Higher education landscape

10 High-Paying Liberal Arts Careers You Can Pursue in 2024

A Liberal Arts degree equips students with versatile skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. These skills are in high demand across a multitude of industries, providing Liberal Arts graduates with a wide range of career options.

The Cialfo Team
February 8, 2024
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2.5 min
10 High-Paying Liberal Arts Careers You Can Pursue in 2024
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10 High-Paying Liberal Arts Careers You Can Pursue in 2024

A Liberal Arts degree equips students with versatile skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. These competencies are in high demand across various industries, providing a multitude of liberal arts careers to explore. If you're curious what can you do with a Liberal Arts degree, the answer spans a diverse range of fields. Below are 10 high-paying liberal arts careers that offer financial reward, intellectual stimulation, and ample opportunities for growth.

1. Public Relations

Public Relations is one of the top liberal arts careers. Individuals in this field are responsible for shaping and maintaining the public image of a company, organization, or individual. This includes crafting media releases, managing social media presence, and handling crisis communication. With a degree in Liberal Arts, graduates are equipped with strong communication and writing skills—key elements to thrive in Public Relations. According to ZipRecruiter, top earners in Public Relations in the U.S. can make around $76,000 annually as of 2023. It's one of the careers with a Liberal Arts degree that pays well due to the increasing demand for reputation management.

2. Human Resources Manager

A career in Human Resources is a lucrative job opportunity for Liberal Arts degree holders. Human Resources Managers handle recruitment, training, employee relations, and organizational development. They play a crucial role in consulting with executives and ensuring smooth administrative functions. With skills in problem-solving and communication, Liberal Arts graduates are ideal candidates for this role. The average salary for a Human Resources Manager in the U.S. is $116,454, according to Salary.com in 2023, making it one of the highest paying jobs with a Liberal Studies degree.

3. User Experience (UX) Designer

User Experience (UX) Design is another popular career with a Liberal Arts degree. UX Designers focus on enhancing the usability and accessibility of products, websites, and apps by understanding human behavior and interaction. Liberal Arts graduates excel in this field because of their ability to think critically and empathetically—both essential for creating user-friendly designs. The median salary for UX Designers in the U.S. is $108,244 as of 2023, according to Glassdoor. This is a rewarding option among liberal arts careers that pay well.

4. Technical Writer

If you’re looking for jobs with a Liberal Arts degree that capitalize on strong writing skills, Technical Writing is a great fit. Technical Writers simplify complex information into user manuals, guides, and other documents. The analytical and communication skills developed in a Liberal Arts program are highly relevant here. As of 2023, Technical Writers in the U.S. earn a median salary of $85,861, according to Glassdoor. This career offers both flexibility and financial stability, making it one of the top liberal arts careers.

5. Marketing Manager

A career with a Liberal Arts degree in marketing is both creative and strategic. Marketing Managers design campaigns, oversee advertising, and manage brand positioning. Their primary responsibility is to help businesses promote their products or services through effective communication. Liberal Arts graduates, with their strong background in communication and creativity, are well-suited for marketing roles. According to Indeed, the average salary for a Marketing Manager in the U.S. is $74,173 as of 2023. Marketing offers one of the best job opportunities for Liberal Arts degree holders, especially in today's digitally-driven marketplace.

6. Journalist

Journalism is one of the more traditional yet evolving liberal arts careers. Journalists research, write, and report stories for print, television, and digital media. A Liberal Arts education helps journalists hone critical thinking and storytelling skills, allowing them to craft engaging and informative content. With media adapting to new formats, jobs with a Liberal Arts degree in journalism are plentiful, particularly in digital spaces. Salaries can vary, but experienced journalists can earn upwards of $60,000 per year.

7. Content Strategist

Content strategy has become a prominent job opportunity for Liberal Arts degree holders. Content Strategists plan, create, and manage content across digital platforms to align with brand goals and audience needs. With a background in Liberal Arts, professionals in this role can craft compelling narratives that engage target audiences. The median salary for Content Strategists can range from $70,000 to $100,000, depending on the organization and experience level, making it a lucrative career with a Liberal Arts degree.

8. Policy Analyst

Policy analysis is one of the highest-paying jobs with a Liberal Studies degree, ideal for those passionate about public service and social issues. Policy Analysts research, evaluate, and recommend policies to government agencies, non-profits, and advocacy groups. The research and analytical skills acquired in a Liberal Arts program are essential for this role. According to Payscale, the average salary for Policy Analysts is around $66,000, with experienced professionals earning more. This is a rewarding career in Liberal Studies, especially for those looking to make a positive impact.

9. Corporate Trainer

Corporate Training is a growing field and another great career with a Liberal Arts degree. Corporate Trainers design and deliver programs to improve employee skills and knowledge. Liberal Arts graduates, with their strong communication and teaching abilities, excel in this field. Corporate Trainers are employed across industries, from healthcare to tech, making it a versatile career option. The average salary for Corporate Trainers is $62,700 annually, according to Glassdoor, making it one of the best job opportunities for Liberal Arts degree holders.

10. Museum Curator

Museum Curators manage collections of art, artifacts, or historical items, organizing exhibitions and often conducting research. This job for Liberal Studies majors is ideal for those with a passion for history, art, or culture. Museum Curators work in cultural institutions, preserving and interpreting history for the public. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Museum Curators earn an average of $56,000 annually, making it one of the rewarding yet specialized liberal arts careers for history enthusiasts.

Read more about 5 ways a liberal arts education gives students a leading edge in the professional world.

Final Thoughts

A Liberal Arts degree offers an incredible array of opportunities, with numerous liberal arts careers that span industries from public relations to museum curation. The degree's value lies in its flexibility, preparing graduates for diverse and intellectually stimulating roles. If you’ve been wondering what can you do with a Liberal Arts degree, the answer is clear: you can pursue fulfilling careers across a wide range of fields. Whether it's Marketing, UX Design, or Policy Analysis, the skills gained in a Liberal Arts program can lead to numerous job opportunities for Liberal Arts degree holders.

From exploring potential job paths to offering tailored career guidance, Cialfo can help you navigate your journey into liberal arts careers. Click here to begin planning your future today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some high-paying jobs with a Liberal Studies degree?

Some high-paying jobs with a Liberal Studies degree include Human Resources Manager, UX Designer, Public Relations Specialist, Policy Analyst, and Marketing Manager. These careers offer competitive salaries and opportunities for growth, making them some of the best liberal arts careers that pay well.

2. What can you do with a Liberal Arts degree?

With a Liberal Arts degree, you can pursue a wide range of careers across industries such as public relations, marketing, human resources, technical writing, and even museum curation. What can you do with a Liberal Arts degree? The possibilities are vast, including both creative and analytical fields.

3. Are there job opportunities for Liberal Arts degree holders in tech?

Yes, job opportunities for Liberal Arts degree holders exist in tech-related roles, especially in areas like UX Design, content strategy, and corporate training. These roles often require the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that Liberal Arts graduates possess.

4. What are some of the high-paying jobs with a Liberal Studies degree?

Some of the high-paying jobs with a Liberal Studies degree include Human Resources Manager, UX Designer, and Policy Analyst. These roles not only offer substantial financial reward but also allow you to leverage the versatile skills you gained through a Liberal Arts education.

5. Is a career in liberal studies versatile?

Absolutely! Careers in liberal studies are highly versatile because they prepare graduates for a wide range of industries, including business, tech, media, education, and more. The adaptability of a Liberal Arts degree is one of its greatest advantages.

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