How Much Can I Earn With An Arts And Humanities Degree?
Updated February 9, 2023 · 2 Min Read
CollegeChoice.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
A degree in arts and humanities opens the door to careers in media, education, art/design, and entertainment. Look to the fields of marketing and advertising for the highest-paying humanities jobs, and consider art direction for the highest-paying art jobs.
The arts and humanities stress competencies in critical and analytical thinking, creativity, and communication -- skills that professionals can use across almost every industry. This article explores high-demand humanities jobs and high-demand art jobs on the market today. Readers can review projected salary and growth rates for these careers.
Arts and Humanities Jobs at a Glance
Market research analysts, film producers, and interpreters represent careers available to a graduate with an arts and humanities degree. Graduates can pursue jobs in industries spanning from business to education to art. This table summarizes median annual salaries for high-demand humanities jobs.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2018-2028) |
|---|---|---|
| Art Directors | $92,780 | 1% |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $135,900 | 1% |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $116,180 | 8% |
| Market Research Analysis | $63,790 | 20% |
| Producers and Directors | $74,420 | 5% |
| Interpreters and Translators | $51,830 | 19% |
Source: BLS
High-Paying Arts and Humanities Jobs
Art Directors
Art directors work with print or film media and design art layouts. These professionals manage teams of graphic designers, marketers, and artists. Art directors must communicate clearly, think creatively, and meet hard deadlines for major projects without going over budget.
The top 10% of art directors earned more than $188,000 in May 2019. The bottom 10% of creative directors earned less than $53,000. The top median annual wage earners worked in film media and video games.
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan and implement promotional campaigns. They oversee marketing reps and coordinate with customers and other department heads. Advertising managers take charge of budgets, contracts, personnel, and creative direction.
The top 10% of advertising managers earned more than $208,000 in May 2019. The lowest 10% of advertising managers earned less than $61,000. The top median annual wage earners worked in advertising, public relations, and related services.
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
Public relations and fundraising managers enhance the public image of their clients through press releases, advertising campaigns, and personal communications. These professionals must identify key demographics for their products and develop marketing strategies. Fundraising managers find and cultivate donors for their clients.
The top 10% of public relations and fundraising managers earned more than $208,000. The bottom 10% earned less than $64,000. The top median annual wage earners worked in professional, scientific, and technical services.
High-Demand Arts and Humanities Jobs
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts determine which demographics will buy certain products and when. These analysts predict market trends and measure the effectiveness of advertising strategies. Market research relies heavily on data collection and analysis. These professionals also conduct research on potential competitors.
The top 10% of market research analysts earned more than $122,000 in May 2019. The bottom 10% earned less than $34,000. The top median annual wage earners worked in the publishing industry.
Producers and Directors
Producers and directors work in film, theater, or with other productions. They select projects and choose personnel to perform and work behind the scenes. Producers manage the budget and help maintain the schedule. Directors work closely with performers.
The top 10% of producers and directors earned more than $173,000 in May 2019. The bottom 10% earned less than $35,000. The top median annual wage earners worked in advertising, public relations, and related services.
Interpreters and Translators
Interpreters and translators understand one or more languages. They convert concepts into secondary languages while staying as close to the original message as possible. Interpreters must speak, read, and write in their secondary languages. These professionals need impeccable communication and critical thinking skills.
The top 10% of interpreters and translators earned more than $94,000 in May 2019. The bottom 10% earned less than $28,000. The top median annual wage earners worked in professional, scientific, and technical services.
Learn More
Online College Resources
Helping you prepare and gain the most out of your educational experience.