Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs For English Majors 2024 (Inc Salaries)

Being an English major can be very advantageous in the global job market for several reasons, though it ultimately depends on the specific career path and the individual's skills and interests.

However, it's essential to note that while an English major can provide a solid foundation of valuable skills, success in the job market often depends on a combination of education, experience, and networking. Some employers may prioritize specific technical skills or industry-related knowledge over a degree.

Therefore, it's crucial for English Majors to complement their academic background with internships, extracurricular activities, and relevant work experience to make themselves more competitive in the job market. Additionally, considering specialized certifications or further education in a specific field of interest can also enhance job prospects.

With that being said, let's get into the list of the highest-paying jobs for English Degree graduates.

Highest Paying Jobs For English Majors & Salaries 2024 - Top 10

1. Technical Writer  

Technical Writers use technical writing skills to create instructional manuals, guides, and other documentation for complex products or processes. Their expertise in communicating technical information clearly and concisely can earn them competitive salaries.

Becoming a Technical Writer requires a combination of relevant education, skills development, practical experience, taking courses or workshops, networking, and continuous learning.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics project the job outlook for this career will increase by 7% between 2022-2032.

The average annual salary for a Technical Writer is $85,831.

2. Content Strategist/Manager  

A Content Strategist is a professional responsible for planning, developing, and implementing the content strategy of an organization. Content strategy involves creating and managing content in a way that aligns with the organization's goals, target audience, and overall marketing or communication objectives.

Content strategists work to ensure that the content produced is effective, relevant, and consistent across various channels and platforms. Becoming a Content Strategist involves a combination of educational background, developing content creation skills, learning marketing and SEO, understanding data analytics, developing strategy and planning skills, and gaining certifications.

The average annual salary for a Content Strategist is $73,694.

3. Corporate Communications Manager/Director  

A Corporate Communications Manager is a professional responsible for managing and overseeing the internal and external communications of a company or organization. Their primary focus is to ensure that the company's messages, brand image, and reputation are effectively communicated to various stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, media, and the public.

Becoming a Corporate Communications Manager typically requires a combination of relevant educational background, gaining media relations experience, digital and social savviness, taking crisis communication training, developing strategic thinking, and obtaining professional certifications.

The average annual salary for a Corporate Communications Manager is $116,308, making it one of the highest-paying jobs for English majors.

4. Copywriter 

A Copywriter is someone who takes creative writing and creates content for integrated campaigns and sales and marketing collateral. Typically a Copywriter will be found in advertising agencies or working in the marketing department of an organization.

Generally copywriting skills can't be taught, but to become one you should combine a mix of gaining relevant experience, developing communication skills, procuring media relations experience, becoming digital and social media savvy, and obtaining professional certifications.

The average annual salary for a Copywriter is $63,722.

5. Public Relations (PR) Manager/Director 

Public relations managers are responsible for overseeing the public relations activities and strategies of an organization or company. Their primary focus is on managing the organization's public image, reputation, and communication with various stakeholders, including the media, customers, investors, employees, and the public.

Becoming a PR Manager typically requires a combination of relevant educational background, gaining relevant experience, understanding media relations, learning crisis communication, becoming digital and social media savvy, specializing and networking.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics project the job outlook for this career will increase by 6% between 2022-2032.

The average annual salary for a PR Manager is $93,228, making for an extremely . competitive career option and one of the highest paying jobs for english majors.

6. Marketing Manager/Director 

A Marketing Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and managing the marketing activities of a company or organization. Their primary role is to develop and execute marketing strategies that aim to promote products, services, or the brand itself to the target audience and drive business growth.

Marketing Managers play a crucial role in achieving the company's marketing objectives and increasing its market share. Becoming a Marketing Manager typically involves a combination of a relevant educational background, developing marketing skills, becoming digital marketing proficient, learning analytical skills, staying updated on industry trends, networking and obtaining certifications.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics project the job outlook for this career will increase by 6% between 2022-2032.

The average annual salary for a Marketing Manager is $87,955.

7. Grant Writer 

A Grant Writer is a professional who is responsible for preparing and writing grant proposals on behalf of organizations, nonprofits, or individuals seeking funding from grant-making institutions such as government agencies, foundations, corporations, or other philanthropic entities. The primary goal of a grant writer is to secure grants and funding for their clients or organizations by crafting persuasive and compelling grant proposals.

Becoming a Grant Writer involves developing specific skills, gaining experience, and building a strong track record of successful grant applications. You need to also have the relevant education and background, an understanding of grant writing, doing internships, attending workshops or training, learning budgeting, and volunteering for small projects.

The average annual salary for a Grant Writer is $47,343.

8. Speechwriter 

A Speechwriter is a professional who is responsible for writing speeches and public addresses on behalf of other individuals, typically for politicians, executives, public figures, or high-ranking officials. Their primary role is to craft compelling and impactful speeches that effectively communicate the speaker's message and resonate with the intended audience.

Becoming a Speechwriter involves a combination of a relevant educational, background, developing strong writing skills, understanding speechwriting principles, studying public speaking, research and knowledge gathering, political and current affairs knowledge, interning, and attending mentorships or workshops.

The average annual salary for a speechwriter is $222,560 and is one of the highest paying jobs for an English Major.

9. Publishing Executive 

A Publishing Executive, also known as a Publishing Manager or Publishing Director, is a high-level professional responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational aspects of a publishing company or division. They play a crucial role in guiding the publishing process, managing teams, and making decisions that impact the company's publishing portfolio and overall success.

Becoming a Publishing Executive involves a combination of, educational background, gaining experience in the publishing industry, learning about the publishing process, developing leadership skills, acquiring business knowledge, and developing marketing and sales skills.

The average annual salary for a Publishing Executive is $81,763.

10. Education Administrator 

An Education Administrator, is a professional responsible for overseeing the administrative and operational aspects of educational institutions. They play a vital role in managing the day-to-day operations of schools, colleges, universities, or other educational organizations, ensuring the smooth functioning of the institution and promoting an effective learning environment.

Becoming an Education Administrator typically involves a combination of relevant education, experience, and leadership skills. It is also dependent on gaining technical experience, pursuing advanced education, obtaining required certificates, gaining experience in administrative roles, developing leadership skills, and staying informed on educational policies and trends.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics project the job outlook for this career will increase by 4% between 2022-2032.

The average annual salary for an Education Administrator is $52,524.

Conclusion

English Majors carry a lot of clout in many industries and across many job functions such as Marketing Director, Medical Writer, Grant Manager, and Corporate Communications Director. One of the high-paying jobs for English Majors can be a Marketing Director who earns on average $135,030 per annum. Majoring in English can stand you in good stead if you are looking to switch industries or move up the career ladder to well-paying jobs.

If you are considering a career that is rewarding, in-demand, and lucrative, an English Major appears to be the way to go. To achieve that pinnacle you should consider a BBA or an MBA at a reputable university such as Nexford. 

Discover how you can acquire the most in-demand skills with our free report, and open the doors to a successful career. Download the free report today!

FAQs 

Is English major a good career?

A master's degree in English can lead to a rewarding and versatile career as you can end being able to work in a variety of industries or related field. While some people may associate an English major primarily with careers in teaching or writing, the skills developed through this course of study are valuable in various professional fields.

There are many reasons why an English major can be a good career choice and they include; you can develop excellent written and verbal communication skills, become trained to think critically, analyze complex texts, and interpret information effectively, excel in writing reports, proposals, marketing materials, and other forms of professional communication, develop strong creative thinking and imaginative capabilities, having doors opened to work in a wide range of industries, including publishing, journalism, public relations, education, corporate communications.

As you may be able to tell, there are plenty of suitable careers for English majors with experience in their field.

Can English majors be successful?

Yes, English majors can be very successful in their careers. English major skills developed through earning an English Major can be highly valued and sought after in various professional fields. Success for English Majors is not limited to specific career paths; rather, it often depends on the individual's interests, ambitions, and how they leverage their skills and experiences.

Ultimately, success for English majors is a combination of passion, dedication, adaptability, and the ability to seize career opportunities. It's essential for English majors to be proactive in networking, seeking internships, gaining practical experience, and developing a strong professional portfolio to showcase their abilities. By leveraging their strengths and being open to different career paths, English majors can indeed achieve great success in their chosen endeavors.

What are the highest paying jobs after BA in English? 

After obtaining a Bachelor's degree in English, graduates have various career options like Brand Strategist, Technical Writer, Corporate Communications Manager, User Experience (UX) Writer, or, Instructional Designer, all of which have the potential for competitive salaries.

While salaries can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the specific industry. It's important to note that salaries can vary based on factors like location, years of experience, and the specific industry. Additionally, pursuing additional education, certifications, or advanced degrees in relevant fields can further enhance career prospects and earning potential for BA in English graduates.

What are the highest paying jobs after MA English?

After completing an MA in English, individuals have several career paths they can pursue, and some of these paths can lead to high-paying jobs.

While the earning potential may vary based on factors like experience, location, and industry demand, some of the highest paying jobs that MA English graduates can consider are; College or University Professor, Copywriter/Creative Director, Technical Writer, Content Strategist/Manager, Social Media Manager, Public Relations Manager/Director, Grant Writer, Instructional Designer, Advertising Manager, Public Relations Specialist and Communications Manager/Director.

Do English majors make a lot of money?

The earning potential for English Majors can vary widely depending on various factors such as the specific career path they choose, their level of education, work experience, location, and industry demand. While some English majors go on to pursue careers that offer high salaries, others may enter fields with more modest earning potentials.

English Majors often possess valuable skills that are transferable to various professions, such as critical thinking, communication, writing, research, and analysis. However, it's essential to recognize that the job market can be competitive, and the demand for certain skills may differ across industries.

Can you make six figures with an English degree? 

Yes, it is possible to make six figures with an English degree, but it often requires a combination of factors, including specialized skills, experience, and career choices.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of an English degree graduate working in an English job role is $56,000, and $63,000 for all fields of work.

While English majors may not typically have the same direct path to high-paying jobs as some other fields like medicine or engineering, they can still find lucrative opportunities through various career paths.

The best jobs for English majors which can allow them to potentially earn a high paying six-figure income are; Lawyer, Technical Writer, Pharmaceutical Writer, Content Marketing Strategist, Corporate Communications Director, Grant Writer, Freelancer, or Entrepreneur.

Discover how you can acquire the most in-demand skills with our free report, and open the doors to a successful career. Download the free report today!