Much of the media surrounding the topic of selecting a college major involves tapping into what a student is passionate about and encouraging them to follow that. High school students all over the country have heard the do what you love and the money will follow speech. Still, many talented students are not interested in following a particular passion, but in pursuing whatever is going to give them the best life in the long run. If that sounds like you, then check out CNBC’s official list of the top paying majors of 2019. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, all ten of these fields are STEM related, continuing the premium on technical knowledge in modern America. The professions on this list range from pharmaceuticals, to engineering, to economics. Petroleum engineering takes the number one spot this year, with alumni earning anywhere from $94,500 to $176,900.

But in the end, the article does go back to that old adage, urging that students choose a major that they can find meaning in and not just rely on the number on the paystub. Even if your primary focus in education is getting to a higher paying job, career satisfaction still plays an important part in happiness long term.

Read the full list here.