The 15 Best Liberal Arts Degree Jobs

It’s time to challenge the outdated notion that a liberal arts degree can’t lead to successful career prospects. While some may poke fun at your choice of major, the reality is that your liberal arts education equips you with invaluable skills and knowledge that are highly sought after in today’s job market.

Whether you are a recent graduate or contemplating a career transition, your liberal arts degree can open doors to numerous rewarding careers, many of which offer salaries above $50,000 per year. Don’t underestimate the potential of your education; it’s a powerful asset in the modern workforce.

Key Takeaways:

• There are numerous excellent career paths for liberal arts graduates, such as becoming an economist, a public relations director, or a teacher.
• Some professions, such as psychologists, require advanced degrees to advance their careers.
• The management analyst field currently has over 107,160 positions, with a projected job growth rate of 14%.

Detailed List of the Top 15 Best Liberal Arts Degree Jobs

1. Economist

   Average Salary: $114,896 per year
   Jobs Available: 1,044
   Job Growth Rate: 8%

   Economists study history and human behavior to analyze and forecast economic trends. While financial knowledge is essential, understanding human behavior is equally crucial.

   What to expect: This role offers a lucrative average of $55.24 per hour, and many economists enter the field with just a bachelor’s degree; about 58.4% currently hold that level of education.

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2. Management Analyst

   Average Salary: $80,245 per year
   Current Jobs Available: 107,160
   Job Growth Rate: 14%

   Management analysts leverage their broad knowledge to improve organizational efficiency. They collaborate with teams to analyze operations and identify improvements.

   What to expect: This role offers an average of $35.75 per hour, with 65.8% of professionals in the field holding bachelor’s degrees.

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3. Public Relations Director

   Average Salary: $79,185 per year
   Jobs Available: 34,382
   Job Growth Rate: 8%

   Public relations directors lead communication strategies and manage teams, requiring creativity and strong leadership.

   What to expect: With an average of $38.07 per hour, this role typically requires a bachelor’s degree, which 81.1% of professionals in the field possess.

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4. Art Director

   Average Salary: $74,672 per year
   Jobs Available: 22,523
   Job Growth Rate: 1%

   Art directors oversee creative projects from conception to execution, making them ideal for those with a keen eye for design and leadership.

   What to expect: This role pays an average of $35.90 per hour, and 74.6% of current art directors hold a bachelor’s degree.

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5. Psychologist

   Average Salary: $72,956 per year
   Jobs Available: 5,785
   Job Growth Rate: 14%

   Psychologists study human behavior and cognition, often requiring advanced degrees to practice effectively.

   What to expect: Psychologists earn an average of $35.08 per hour. While many require advanced degrees, 46.5% enter the field with just a bachelor’s degree.

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6. Advertising Manager

   Average Salary: $72,946 per year
   Jobs Available: 43,833
   Job Growth Rate: 8%

   Advertising managers lead creative campaigns and coordinate teams to drive sales and brand awareness.

   What to expect: This role offers an average of $35.07 per hour, with 77.2% holding a bachelor’s degree.

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7. Human Resources Specialist

   Average Salary: $69,616 per year
   Jobs Available: 42,604
   Job Growth Rate: 5%

   HR specialists focus on recruitment, training, and employee relations, making strong communication essential.

   What to expect: This position earns about $33.47 per hour, with 67.9% of HR specialists holding a bachelor’s degree.

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8. Educational Administrator

   Average Salary: $63,673 per year
   Jobs Available: 51,520
   Job Growth Rate: 4%

   Educational administrators manage school systems, focusing on curriculum coordination and staff oversight.

   What to expect: With an average salary of $30.61 per hour, this role typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree.

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9. Archaeologist

   Average Salary: $58,944 per year
   Jobs Available: 4,908
   Job Growth Rate: 10%

   Archaeologists study historical artifacts and cultural history, making this a fulfilling role for history enthusiasts.

   What to expect: Archaeologists earn an average of $28.34 per hour, with 74.4% holding bachelor’s degrees.

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10. Writer

    Average Salary: $57,413 per year
    Jobs Available: 29,433
    Job Growth Rate: 2%

    Writers can express creativity in various formats, from freelancing to blogging, making it a versatile career.

    What to expect: Writers earn an average of $27.60 per hour, with 73.9% holding a bachelor’s degree.

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11. Sales Representative

    Average Salary: $56,106 per year
    Jobs Available: 169,231
    Job Growth Rate: 2%

    Sales representatives play a crucial role in driving revenue for businesses through effective communication and relationship building.

    What to expect: This role pays about $26.97 per hour, with a significant portion requiring only a bachelor’s degree.

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12. Editor

    Average Salary: $51,516 per year
    Jobs Available: 30,368
    Job Growth Rate: -3%

    Editors ensure clarity and correctness in written content, requiring strong communication and organizational skills.

    What to expect: Editors earn an average of $24.77 per hour, with 76.5% holding bachelor’s degrees.

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13. Social Worker

    Average Salary: $51,178 per year
    Jobs Available: 72,053
    Job Growth Rate: 11%

    Social workers assist individuals facing challenges, requiring compassion and strong communication skills.

    What to expect: Social workers earn around $24.60 per hour, with 58.6% needing a bachelor’s degree to enter the field.

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14. Secondary Teacher

    Average Salary: $51,048 per year
    Jobs Available: 62,958
    Job Growth Rate: 4%

    Secondary teachers specialize in specific subjects, combining research and communication to educate students.

    What to expect: They earn about $24.54 per hour, with 67% requiring a bachelor’s degree.

    Find Secondary Teacher jobs near me

15. Art Therapy Specialist

    Average Salary: $50,157 per year
    Jobs Available: 12,210
    Job Growth Rate: 7%

    Art therapists use creative expression to help individuals manage emotional challenges, making this role ideal for liberal arts graduates.

    What to expect: Art therapists earn around $24 per hour, with 58.8% requiring a bachelor’s degree and 32.6% a master’s.

    Find Art Therapy Specialist jobs near me

How We Determine the Best Jobs for Liberal Arts Graduates

Understanding the factors that make a job suitable for liberal arts graduates is crucial. Here are some key considerations:

• Writing: Liberal arts majors often excel in writing, making careers that require strong writing skills a great fit.
• Communication: These programs emphasize understanding humanity, making roles that involve teamwork and teaching ideal.
• Research: Extensive research experience enhances your value in various job roles.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze and innovate makes liberal arts graduates attractive candidates for many positions.
• Creativity: Many careers benefit from creative thinking, leading to innovations and new ideas.

While some factors may resonate more with you than others, our focus is on jobs that embody one or more of these criteria, providing a diverse array of opportunities across various fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are high-paying jobs suitable for liberal arts degree holders?

   There are several lucrative career paths in fields like management, teaching, marketing, and human resources that value critical thinking and communication skills.

2. Can a liberal arts degree lead to a tech career?

   Absolutely! Many tech companies seek liberal arts graduates for roles in UX design, content strategy, and project management, leveraging their problem-solving and communication abilities.

3. Will my liberal arts degree limit my earning potential?

   Not at all. While some professions may offer higher pay, a liberal arts degree can lead to well-paying careers across various industries due to the critical thinking and adaptability skills it fosters.

The Bottom Line

No matter whether you studied history, psychology, or another liberal arts major, there are countless relevant job opportunities to explore. From teaching to managing vital aspects of businesses, you can find a fulfilling and well-paying job that aligns with your passions.

While this list highlights some of the top salaries for liberal arts graduates, many other roles can effectively utilize your degree. Embrace the journey into the job market, and discover what awaits you!

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.