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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 209 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 187 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 194 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 191 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 192 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $57,196 | $27.50 | +6.2% |
| 2024 | $53,856 | $25.89 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $52,978 | $25.47 | +0.6% |
| 2022 | $52,680 | $25.33 | +0.9% |
| 2021 | $52,186 | $25.09 | +1.6% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 194 | 28% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 392 | 5% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 334 | 5% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 317 | 5% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 27 | 5% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 174 | 4% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 23 | 4% |
| 8 | New York | 19,849,399 | 644 | 3% |
| 9 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 231 | 3% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 207 | 3% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 107 | 3% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 49 | 3% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 30 | 3% |
| 14 | Delaware | 961,939 | 30 | 3% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 22 | 3% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 958 | 2% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 221 | 2% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 212 | 2% |
| 19 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 105 | 2% |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 87 | 2% |
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
SUNY College at Oswego
Utah State University
Fairfield University
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
University of San Francisco
The University of the Arts
Molloy College
Ursinus College
Saint Anselm College
Indiana University Kokomo
University of Miami
American University
Dallas Baptist University
Metropolitan State University
University of Baltimore
Dr. Terry Nugent: Maximizing your salary potential will largely be dependent on how well you have navigated your undergraduate opportunities. Participating in student organizations, internships, and electives such as music appreciation or theatre can open up unexpected opportunities or make you a good fit for local nonprofit organization. Taking advantage of traveling opportunities and study abroad will also broaden your opportunities. Finally, realizing that education is a life long endeavor and obtaining certifications will document added skills.
Laura Wilson: Writing and editing will always be important and prevalent. Clear communication is increasingly important. Encourage writers to work WITH AI by learning how to use the software and edit the output. Encourage exploration of certificates to make them more marketable.
Soma Frazier: AI can do a lot of things writers do, and quickly. It's mastered the hard skills of writing, but it's not yet proficient in the soft skills: in short, it's not human. So, I think soft skills like applying context, nuance and audience awareness to the tone of written work will become evermore crucial.
Shane Graham: Remember the skills you honed as an English major: pay close attention to detail, ground your thinking in evidence, find reliable sources of information, and put things in their larger context. All of these skills will serve you well in whatever job you pursue.
Shane Graham: All the skills I mentioned above. Humanities degrees, and the kinds of thinking they encourage, will only become more important in the years to come. AI chatbots can only regurgitate and mimic thinking that already exists in the world; the well-trained human brain can create something new.
Fairfield University
Rhetoric And Composition/Writing Studies
Rachel Robinson-Zetzer PhD: People are scared of the blank page. Too often, they think that what they write needs to be perfect in its first iteration; however, that’s a myth and a romantic notion of the lone, solitary writer. In fact, much writing happens in collaboration with others, and people are either drawn to that environment, or they aren’t. Once people realize that writing is malleable, meaning it can be changed and revised again and again, that desire to seek perfection lessens, and Writers are more willing to kill their darlings.
Rachel Robinson-Zetzer PhD: On a day-to-day basis, a Writer really works on their bread and butter—their writing process. This can mean actually drafting and outlining texts, brainstorming, taking walks to get ideas flowing, you name it! The writing process is unique to every Writer, and because of that, there is really now one answer to the question How does a Writer spend their day? Instead, it’s best to think of the time a Writer has devoted to their craft as sacred, whether that be drafting pages out long-hand or chatting with friends over drinks about their ideas. Daily, Writers need to read. Great Writers are great readers.
Dr. Allison Rittmayer: Don't undercut your skills and experience. You are likely qualified for more jobs than you think you are. You need to promote your experience writing in different genres and across media. Likewise, don't be afraid to take on new projects in unfamiliar formats or unfamiliar roles. That is the key to continual growth.
Dean Rader: Well, writing, reading, and communication skills are always going to be vital. AI won't change that. In fact, the very things AI can't do yet is be human. And no major trains people better to interact with humans than English. Right now, video game manufacturers need writers, tech companies need editors, Websites need copywriters. But, every field can use an English major. Every field needs people with vision and ideas. The world needs people with clarity, who can articulate ideas, and who can make connections. That defines an English major.
Paul Cook: English is way more than just the study of literature. English majors learn how to read, write, and speak well—three essential and timeless skills that will serve you well in your professional lives, in a knowledge economy, and in the (post)digital era.
Paul Cook: I will let you know when I figure that out. 😉
Michael Pennell: Find or develop your niche and consider your strengths and weaknesses. What can or do you do that others don't or can't? Why and what would someone ask your advice on or for your input on a question or concern? What is your expertise? Embark on your career with a 5- and 10-year goal or lifestyle in sight. How does this job or career help you target that lifestyle? What skills or experience do you need, and can you get those from the current job? Also, network, both with those inside and outside of your specific field. Generally, breaking through the barrier to your first job may be the toughest stage; after that, more opportunities will appear, especially if you consider how that first job can position you for next move.
Prof. Laura Betz PhD: Any graduate beginning a career should feel very confident in the skills of critical thinking, writing, and public speaking that the English major has provided, and should be bold in putting those skills to work in many different professional contexts.
Katherine Kim Ph.D: -Again, it depends on the field, as jobs that center on skills you learn by being an English major vary widely. If it is jobs in teaching and studying English language and literature, then being open to interdisciplinary work and the digital humanities/new media will continue to be important. Studying English already requires a certain level of interdisciplinary work, and technology keeps adding to the ways people interact and circulate ideas. In addition, learning how to communicate clearly and understand/interpret what others communicate will always be vital. Given the divisiveness that exists in this world, understanding different perspectives and being able to communicate well with those who hold those perspectives will continue to be important in the field and beyond it.
Katherine Kim Ph.D: -You should have your application documents polished and organized. In addition, students can take advantage of opportunities to highlight themselves while still in school. For instance, getting published in a school literary magazine, heading a school-sponsored literature club or author event, or working for a school (or outside) publication can show your skills and interests before you even apply for full-time positions. Also, part of the situation deals with striking a balance between how you want to be desired by the person doing the hiring and how you want to show desire for the position. While you want to cast a wide net sometimes when looking for jobs, you also want to put in that extra effort with the applications for jobs that would be really great fits. If the hiring person and you both see how well you would fit in the position, that can help make the case for trying to secure you for the job!
Katherine Kim Ph.D: -I think it depends on what field you are discussing, as 'English' doesn't necessarily need to be seen as a field (unless you are speaking of teaching or studying English language or literature). However, I can say that the great thing about an English degree is that it can be beneficial for people to have in a variety of fields. In fact, for quite a few years now, people in fields like business have been wanting new hires with better communication, writing, interpersonal interaction, and close analysis skills, as well as mental flexibility, than they have been seeing. These are all skills that can be practiced and honed through being an English major! Sometimes people think of English degrees as useful only if someone is going to teach English, but that is definitely not the case!
Ursinus College
English Language And Literature
Jay Shelat: The skills that will be important in the next three to five years are literacy, writing, and analysis. These are helpful skills for whichever job you might have.
Jay Shelat: Learn to negotiate for a higher salary!
Saint Anselm College
English Language And Literature
Dr. Joshua Potter: The best way to maximize your potential growth, both in terms of salary and long-term fulfillment, is to find a line of work that meets your interests and inspirations. This will catalyze creativity, unlock new skills and unforeseen directions through the broader economy. We are living in times of incredible change and transition; the path that is currently visible may be gone tomorrow; being prepared to make orthogonal moves when opportunities open and close is imperative for any line of work. English majors, however, are especially well prepared to do this.
Dr. Joshua Potter: This may sound counterintuitive, given the way that AI is currently being heralded as a paradigm-shifting technology, but writing is a foundational skill that will remain the bedrock of human communication, storytelling, news reporting, public relations, multimedia production, cultural interpretation, advocacy, and countless other domains of human life and labor. Rather than obsolesce writing, automation technologies are going to demand a sharper, more incisive, form of reading and a more expansive, creative form of writing to reassert the irreducible value of human thought.
Jim Coby: A degree in English does not necessarily provide you with a 1 to 1 employment opportunity. Unlike, say, engineering students, who will most likely move into engineering as an occupation, English majors do not necessarily end up English teachers. Many do, but most don't. Instead, it's useful to think of your employment search more broadly. If you've taken a number of classes in literary studies, then you're likely skilled in locating several points of evidence and making strong arguments with that evidence. You're going to be taking those skills in order to make a case for yourself. Think on the skills you've gained over the years, how you developed those skills, examples of time when you employed those skills, and ways you can improve those skills. Considering yourself as a fully fleshed out "round" character (akin to those you've read so much about) in your own storyline may well help you to conceive of novel and interesting employment opportunities.
Jaswinder Bolina Ph.D., M.F.A.: Salary follows success. If you invest yourself deeply and fully into whatever sector you find yourself in, whatever postgraduate degree you decide to pursue, you will become the kind of rare and original thinker the world needs and that employers reward. Be yourself and pursue your passions, and if you’re stuck in a job that doesn’t match those passions, then figure out a way to bring them into that space. Or find someplace else to work. We don’t always have the luxury of the latter option, but we do always have a chance to bring what we love to whatever it is we happen to be doing, whether writing our own novels and poems, working on PowerPoint presentations and white papers, or slinging coffee or cocktails. Your job isn’t you, so shape your job to fit the person you really are and the person you hope to be.
Jaswinder Bolina Ph.D., M.F.A.: As large-language model artificial intelligence permeates the marketplace, those with truly unique reading, writing, and analytical skills will become more important than ever. Most crucial will be the ability to quickly identify formulaic writing and thinking done by machines while offering vibrant, original, and human solutions to social, political, and economic problems. Your English major taught you how artful and inventive language can offer singular and vital perspective. Seek out that kind of language and insight. Relish every opportunity to produce it yourself.
Chelsea Horne Ph.D.: It is important to remember that even if this moment feels daunting and uncertain, you are at a very exciting stage of your life and career. Think about all your options and possibilities and focus on where and how you want to contribute to the world through your writing and profession. As you step into your career, consider building your network: at your workplace, with alumni groups, and with industry professionals. A strong network can offer opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, development, and more.
Chance Gamble: To someone with an undergraduate degree in English, I'd say this: you are not bound to any field. Your degree is both an invitation to pursue your passion and proof that you have the skills to do so. Do not limit your aspirations to "the most common careers" others choose, especially when applying for jobs. Ignore entry-level job descriptions that say they require some other degree. The truth is every company wants the same thing: honest people who work hard, think well, communicate clearly, and can learn to do what's needed. That is you.
Metropolitan State University
Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities
Dr. Belo Cipriani: When employers are looking to hire a writer or content creator they review work samples. As a result, I encourage my students to try to secure more than one internship while in our program. Likewise, I recommend that they consider doing volunteer work with a local nonprofit, as this will help them grow their portfolio of writing credits. I’ve been teaching for 15 years and I have seen many students cut their job search in half and receive higher starting pay by dedicating time to build long lists of projects they can show to potential employers.
Betsy Boyd: Social media savvy as social evolves; navigating the conversation regarding AI; good writing and improving your writing and communication skills, always important. Brave journalism is going to be key.
Betsy Boyd: Become the best writer and communicator you can possibly be. By reading and writing as often as possible. By taking notes. By staying excited about your own perspective and the good work of others. Going back to school can be a good way to strengthen your abilities, gain community support, and earn an advanced degree that commands a higher salary.
Betsy Boyd: Read what you want to write; stay engaged with the marketplace in which you want to work and make change. Make connections with new mentors by emailing writers and editors (and other professionals) you admire. Not everyone will respond, but some will respond. It's natural to want to help the next generation! Continue to ask for feedback on your own writing from peers and mentors. Stay in touch with your professors. Seek out jobs that interest you; persevere (rejections happen). Work on your craft always. Take pride in it. Set manageable goals. Check in with your goals every week or month. Create a routine. Aim to write most days. Form a peer group for regular feedback/idea sharing.
Anna Mae Duane: The idea that English majors are not in demand is a myth—don’t harm your own chances by buying into it! There are numerous studies—and countless employer testimonies—that indicate how valuable your skills as an English major are. English majors consistently find work in a variety of fields, and perhaps even more important, alumni of English departments report that they find their jobs and lives rewarding. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 'what sets two equally qualified job candidates apart can be as simple as who has the better communication skills.' You are, in many ways, ahead of the game in comparison to others in your cohort. I’d also urge English majors to think broadly about their career options. Yes, fields like journalism, publishing and advertising all rely on the skills developed in English departments. But other employers, particularly in tech companies, have realized how valuable English majors can be to their organization. As a recent report in Fortune indicates, top executives in AI at IBM and elsewhere realize that having expertise in the Humanities is an essential component for success in their field.