-Career Salary: $88,800 (22nd)

15. NURSING

Starting Salary: $54,100

Mid-Career Salary: $70,200 (61st, tie)

14. BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $54,900

Mid-Career Salary: $98,200 (13th)

13. ACTUARIAL MATHEMATICS

Starting Salary: $56,100

Mid-Career Salary: $112,000 (3rd)

12. COMPUTER SCIENCE

Starting Salary: $58,400

Mid-Career Salary: $100,000 (9th)

11. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Starting Salary: $58,400

Mid-Career Salary: $86,900 (26th)

10. SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $59,100

Mid-Career Salary: $90,700 (19th)

9. INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $59,900

Mid-Career Salary: $91,200 (18th)

7. (tie) MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $60,100

Mid-Career Salary: $98,400 (12th)

7. (tie) MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $60,100

Mid-Career Salary: $91,900 (17th)

6. AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $62,500

Mid-Career Salary: $118,000 (2nd)

5. COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $62,700

Mid-Career Salary: $105,000 (7th)

4. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $63,400

Mid-Career Salary: $106,000 (6th)

3. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $66,800

Mid-Career Salary: $107,000 (5th)

2. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $67,500

Mid-Career Salary: $111,000 (4th)

1. PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

Starting Salary: $98,000

Mid-Career Salary: $163,000 (1st)

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Check out these Top 10 lists at AdvisorOne:

Lockheed Martin Has a New Spymaster

"Skunk Works" -- the secretive Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT  ) division responsible for producing such flying wonders as the U-2 spyplane, the SR-71 Blackbird, and the F-35 joint strike fighter -- announced Monday that it is under new management.

Skunk Works hangar in Palmdale, Calif. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Rob Weiss, formerly head of the company's Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Advanced Strike and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance programs, has been plucked for promotion to executive vice president and general manager of Aeronautics Advanced Development Programs -- a.k.a Skunk Works.

Weiss is described as being a retired U.S. Naval Reserve Captain and former carrier pilot, who flew S-3 Viking subhunters for the Navy before joining Lockheed Martin. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a master's degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.

Southern hospitality

Over the years we've made nice profits in the electric and gas utility, Southern Company (SO). My one regret is that I didn't simply hold it; we'd have made more money. I'm not going to make that mistake again.

Southern is probably the best-managed utility in the country. Return on equity last year was 12.4%, which is above the typical 10% rate for utilities. Accomplishing this within a regulated framework is no mean feat.

Southern's business is centered in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. Last year it got 85% of its revenues from regulated businesses, primarily electricity distribution. I like this strong emphasis on the regulated distribution business; it is steady and reliable.

Southern is exceptionally well-capitalized. It has one of the lowest debt-to-equity ratios in the industry, and one of the highest credit ratings. Its debt is rated investment grade by all the rating agencies.

Its interest coverage last year was greater than five times operating income, and cash flow from operations was more than twice reported income. That is a typical year for Southern.

The stock has had a good run in the last couple of years, as investors seek safer income. However, it has pulled back lately. Investors fear inflation will kick in, driving up interest rates. That can be bad for utilities, since it raises their borrowing costs, and makes bonds a more competitive source of income.

While those are factors to be considered, I'm not overly concerned about them. Southern has risen six-fold over the last twenty years, and with admirable consistency.

Although you'll never get Apple-like returns from a regulated utility, you have someone watching your back on the downside. Regulated utilities get rate relief on unavoidable costs, supporting their need to achieve a reasonable return on investment,.

Given our overall market caution, we're not going to load up on the stock at this point. We'll start small, and hope to add to it at lower prices, should they become available this summer. Right now the shares yield 4.5%.

The dividend growth rate has been 3.8% compounded for the last five years. Assuming it can keep that up, it should help mitigate the effects of inflation.

1 More Reason Apple Stock Is a Great Buy Today

The global smartphone industry has absolutely exploded into one of the most important segments in all of consumer tech today. And, although the competition in this space has never been fiercer, as names like Nokia and Blackberry attempt to regain their long-lost footholds, it's becoming increasingly apparent that the handset space truly belongs to Apple  (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) and Samsung. Although the first half of 2013 has seen many new and competitive offerings come to market, it's clear that the Apple/Samsung duopoly is as robust as ever. Taking a look at the smartphone industry from the lens of what matters most, profits paint quite the picture. 

It's exactly those profits that have driven such impressive gains for longtime Apple shareholders, who have been handsomely rewarded. However, there is a debate raging as to whether Apple remains a buy. The Motley Fool's senior technology analyst and managing bureau chief, Eric Bleeker, is prepared to fill you in on reasons to buy and reasons to sell Apple, and what opportunities are left for the company (and your portfolio) going forward. To get instant access to his latest thinking on Apple, simply click here now.

How to Lead by Example

We've heard it since kindergarten: the best way to lead is to lead by example. 

Whether it has to do with honesty, work ethic, or customer service, social norms are hugely influential in how we behave and treat others. And, of course, the best way to establish a social norm as a leader is to embody those traits that you want to see in others.

It sounds simple, but how do you actually implement it? 

Start with one thing at a time 
Building a culture of excellence, communication, and respect isn't going to happen overnight -- especially if you're just starting out on this whole leading by example thing. 

Instead of trying to fit in everything but the kitchen sink, sit down and think about the specific norms and traits you most want to see established. Better yet, make a list. It might have three items on it or fifteen, but writing it down will keep it fresh in your mind as you go through the process, and will help you stay focused on these big-ticket, big-picture goals. 

From there, choose one thing. Maybe your trait is "Listen to other people's opinions." Put it on Post-it notes, set a reminder on your phone -- whatever it takes, make it a priority to establish this habit over time. Every day, remind yourself to seek out and listen to the opinions of others.

Once it becomes second nature, say after two weeks, you can go to the next item on the list. It sounds slow perhaps, but do this every day over the course of a year and you've suddenly established 17 killer new habits that you can be proud of. 

Don't ask of others that which you won't do yourself 
If you want your team or your colleagues to deliver on time, be sure you deliver on time. If you want to see great customer service from others, be sure to give it yourself. 

When people see that you are willing and able to do what you say needs to be done, they'll be more likely to do it themselves. This is partially due to social norms (for better or for worse, we tend to mimic others' behaviors), but it's also partly because setting an example demonstrates that the behavior is possible. 

That is to say, sometimes it can be hard to believe that you can maintain patience and an upbeat attitude when a customer is being rude. But if you see someone else demonstrating how to do it, suddenly it's no longer an unattainable ideal. 

On that note, help others reach their potential 
Setting an example is a powerful way of teaching: you show how something gets done by doing it, and people learn by watching. 

And just like your kids, your colleagues see pretty much everything. What they might not see is all the intellectual work that goes into your new great habit; for example, maintaining your cool with that abusive customer. Everyone can see that you've done it, but maybe someone needs a bit more help in learning how to do it. 

If you suspect that might be the case (someone asking you, "Wow, how did you do that!?" is a great hint that it is), be very free with sharing your techniques. Maybe you counted to ten, or pretended the customer was in their underwear, or channeled the example of a really patient person you know.

Whatever it is, share your techniques with others so that they can also learn how to live up to your example. 

Take responsibility 
If you want other people to behave in a moral, professional, or innovative manner, they need to be empowered to take responsibility for their actions -- so of course it's imperative that you as well take responsibility for your actions.

That means that when you fail, own up to it. When you get it wrong, admit it. 

We all lose our cool at the wrong time or slip into a bad habit that we've been trying to break. These shortcomings don't make us losers, they make us human. 

But that doesn't mean they shouldn't be acknowledged and overcome. Taking responsibility for where you've gone wrong will not only humanize you with your colleagues, it will help give them the courage to try to follow your lead and learn from your mistakes. That's because you're showing that mistakes are OK and that they can be overcome. 

By showing up every day and taking responsibility for overcoming those mistakes, you're setting the most important example of all: that self-improvement and excellence are valid, important, and achievable goals. 

How one Seattle couple secured a $60K Social Security bonus -- and you can too
A Seattle couple recently discovered some little-known Social Security secrets that can boost many retirees' income by as much as $60,000. They were shocked by how easy it was to actually take advantage of these loopholes. And although it may seem too good to be true, it's 100% real. In fact, one MarketWatch reporter argues that if more Americans used them, the government would have to shell out an extra $10 billion… every year! So once you learn how to take advantage of these loopholes, you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after, even if you're woefully unprepared. Simply click here to receive your free copy of our new report that details how you can take advantage of these strategies.

Secret Warranties Can Save Car Owners Thousands in Repairs

Getty Images An unexpected auto repair bill can blow a big hole in your budget, but there may be a way to save up to thousands of dollars with just some research. According to the November issue of Consumer Reports, many consumers are getting ripped off because automakers don't widely promote programs that provide free or deeply discounted service work. Such secret or hidden warranties cover often cover things like air conditioning system problems, peeling paint or faulty parts that don't affect the safety of passengers. They contrast that to recalls that cover problems relating to safety, such as the General Motors (GM) ignition switch recall earlier this year. "If you're having a problem, particularly a recurring one," said Jonathon Linkov, deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports, "definitely do some leg work. Talk to the dealer service department." Input your vehicle identification number on the manufacturer's website to find such service actions or campaigns. Tougher Task If You Bought a Used Car Automakers often learn about problems with their vehicles from consumer complaints. They may be frequent enough to pop up in a statistical analysis, but not so widespread that they affect all vehicles of that particular model. If that's the case, the manufacturer often offers a limited extension to the warranty. The magazine reports that, at any given time, consumers can find "one or two of these out-of-warranty service actions from many manufacturers." Second or third owners of a vehicle are more likely to miss out on these repair offers, because dealers' letters of notification usually go only to cars' original buyers. Such offers also are usually included in technical service bulletins the automakers send to their dealer service departments. So if you're driving a used car or don't use a dealer for repairs, you really have to search out these offers. "The general idea of a program that has a running fix is great," said Linkov, "but the fact that you have to dig to find it is a problem." Consumer Reports says that "if your car develops a notable problem that's not connected to wear and tear or collision damage, it might be worth checking" to see whether there is a technical service bulletin related to it. Even if no warranty extension is available, a common problem could give you leverage in negotiating a discount. Linkov says you can push the issue with a regional service manager. "It never hurts to ask." $4,400 or Free? You Decide So how much money can you save by uncovering a hidden warranty? A Consumer Reports staffer got an estimate on repairing the air conditioning of a 2007 Honda (HMC) CR-V. The price: $681, plus tax. But after asking Honda customer service about an extended warranty, the price for the repair came down to $100. Another Honda needed a lower block replacement. The bill for parts and labor came to $4,400. With the warranty, the repair was free. Consumer Reports notes that Honda is among the most reliable cars on the road and that its service campaigns are "unusually generous." Linkov notes that hidden warranty programs often cover problems that affect only a relatively small number of cars. To research these secret and hidden warranties, you'll need your vehicle identification number. Then call the dealer's service department, check the automaker's website, look in the "owners" section of SaferCar.gov or go to ConsumerReports.org/carrecalls. When you get into that back office and start signing all the paperwork, the topic of extended warranties will come up pretty quickly. Ellie Kay, an author of 15 finance-related books, notes that such warranties are negotiable. "Before you sign on the dotted line, check out other sources of extended warranty pricing," she says, such as those provided by your bank or insurance company. "Then either use this lower price in the financial and insurance office for negotiation to get them to match the price, or buy it from the other source." A scenario from Kay during her last car purchase: "The dealer quoted me $4,200 for a three-year extended warranty for my 280SLK Roadster Mercedes that included a $250 deductible. USAA -- my insurance company -- gave me a three-year warranty for $3,200 with zero deductible. I've used the new warranty once already. The bill was $1,100 and I paid nothing because of the zero deductible." Bottom line: The default extended warranty is almost always the worst deal. 1. You'll get the dealer's extended warranty You may have a monthly payment figure in your head when shopping for a new car, but your interests are better served when you focus on the out-the-door price instead. "A sales rep can often trick you by offering a lower monthly payment, but [one that] will stretch out the terms of the loan," says David Bakke, a car buying expert at MoneyCrashers.com. You can reduce the overall cost of the car via negotiation and by skipping accessories and add-ons. "Things like navigation systems, rims, floor mats or car audio/entertainment systems can be purchased from a third party vendor, usually for less."

ESPN suspends Bill Simmons for three weeks

  Why the NFL rules TV NEW YORK (CNNMoney) On Tuesday, ESPN writer and host Bill Simmons called NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a "liar" and essentially dared his employer to object. On Wednesday, ESPN responded by suspending him for three weeks.

"Every employee must be accountable to ESPN and those engaged in our editorial operations must also operate within ESPN's journalistic standards," the sports network said in a statement.

"We have worked hard to ensure that our recent NFL coverage has met that criteria," the network said. "Bill Simmons did not meet those obligations in a recent podcast, and as a result we have suspended him for three weeks."

The suspension apparently extended to Simmons' social media accounts -- he did not immediately comment on the network's decision. But his fans complained en masse, making the #FreeSimmons hashtag a trending topic on Twitter on Wednesday evening.

On a podcast on Tuesday, Simmons was outspoken about Goodell's handling of the Ray Rice domestic violence scandal. He repeatedly labeled Goodell a "liar" and used expletives to express doubt that other league executives didn't know about the content of the elevator video released by TMZ earlier this month. In the video, Rice was shown striking his now-wife.

During what was widely described as a rant, Simmons also said that if ESPN called or e-mailed him to chastise him for his opinions, "I'm going public."

"You leave me alone," he said, seemingly referring to ESPN, which has employed him since 2001. "The commissioner is a liar, and I get to talk about that on my podcast. Please, call me and say I'm in trouble, I dare you."

There was immediate speculation that ESPN might take action, and on Wednesday, it did. Simmons' implied references to his bosses ("you leave me alone," etcetera) seemed to exacerbate the issue.

Wednesday's action is not the first time that ESPN has suspended Simmons, who is the editor in chief of the ESPN web site Grantland and a contributor to telecasts of "NBA Countdown." He is a vital, vocal, and popular voice for the network -- and a controversial one, as well.

In 2009, he was reportedly suspended from Twitter for two weeks for criticizing ESPN radio affiliate WEEI.

And last year he was suspended after ridiculing ESPN's "First Take" -- he had called a segment between Skip Bayless and Seattle Seahawks' cornerback Richard Sherman "an em! barrassment."

ESPN is controlled by The Walt Disney Company.