5 High Paying Jobs for Liberal Arts Degrees
As a child, you’re always asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” We are raised being told to follow our dreams. Now, as adults, people tend to judge you on the practicality and job security of your career choice. But money isn’t everything! Money can’t buy you happiness, nor influence your ability to change the world. Liberal art majors are often critiqued and warned about their career choice. The reality is, liberal arts degrees can make just as good – if not better – than other, more “practical” majors. Here are five high-paying jobs for those of you earning that liberal arts degree.
1. Writer
If someone is talented enough, their writing could make it to the big leagues. Think of people like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King. Not to mention journalists at large online and print publications, like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, etc. The salary range for writers is so wide, so it’s difficult to attach a specific salary to this position. But with writing, there doesn’t seem to be a cap to your potential salary, either. The sky’s the limit!
2. Teacher
I believe it’s fair to say that teachers are underpaid considering the importance of their job. They are educating the youth of America and our future leaders. Fortunately, many government programs have recently been focusing on annual salary increases for teachers around the country. Also, although the pay may be lower than you’d like, in many school districts, teachers have the summer off. Logically, working 3/4 of the year would equate to 3/4 of the salary. It gives you plenty of time to work on that side hustle!
3. Archeologists
The average salary for an archeologist is $50,284. As they become more experienced and specialized, archeologists can earn up to $72,745 on average. Also, archeologists have the opportunity to travel all around the world – talk about job perks.
4. Client Service Specialist
This position is great if you’re a “people person.” This job could also lead into a higher-paying management position. The national average salary for a client service specialist is $42,680.
5. CEO
Time.com recently posted an article on CEOs with liberal arts degrees, proving your college major isn’t necessarily the most significant factor in career success. Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks, is one of the people on this list. Another person is Michael Eisner, former Walt Disney Company CEO. Mr. Eisner said, “Literature is unbelievably helpful, because no matter what business you are in, you are dealing with interpersonal relationships. It gives you an appreciation of what makes people 'tick.’”
The beauty of a liberal arts degree is that you are not limited to one specific area of practice. With a liberal arts degree, the possibilities are endless. The amount of money you will earn and how successful you become truly depends on your work ethic and what you make of your degree. It is also important to remember that success and compensation do not necessarily correlate. Follow your dreams and work hard, and you will find the perfect balance of money and happiness.