How Much Do Stanford Grads Earn? Salary Guide

Stanford University, one of the world's most prestigious institutions, is renowned for its academic excellence, innovative research, and successful alumni. The university's strong reputation, coupled with its location in the heart of Silicon Valley, provides graduates with a competitive edge in the job market. In this article, we will delve into the salary guide for Stanford graduates, exploring the average earnings across various fields and industries.
Average Salary for Stanford Grads

According to data from the Stanford University Career Development Center, the average starting salary for Stanford graduates is around 83,000. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on the field of study, industry, and location. For instance, graduates in the fields of <strong>computer science</strong> and <strong>engineering</strong> tend to earn higher salaries, with average starting salaries ranging from 100,000 to over 150,000. On the other hand, graduates in the humanities and social sciences may earn lower salaries, with average starting salaries ranging from 50,000 to $70,000.
Salary by Field of Study
The following table provides a breakdown of the average starting salaries for Stanford graduates by field of study:
Field of Study | Average Starting Salary |
---|---|
Computer Science | $124,000 |
Engineering | $114,000 |
Business | $93,000 |
Law | $85,000 |
Medicine | $80,000 |
Humanities | $55,000 |
Social Sciences | $58,000 |

It's worth noting that these figures are based on national averages and can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, and experience. Additionally, while salary is an important consideration, it's not the only factor to consider when choosing a career path. Other factors, such as personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth and development, should also be taken into account.
Salary by Industry
The following table provides a breakdown of the average starting salaries for Stanford graduates by industry:
Industry | Average Starting Salary |
---|---|
Technology | $130,000 |
Finance | $105,000 |
Consulting | $95,000 |
Healthcare | $85,000 |
Non-Profit | $60,000 |
Government | $65,000 |
As can be seen, the technology industry tends to offer the highest starting salaries, followed closely by finance and consulting. This is likely due to the high demand for skilled workers in these fields, as well as the potential for significant bonuses and stock options.
Mid-Career Salaries for Stanford Grads

While starting salaries are an important consideration, it’s also essential to look at mid-career salaries to get a sense of the long-term earning potential for Stanford graduates. According to data from the Stanford University Career Development Center, the average mid-career salary for Stanford graduates is around $140,000. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on the field of study and industry.
Mid-Career Salary by Field of Study
The following table provides a breakdown of the average mid-career salaries for Stanford graduates by field of study:
Field of Study | Average Mid-Career Salary |
---|---|
Computer Science | $200,000 |
Engineering | $180,000 |
Business | $160,000 |
Law | $150,000 |
Medicine | $140,000 |
Humanities | $90,000 |
Social Sciences | $100,000 |
As can be seen, the average mid-career salary for Stanford graduates in the fields of computer science and engineering is significantly higher than in other fields. This is likely due to the high demand for skilled workers in these fields, as well as the potential for significant bonuses and stock options.
Mid-Career Salary by Industry
The following table provides a breakdown of the average mid-career salaries for Stanford graduates by industry:
Industry | Average Mid-Career Salary |
---|---|
Technology | $220,000 |
Finance | $200,000 |
Consulting | $180,000 |
Healthcare | $160,000 |
Non-Profit | $110,000 |
Government | $120,000 |
As can be seen, the technology industry tends to offer the highest mid-career salaries, followed closely by finance and consulting. This is likely due to the high demand for skilled workers in these fields, as well as the potential for significant bonuses and stock options.
What is the average starting salary for Stanford graduates?
+The average starting salary for Stanford graduates is around $83,000. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on the field of study and industry.
What is the average mid-career salary for Stanford graduates?
+The average mid-career salary for Stanford graduates is around $140,000. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on the field of study and industry.
Which field of study tends to offer the highest starting salaries for Stanford graduates?
+The field of computer science tends to offer the highest starting salaries for Stanford graduates, with an average starting salary of $124,000.
In conclusion, Stanford graduates tend to earn high salaries, with average starting salaries ranging from 50,000 to over 150,000 depending on the field of study and industry. Mid-career salaries are also significant, with averages ranging from 90,000 to over 200,000. While salary is an important consideration, it’s essential to consider other factors such as company culture, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth and development when evaluating job opportunities.