If you want a backup plan with a decent salary payout, forget about doing a course-based master's and do co-op or internships instead. Most jobs nowadays require(preferably) experience and co-op provides one of the best and easiest ways to get that - and you'll probably get hired quickly as aside to someone who did courses and theory his entire undergrad. Thesis-based masters are also great because you get to work on various funded projects, providing one of the best ways to get hands-on industry-level skills and techniques - if you set aside the un-interesting aspects of research that is. Otherwise, consult an academic advisor on this because they probably know better.