What Are the Most Popular Jobs for Graduates?

Whether you're a high school senior trying to decide on a major or a college student ready to receive your diploma, it's important to know the job outlook and average salary for positions in your career path. Check out 12 of the most popular jobs for new graduates to help guide your future decisions.

1. Marketing Coordinator

According to Business News Daily, the average marketing coordinator earns $43,000 per year, as of 2017. New graduates with degrees in marketing, communications or public relations should consider this position.

2. Lab Technician

Those with an educational background in biology, chemistry or biochemistry may want to apply as a lab technician, a job that pays about $39,000 per year.

3. Software Engineer

If you're a new graduate with a background in information technology, electrical engineering, or science and engineering, think about a career as a software engineer. The median salary is $90,000.

4. Substitute Teacher

Substitute teachers make an average of $25,000 per year as of 2017, according to Business New Daily. Consider this career if your degree is in education, music or liberal arts.

5. Account Manager

If you're a new graduate with a degree in business, communications or marketing, think about a career as an account manager. The average pay is $50,000 per year.

6. Engineer

Engineers make an average of $70,500 per year, as of 2017. Careers in this field may include mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering or electrical engineering.

7. Financial Analyst

Consider a career as a financial analyst if you're a new graduate with a degree in finance, accounting or economics. Financial analysts make an average of $64,000 per year.

8. Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants are needed in a variety of areas, and those with business, psychology or communications degrees are most common. The median salary for an administrative assistant is $40,000 per year, according to Business News Daily.

9. Web Developer

If your educational background lies in philosophy, information technology, or computer science and engineering, a career as a web developer may be right for you. The average salary for this position is about $61,000.

10. Data Analyst

New graduates with a degree in economics, mathematics or information technology might enjoy a career in data analytics, where the median salary is $60,000 per year.

11. Social Media Manager

If you're graduating with a degree in English, communications or public relations, think about a career as a social media manager. The average salary, as of 2017, is $44,000.

12. Sales Associate

Sales associates make an average of $38,000 per year. Graduates who enter this career field typically come from English, business or political science majors.

When new graduates begin their job search, the possibilities can seem overwhelming. Consider one of these 12 popular jobs when beginning your search for a new career.

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