10 Highest Paying Liberal Arts Jobs You Might Not Know

10 Highest Paying Liberal Arts Jobs You Might Not Know

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This article is our latest study on the Highest Paying Liberal Arts Jobs.

We’ve gathered information from 100+ videos and online materials to compile a list of the highest-paying jobs for liberal arts majors.

This article is perfect for people with liberal arts degrees and those wishing to get into liberal arts programs.

Liberal arts majors can get jobs in a broad range of sectors, including labor relations, substance abuse treatment, social sciences, automation, and artificial intelligence. 

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#10. Social Worker

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Salary.com
  • Low Range: $48,172 per year
  • High Range: $73,954 per year
  • Median Pay: $60,634 per year
Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Social workers help people learn how to solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives. They work with many different groups of people, including children, families, and the elderly. 

What degrees are usually required?

Most social work positions require an undergraduate liberal arts degree at a minimum. But, some positions may require a master’s degree or even a Ph.D. 

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

You may land your job in the following places.

  • Therapy companies like Talkspace.
  • Support organizations like Wesley Family Services.
  • International charities such as the Salvation Army.

What is the best way to get this job?

Many social workers start as teachers, scientists, nurses, psychologists, doctors, or graduates from law school. Then shift mid-career to social work. Some also begin by volunteering for community-based assistance programs.

How bright is their future?

The job outlook for social workers is positive, with an expected growth of 12% between 2020 and 2030. 

What is it like to be a social worker?


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#9. Political Scientists

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: ZipRecruiter
  • Low Range: $18,500 per year
  • High Range: $150,500 per year
  • Median Range: $64,894 per year
Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

A political scientist studies political trends and tries to predict how they’ll affect the future. They also create models and simulations to understand the past and current state of politics.

The median pay for a political scientist was $64,894 a year. 

How bright is their future?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth of 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.

Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors : Image: YouTube (Video Link below)
Image: YouTube (Video Link below)

What degrees are usually required?

Political scientists need at least an advanced degree for most positions, but some research jobs require a Ph.D. 

What skills are usually required?

You should have strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Companies will prefer candidates who can effectively communicate ideas.

Where do they work?

Political scientists typically work in universities, government agencies, think tanks, or private companies. 

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

  • Grassroots teams. 
  • Charitable trusts.  
  • Outreach teams. 

What is the best way to get this job? 

Once you have the necessary qualifications, check out company websites and job boards for vacancies. You can as well start from low-paying positions and work up the ladder to the top.

What is it like to be a political scientist


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#8. News Anchor

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Glassdoor
  • Low Range: $34,000 per year 
  • High Range: $135,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $66,491 per year
Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors : Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

What do they do?

A news anchor is a person who delivers the news on television. News anchors are usually broadcast journalists who report facts to their audience. 

What degrees are usually required?

News Anchors must have a minimum of a liberal arts degree in journalism or communications, with some employers preferring candidates with master’s degrees.

What is the experience usually required?

Many employers prefer candidates who have experience working as an assistant producer at a television station or newspaper before applying. 

What skills are usually required?

  • Good writing skills.
  • Detailed-oriented candidates.
  • Solid interpersonal skills.
  • Be able to work under pressure.
  • Excellent leadership skills.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

Media companies hire News anchors in the US.

  • The Washington Post.
  • CNN.
  • Sinclair Broadcast Group.
  • New York Times.

What is the best way to get this job?

You can start in low positions or with small stations and advance to the most prestigious ranks of this lucrative career.

How bright is their future?

The BLS projects a 6 percent increase in News Anchors’ jobs by 2030.

How do you become a news anchor?

#7. Writer

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Glassdoor
  • Low Range: $27,000 per year
  • High Range: $186,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $66,851 per year
Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors : Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

What do they do?

Writing is one of the career paths that require knowledge of the arts. These professionals can write resumes, press releases, blog posts, or emails.

Where do they work?

Writers work in a variety of fields, including journalism, advertising, marketing, publishing, education, and business. 

What degrees are usually required?

You need at least a bachelor’s degree in English, communications, fine arts, or social sciences to become a writer. Some employers prefer technical writers who have at least a graduate liberal arts degree in creative writing.

What skills are usually required?

Some jobs will require specific skills, but most will be looking for a writer who has an excellent command of English and can express themselves clearly in writing.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

You can land your dream writing job on these platforms:

  • Online platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com.
  • Media houses.

What is the best way to get this job?

After completing your liberal arts studies, you start working on your writing skills. Aim to create a positive public image for yourself. Read books and articles, write short stories and essays, and make sure that you are always improving your skills. 

How bright is their future?

According to BLS, there will be a 9 percent increase in writers’ jobs for English majors by 2030.

What is it like to be a writer?

https://youtu.be/H22F43CwXVk

#6. Graphic Designers/Artists

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Glassdoor
  • Low Range: $31,000 per year
  • High Range: $171,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $71,629 per year
Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors : Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

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What do they do?

Graphic artists and designers develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. 

The images created by these artists can reflect social trends and be used as promotional materials for companies.

These creatives can turn hand-drawn sketches into sharp visual images.

The annual salaries for these professionals range from $31k to $171k.

Where do they work?

They work in computer systems design firms, advertising agencies, and publishing companies. They can also work in freelance capacities on a contract basis. 

What degrees are usually required?

This field isn’t for programming majors alone. 

Most graphic designers only have an undergraduate degree in graphic design or related liberal arts subjects such as fine arts. 

What skills are usually required?

The most common skills are:

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

These online platforms have graphic design jobs:

  • Job Boards, e.g., Dribble
  • Design Kids
  • We Work Remotely
  • Angel. co
  • AIGA Design Jobs
  • Coroflot

What is the best way to get this job?

You can start by conducting research on top jobs that are more entry-level. For example, many websites allow you to work while developing your abilities. 

Enrolling in career training is also a good way to grow your network and learn more about your career path.

How bright is their future?

The BLS predicts 23,900 new jobs yearly for graphic designers between 2020 and 2030.

What is it like to be a graphic designer?

#5. High School Teacher

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Salary Explorer
  • Low Range: $36,500 per year
  • High Range: $116,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $74,400 per year
Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors : Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

What do they do?

High school teachers work with students, setting the foundation for their future careers and lives. They are at the forefront of liberal arts education.

What degrees are usually required?

A high school teaching position requires at least an undergraduate liberal arts degree to qualify for positions at public schools. Some private schools typically require a master’s degree. 

What skills are usually required?

The most important skill you will need is the ability to develop a curriculum that engages students and helps them learn what they need to know. 

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

You may get your teaching job in learning institutions such as:

  • Baltimore City Public School System
  • New York Department of Education
  • Dallas Independent School District
  • Chicago Public Schools
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

What is the best way to get this job?

You can start by applying directly to the school’s human resources manager. Then interview for the available positions.

How bright is their future?

According to data from BLS, there will be an 8% increase in the number of high school teaching jobs by 2030.

What is it like to be a high school teacher?


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#4. Economist

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Glassdoor
  • Low Range: $37,000 per year
  • High Range: $268,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $96,066 per year
Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors : Credits: Pexels
Credits: Pexels

What do they do?

Economists use statistics, math, and computer software to analyze data on prices, production, wages, and much more. This information helps companies, government agencies, and other organizations make better decisions about resource allocation.

What degrees are usually required?

You don’t have to master computer languages to be an economist. Most employers require at least an undergraduate degree in economics or a related field such as finance, business administration, political science, or mathematics. 

What skills are usually required?

You also need strong analytical skills as well as written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with other professionals and present your findings to clients or colleagues.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

You can land your dream job with the following companies.

  • E-commerce sites.
  • Non-Profit organizations such as RTI International
  • Mortgage associations such as Fannie Mae
  • Banking institutions such as the World Bank.
  • Government agencies.

What is the best way to get this job?

You can look at local newspapers or ask your friends if they know anything about openings in companies that employ economists. Then send out a well-tailored resume to the company’s human resources manager.

How bright is their future?

The BLS predicts a 13 percent increase in employment for economists by 2030. 

How do you become an economist?

#3. Fundraising Manager

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Salary.com
  • Low Range: $65,871 per year
  • High Range: $131,195 per year
  • Median Salary: $103,919 per year
Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors : Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

What do they do?

Fundraising managers use their knowledge of philanthropy, public relations, and business to ensure that organizations meet their designated financial goals. They are adept at writing grant proposals, developing a fundraising strategy, and overseeing the fundraising process. 

What degrees are usually required?

Most fundraising managers need liberal arts background of at least a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or business administration. 

While some employers will accept candidates who have any combination of education and experience, most seek candidates with a solid background in fundraising. 

What skills are usually required?

Fundraising managers should have excellent interpersonal skills as well as strong oral and written communication skills. 

How bright is their future?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for fundraising managers are expected to grow by 13% by 2030—faster than the average for all occupations in the United States.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

The following companies offer fundraising managerial positions.

  • Businesses.
  • Non-Profit organizations.
  • Government agencies.

What is the best way to get this job?

The best way to prepare for a successful career as a fundraising manager is to start volunteering with nonprofits in areas that align with your career paths, such as animal rights or homelessness. 

How do you become a fundraising manager?

#2. Psychologist

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Glassdoor
  • Low Range: $36,000 per year
  • High Range: $377,000 per year
  • Median Pay: $107,110 per year
Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors : Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

What do they do?

Psychologists are health care professionals who study behavioral patterns and provide counseling services to people with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and mental health disorders. 

As a liberal arts major, psychologists study human behavior.

What degrees are usually required?

A liberal arts major requires at least five years of graduate education in behavioral sciences. 

You may need additional certifications to operate as a psychologist in the US.

What skills are usually required?

Psychologists need to be able to communicate effectively and empathize with others. They must also be able to analyze research data, interpret statistics, and write clearly and effectively.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

  • Government agencies.
  • Consortiums such as Kaiser Permanente.
  • Private Practice.

What is the best way to get this job?

You can start by seeking the necessary certifications and licences. Then develop your skills in low-level positions as you move up to the top job. Joining a national association for psychologists may broaden your network.

How bright is their future?

The BLS projects a growth of 8 percent in this job market.

What is it like to be a psychologist?


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#1. Archeologist

How much do they get paid?

  • Source: Salary Explorer
  • Low Range: $60,600 per year 
  • High Range: $193,000 per year 
  • Median Pay: $124,000 per year
Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors : Credits: Unsplash
Credits: Unsplash

What do they do?

Archeologists look at things like pottery, tools, bones, and art to learn about how people lived in the past. 

What degrees and Skills are usually required?

While a bachelor’s degree is enough for some entry-level positions, most full-time archeologists need at least a master’s degree or Ph.D. in anthropology or archeology. 

You’ll also probably need to be able to speak at least one foreign language like Spanish or French if you want to work on any international projects, which many do.

Other skills required are:

  • Analytical thinking.
  •  Attention to detail.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Creative problem-solving skills.

Who’s hiring for these jobs?

  • Learning institutions.
  • Museums.
  • Historic offices.
  • Excavation sites.

What is the best way to get this job?

As an archeology or history major, you should participate in an archeological dig while you are in school. You should also gain experience by volunteering on digs, either before or after college. 

How bright is their future?

The BLS expects the job outlook for archaeologists to grow as fast as the average for all occupations by 2030 (7%). 

How do you become an archeologist?

Conclusion

Some of the highest-earning jobs for liberal arts majors are human resources specialists, public relations specialists, human services managers, and business owners positions. 

Creative directors are arts degree holders that earn high salaries today.

You can work in a diverse range of fields such as personnel administration, occupying different positions.

The easiest way to get those jobs is to major in something that aligns with your interests and abilities. For instance, philosophy majors may settle for teaching jobs, among other good-paying positions.

Insider Tips
🚀 A thoughtful CV is more likely to get a thoughtful response. Often "thoughtful" just means you have taken the time to understand what they need and reflect that understanding on your CV. 
🤖 Use Jasper to tailor the CV and cover letter for you to 10X your interviews.
💡 Check out these tools to boost your productivity and impact.

References

[1]  https://www.payscale.com/

[2]  https://www.bls.gov/

[3] https://www.ziprecruiter.com/

[4] https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/index.htm

[5] https://www.salary.com/

[6] https://www.zippia.com/


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SJ Tsai
Chief Editor. Writer wrangler. Research guru. Three years at scijournal. Hails from a family with five PhDs. When not shaping content, creates art. Peek at the collection on Etsy. For thoughts and updates, hit up Twitter.

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