**but a degree in theology results in the lowest payout**
That is because those called to preach have a higher calling not of this world.
I know a man who had a great job with a major retailing company and was making beaucoup of money!
He gave it all up to become a preacher in a small 40 member church because he felt he was called to that church.
And if you want to make money, go to a trade school! Welding, Carpentry, Electrician, Plumber, mechanic! Dirty work but it reeks of MONEY!
Just for the record, I learned at the school of Hard Knocks and did well learning almost all of this above.
You mentioned going to a trade school. Based on what I’ve seen & heard you may very well be right. I worked most of my years as a skilled mechanic & never made what they said I should be making, but maybe a trade is still a good answer. It might make quite a difference as to which trade you ply or the area where you work. Actually now that I am retired, I do better (for several reasons) living on S.S. than I ever did working as a mechanic, so I would hesitate recommending that particular trade to a young person unless they have some assurance of what they will be making. Be VERY wary of working on commission until you are sure of just how many hours you can turn in.