Best Paying Jobs for English Majors

For English majors, the world of work offers a rich tapestry of opportunities that leverage their strong communication skills, critical thinking, and proficiency in writing and analysis. Here are some of the best-paying jobs for those who have pursued degrees in English, along with insights into their roles and potential earnings.

Technical Writer

• Average Salary: $85,831 per year
• Job Description: Technical writers specialize in creating clear and concise documentation for technical products and processes, making complex information accessible to all users.
• Responsibilities: Producing manuals, guides, and other documents.
• Required Education: A combination of an English degree and technical knowledge, often supplemented by specific training in technical writing.

Content Strategist/Manager

• Average Salary: $73,694 per year
• Job Description: Content strategists plan and execute content strategies to meet business objectives, ensuring content aligns with the brand’s voice and target audience’s needs.
• Responsibilities: Developing content plans, managing content across platforms, and analyzing content performance.
• Required Education: A degree in English, along with skills in content creation, marketing, and SEO.

Corporate Communications Manager/Director

• Average Salary: $116,308 per year
• Job Description: These professionals oversee internal and external communications, ensuring consistent messaging that supports the organization’s goals.
• Responsibilities: Crafting communication strategies, overseeing media relations, and managing public relations crises.
• Required Education: An English degree complemented by experience in media relations and strategic communication.

Copywriter

• Average Salary: $63,722 per year
• Job Description: Copywriters create compelling content for advertising and marketing materials to engage customers and promote products or services.
• Responsibilities: Writing and editing copy for various platforms, from print ads to social media posts.
• Required Education: Typically requires a degree in English, along with creativity and marketing knowledge.

Public Relations (PR) Manager/Director

• Average Salary: $93,228 per year
• Job Description: PR managers and directors shape and maintain the public image of their organizations, managing communications with various stakeholders.
• Responsibilities: Developing PR strategies, handling media inquiries, and managing organizational reputation.
• Required Education: An English or communications degree, with additional training in public relations and media.

Marketing Manager/Director

• Average Salary: $87,955 per year【19†source】
• Job Description: Marketing managers oversee the promotion of products or services, aiming to drive sales and increase brand awareness.
• Responsibilities: Developing marketing strategies, analyzing market trends, and coordinating marketing campaigns.
• Required Education: A degree in English can be valuable, especially when paired with coursework or experience in marketing and business.

Grant Writer

• Average Salary: $47,343 per year
• Job Description: Grant writers craft proposals to secure funding from government entities, foundations, and other organizations.
• Responsibilities: Researching grant opportunities, writing proposals, and following up on submissions.
• Required Education: English majors can excel in this role with their strong writing skills, though some positions may require specific knowledge of grant writing techniques.

Speechwriter

• Average Salary: $222,560 per year
• Job Description: Speechwriters compose speeches for public figures, ensuring the message is clear, persuasive, and tailored to the audience.
• Responsibilities: Researching topics, drafting speeches, and working closely with clients to refine messages.
• Required Education: A strong foundation in English, along with a deep understanding of rhetoric and public speaking.

Publishing Executive

• Average Salary: $81,763 per year
• Job Description: Publishing executives oversee the operations of publishing houses, managing the publication process from manuscript selection to market distribution.
• Responsibilities: Strategic planning, team management, and decision-making on publications.
• Required Education: English majors with additional experience in the publishing industry can rise to these roles.

Education Administrator

• Average Salary: $52,524 per year
• Job Description: Education administrators manage the administrative tasks of educational institutions, ensuring efficient operation and compliance with educational standards.
• Responsibilities: Overseeing faculty and staff, managing budgets, and developing academic policies.
• Required Education: An English degree can be beneficial, particularly when combined with a background in education or administrative experience.

Final Thoughts

English majors have a diverse range of lucrative career paths available to them, each capitalizing on their unique skill set in writing, analysis, and communication. Whether it’s crafting compelling narratives as a copywriter or strategizing organizational communications, the options are vast and varied. Embracing the versatility of anEnglish degree, there are myriad ways to make the most of your skills and interests.

Education and Teaching

• See All High-Paying Career Opportunities By Industry

Sources

• Amber Student: https://amberstudent.com
• Nexford University: https://www.nexford.edu

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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