If you’ve been wondering what high-paying careers are available for people with a background in liberal arts, you’re at the right place! Many people think a liberal arts degree only leads to low-paying jobs in education or non-profit organisations, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
This article will explore some exciting and lucrative career paths for liberal arts graduates. Whether you’re interested in writing, public speaking, design, or even technology, you have plenty of options.
We’ll discuss seven careers that pay well and allow you to fully use your creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. So, if you’re ready to learn about new and interesting career paths, let’s start!
1. Social and Human Service Assistant
If you’re passionate about helping others and making a difference in your community, becoming a social and human service assistant could be your perfect career. In this role, you’ll assist clients with accessing important services and resources such as healthcare, housing, and financial assistance.
You can work in various settings, including government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private social service providers. The average salary for social and human service assistants is around $35,000 per year, but with experience and additional education, you can move up in the field and earn more.
You’d typically need an education in human services or a related field for this job. Learning about human behavior, social issues, and communication skills will be critical for effectively assisting clients.
However, with an Associate in Liberal Arts degree in human services, all the critical aspects will be covered.
2. Marketing Manager
Are you a creative problem solver with a knack for communication? If so, a career as a marketing manager may be right up your alley. As a marketing manager, you’d be tasked with developing and executing marketing campaigns to help organisations promote their products or services.
To land a job as a marketing manager, it would be helpful to have a degree in communication or marketing. With a liberal arts degree in communication or marketing, you can gain the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.
This programme teaches you about effective communication, advertising, market research, and consumer behaviour.
Marketing managers can work in various industries, including advertising, public relations, and marketing firms. The average salary for marketing managers is around $115,000 annually, making it a highly lucrative career path.
3. Technical Writer
Being a skilled writer and having a passion for technology would be a perfect combo if you want a career as a technical writer. As a technical writer, you’ll be responsible for creating user manuals, training materials, and other technical documents that help users understand complex products or processes.
To become a technical writer, look into choosing a degree in English, journalism, or communication. With a liberal arts degree in one of these fields, you can gain the writing and communication skills needed to succeed in this career.
In this programme, you’ll learn how to write clear, concise, and user-friendly documents critical for technical writing.
Technical writers can work in various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. An average salary is $75,000 annually, so that’s a plus point. With the right education and experience, you can become a highly sought-after technical writer in various industries.
4. Secondary School Teacher
Ready to make a difference in the lives of young people? As a secondary school teacher, you can educate and inspire students daily. Whether you teach middle or high school, this career can be incredibly rewarding.
To become a public school teacher, you must be licensed or certified in the grade level you intend to teach. The requirements for licensure or certification can vary by state or region but generally involve completing a teacher preparation program and passing exams.
Besides meeting these requirements, you’ll also need to understand the subject you wish to teach. While some teachers major in education, many also hold a bachelor’s degree in a specific subject area, such as English, math, or science.
You’ll be responsible for developing lesson plans, grading assignments and tests, and helping students navigate academic challenges. Whether you choose to teach in a public, private, or charter school, this career can be incredibly rewarding.
5. Editor
An excellent opportunity for those with a passion for writing and an eye for detail is to pursue a career as an editor. An editor ensures that written content is accurate, engaging, and grammatically correct before publication.
Whether you’re working for a book publisher, newspaper, magazine, or website, the role of an editor is crucial in maintaining the quality of the final product.
This job requires a strong command of language and excellent communication skills, as you’ll need to collaborate with writers, proofreaders, and designers to complete a project.
With this job, you’ll oversee the planning and managing of projects, reviewing and rewriting content, and ensuring that deadlines are met. With a liberal arts degree in English, Journalism, or Communications, you’ll have the foundational knowledge and skills needed to excel in this career.
6. Education Administrator
If you want to make a difference in education, consider becoming an education administrator. These professionals ensure that daycare centers, preschools, and schools run smoothly and effectively.
As an education administrator, you’ll oversee the day-to-day operations of educational facilities, including managing staff, creating and implementing educational policies, and overseeing budgets.
You’ll work closely with teachers and other educators to ensure students receive the best education possible.
Moreover, some education administrators may also work in other settings, such as museums or job-training programmes.
Regardless of the specific context, this career requires strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of educational theory and practice. It’s a fun role that’ll bring money to the bank.
7. Broadcast News Analyst
Here’s a good one if you like storytelling and staying current on current events: a career as a broadcast news analyst. As a news anchor or commentator, you’ll lead news broadcasts and provide analysis and commentary on important events.
To succeed, you’ll need strong communication and interpersonal skills, persistence, and the ability to work under tight deadlines. While a degree in communications or journalism can be helpful, many employers place more emphasis on relevant work experience and internships.
Conclusion
A liberal arts degree can open doors to many high-paying and fulfilling careers. From education to marketing, technical writing to broadcast news, there are countless opportunities for those passionate about communication, critical thinking, and creativity.
While some may question the value of a liberal arts education in today’s job market, the reality is that employers across a range of industries highly value these skills.
With the right combination of education, experience, and drive, you can build a successful and rewarding career that allows you to make a real impact on the world around you.