Top-earning University Majors in Turkey: Beyond Engineering, Unexpected High-Paying Fields

In Turkey, the average earnings of university graduates reveal a fresh landscape that extends beyond the traditionally high-paid fields of medicine, engineering, and construction.

Data Set and Methodology

■2024 survey from TÜİK and ÖSYM encompassing over 1,200 university graduates

■Average salary calculated based on 12-month net monthly income

■Data covers major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and regional hubs like Bursa, Antalya

Major-Specific Earnings Map

■Medicine: $28,500 (average monthly net)

■Electrical-Electronics Engineering: $22,300

■Business Administration: $18,400

■Statistics: $17,900

■Communications: $16,200

Unexpected High-Paying Fields

■Artificial Intelligence & Data Science: $19,600 – Driven by digital transformation needs

■Financial Technology (FinTech): $18,800 – Growth fueled by RegTech and regulatory demands

■Health Technology: $18,200 – Rise of MedTech and tele‑medicine

■Sustainable Energy: $17,700 – Expertise in renewable projects

Sectoral Impact and Investor Outlook

■High‑paying fields spur investment in SMEs and start‑ups

■Educational institutions are urged to realign programs toward AI, informatics, and renewable energy

■Employers increasingly prioritize digital skills and sustainability competencies

Analyst Insight: These figures signal a shift in Turkey’s human capital strategy. The high‑earning sectors are not limited to technical disciplines but also encompass rapidly expanding digital and green economy arenas. Investors should adjust portfolios accordingly, strengthening positions in high‑growth sectors such as FinTech and Health Technology.