Highest Earning Degrees France: Entry-Level & Senior Manager Salaries

Choosing a degree in France often shapes how well someone can earn and how fast a career can grow. Many people plan to work in France after graduation, so salary potential matters as much as interest and skills. Some fields offer stronger demand, better pay, and clearer paths into top jobs in France.

In France, engineering, business administration , finance , medicine, and law lead to the highest earnings, with MBA s and advanced finance or engineering degrees often reaching six‑figure salaries at senior levels. These degrees connect to roles in management, consulting, banking, technology, and healthcare, where employers pay more for experience and responsibility.

Pay does not depend on a degree alone. Experience, job level, location, and language skills can raise income over time. International graduates who understand how to work in France and target the right roles can improve their long‑term earning potential.

Quick Answer: Degrees Pay Best In France?

Degrees that lead to the highest-paying jobs in France usually fall into healthcare, engineering , business, and technology. These fields match strong labor demand and strict skill needs, which pushes salaries higher.

Medical degrees sit at the top. Doctors, surgeons, and specialists earn some of the highest incomes in the country. Long training and licensing rules limit supply, which supports high pay.

Engineering degrees also rank high. Graduates in aerospace, industrial, and electrical engineering often work in large firms or advanced industries. Many roles offer stable demand and strong salary growth.

Business and finance degrees pay well, especially from top schools. MBAs and finance master’s degrees lead to roles in consulting, investment banking, and management. Pay varies widely based on school reputation and experience.

Technology-focused degrees continue to grow in value. Computer science and data-related degrees support roles in software engineering, cybersecurity, and data analysis. These jobs benefit from France’s expanding tech sector.

Common high-paying degrees and roles

Degree Field	Typical High-Paying Roles
Medicine	Surgeon, medical specialist
Engineering	Industrial engineer, aerospace engineer
Business & MBA	Management consultant, finance manager
Computer Science	Software engineer, cybersecurity analyst
Law	Corporate lawyer, tax lawyer

Pay depends on experience, location, and employer size. Paris and large cities often offer higher salaries but also higher living costs.

Highest Earning Degrees France For Freshers (Entry Level)

In France, some degrees lead to strong pay even at entry level. Employers value skills tied to health, engineering, and data. Public and private sectors both hire fresh graduates.

Medicine in France stands out for stable early income after required training steps. Medical graduates earn modest pay during internships, then see steady increases once licensed. Hospitals and clinics offer clear pay scales and job security.

Other degrees also deliver solid starting salaries. Engineering and tech roles often pay more at entry level than many business roles. Finance and law can pay well, but results depend on school rank and location.

Typical entry-level pay ranges in France (gross annual estimates)

Degree	Common Entry Roles	Pay Range
Medicine	Medical intern, junior doctor	€30,000–€45,000
Engineering	Junior engineer	€35,000–€45,000
Computer Science	Software developer	€35,000–€50,000
Data Science	Data analyst	€38,000–€50,000
Finance	Analyst	€33,000–€45,000
Law	Junior associate	€30,000–€42,000

Freshers often boost pay with internships and strong grades. Paris and other large cities usually offer higher salaries. Public roles trade higher stability for slower early pay growth.

Highest Earning Degrees At Senior Manager Level

At the senior manager level in France, certain degrees lead to higher pay due to responsibility, scale, and experience. Employers reward leaders who manage teams, budgets, and long-term strategy.

Business and engineering degrees dominate this level. Many professionals reach senior roles after 8–15 years of work, often with added certifications or executive training.

Common degrees linked to senior manager pay:

Degree	Typical Senior Roles	Annual Pay Range
MBA / Business Administration	General Manager, Strategy Director	€90,000–€130,000
Engineering	Engineering Manager, Operations Director	€85,000–€125,000
Finance / Accounting	Finance Director, Financial Controller	€90,000–€140,000
Computer Science / IT	IT Director, Head of Technology	€85,000–€130,000
Medicine	Hospital Director, Senior Medical Manager	€100,000–€180,000

MBA graduates often move into leadership roles across many industries. They oversee growth plans, teams, and performance targets.

Engineering managers earn strong pay in manufacturing, energy, and aerospace. They lead large projects and control technical risks.

Finance and IT leaders see steady demand in large firms and global groups. Their pay rises with company size and years of experience.

Medical degrees stand out in senior hospital and private sector roles. These positions combine clinical knowledge with management duties.

Factors That Boost Salaries Beyond The Degree

A degree sets a base level for salary in France, but other factors often raise pay much more. Employers look closely at experience, job role, and location when setting wages.

Work experience matters more over time. Professionals with five to ten years in the same field often earn far more than recent graduates. Leadership duties, team size, and budget control also increase pay.

Location plays a strong role in income levels. Jobs in Paris and other large cities usually pay more due to higher living costs. Regional differences can change monthly net pay by several hundred euros.

In-demand skills raise salaries faster than degrees alone. Fields like healthcare, engineering, finance, and technology reward specialized skills. Certifications, technical tools, and strong language skills often lead to higher offers.

Employment sector also affects earnings. Private companies usually pay more than public roles for the same degree. Large firms and international employers often offer higher bonuses and benefits.

The table below shows common factors that raise earnings:

Factor	Impact on Salary
Work experience	Strong long-term increase
Job location	Higher pay in major cities
Specialized skills	Faster salary growth
Management role	Higher base and bonuses

Public data from Pôle emploi often shows which roles face worker shortages. Jobs with low supply and high demand tend to offer higher wages, even with the same degree.

How International Students Can Maximize Earnings In France

International students can raise their income by choosing degrees with strong job demand. Fields like engineering, computer science, finance, and medicine often lead to higher starting salaries. Business programs at schools such as HEC Paris also connect students to top employers in consulting, finance, and management.

They can work part time while studying. French law allows most international students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Common roles include campus jobs, hospitality work, and paid internships, especially in large cities like Paris.

Internships play a key role in long-term earnings. Many French degrees include mandatory or optional internships , which help students gain local experience. Employers often hire interns after graduation, which reduces job search time and improves salary offers.

Language skills improve access to better roles. While many programs teach in English, basic French helps students secure higher-paying internships and client-facing jobs. It also widens access to small and mid-size companies.

Graduates can use post-study work options to increase income. France offers a temporary residence permit after graduation, which allows time to find full-time work. Salaries often rise after the first year of local experience.

Tips to boost earnings

• Choose degrees with strong industry demand

• Target internships early

• Build French language skills

• Use university career services and alumni networks
  

Free 15-Min France Study & Career Plan With EduMox

Students exploring the highest earning degrees in France can get direct guidance from EduMox. We offer a free 15-minute consult focused on study choices, costs, and job outcomes in France.

EduMox works with students who plan to study in fields like MBA, engineering, computer science, finance, medicine, and luxury brand management . The session stays short and practical.

What the consult covers:

• Degree options linked to strong pay in France

• Tuition ranges and living costs

• English-taught programs and intake timelines

• Entry rules, language needs, and visa steps

• Early career roles and typical salary ranges
  

We base advice on the student’s background, budget, and career goals. The discussion stays neutral and fact-based.

How the free consult works:

1. Book a 15-minute slot online

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EduMox supports students planning to study in France from India and other countries. The consult helps students move forward with a clear plan and next steps.