Think your English Lit major will doom you to a four-digit income? Not so fast. According to the Department of Labor’s most recent mean wage statistics , a liberal arts degree can earn you a decent wage.
Our list covers currently available jobs that offer high earning potential to people without a technical or scientific degree. Some jobs require licenses or a little additional education, but most can be accomplished with a “worthless” liberal arts education (even one of those “lowly” online degrees).
Note: These are job categories as defined by the government in 2008. Therefore, some newer jobs or job categories aren’t included here. Entrepreneurship/owning your own business is also excluded.
20. Postal Service Clerk
Mean annual wage: $50,150
Job description: A Postal Service Clerk performs a variety of duties within a post office. These include processing mail, selling stamps and packing materials, processing money orders, sorting mail, repeatedly explaining the same concepts to confused customers, and various other duties.
How you land the position: The government prefers to hire people with a Bachelor’s degree. Customer service skills also help. If you’re interested in a full-time position, you need to pass a civil service exam.
Examples of companies to work for: The Unites States Postal Service
19. Construction and Building Inspector
Mean annual wage: $52,160
Job description: Inspectors enforce building safety codes. Tasks include examining new structures to determine the structural integrity of the building and ensuring buildings are safe before developers open them for use. Inspectors may also approve building plans or blueprints before construction begins. Inspections cover electrical and/or plumbing elements as well.
How you land the position: Some positions have no degree requirements. Positions in engineering or architecture, however, may require a Bachelor’s degree. Experience in the construction field helps your prospects. Some positions require specific certificates or licenses.
Examples of companies to work for: Local or state government agencies, National Building Inspections, Home Inspections USA, National Inspection Services
18. Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist
Mean annual wage: $57,060
Job description: Assess aspects of compensation, benefits and job duties of employees for the primary employer. In this position, you may examine specific areas such as pension or employee classification levels.
How you land the position: Some sort of Bachelor’s degree is preferred, though specific education requirements may vary by position. Certifications and required job experience differ from one job to another.
Examples of companies to work for: Local and state government offices, consulting services, insurance carriers
17. Claims Adjuster, Examiner, and Investigator
Mean annual wage: $57,550
Image: KYFB.com
Job description: Inspect the damage on a vehicle or other property. Request the assistance of doctors, mechanics or other specialists in order to create an accurate insurance claim report. You can either work for an insurance company or work independently.
How you land the position: A liberal arts degree is a good start. Have a strong background in the latest technology, or be proficient at picking up new computer applications. Contact your state’s Department of Insurance to find out if certifications are necessary.
Examples of companies to work for: Allstate, State Farm, Nationwide, AAA, Progressive, and other insurers.
16. Instructional Coordinator
Mean annual wage: $59,780
Job description: An instructional coordinator, also known as a curriculum specialist, supports and improves the quality of education in a college, university, or other school. Responsibilities include reviewing and selecting textbooks; developing curricula; evaluating, placing and upgrading technological instruments in the classroom; training teachers, and assessing the overall quality and success of classes.
How you land the position: The minimum educational requirement is a Bachelor’s degree. Some employers prefer an advanced degree; others want a background in education. Required licensing and other requirements may vary from state to state.
Examples of companies to work for: Public and private elementary, secondary and post-secondary institutions, educational consulting firms, child day care services, scientific research and development services.
15. Social and Community Service Manager
Mean annual wage: 60,570
Job description: Run a social service or community outreach program. Tasks include overseeing the organization’s budget, directing employees (eg. counselors or social workers), networking with other organizations, community outreach, liaising with the government and media, and directing fundraising efforts.
How you land the position: Many employers prefer degrees in public administration or social sciences like psychology. If your degree is unrelated, try working your way up by volunteering or taking an entry-level position in your organization of choice.
Examples of companies to work for: Look for work with nonprofit institutions and the government.
14. First-Line Supervisor/Manager of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers
Mean annual wage: $61,280
Job description: Overseeing and coordinating the duties of construction or extraction workers. Tasks may involve scheduling, inspection of progress, equipment and/or job sites, ordering supplies, locating and marking job sites, and recording and analyzing data.
How you land the position: Depending upon the area of specialization, positions require a variety of educational backgrounds up to a Bachelor’s Degree. Experience in industries like masonry, carpentry, electrical or building construction may help.
Examples of companies to work for: Building construction companies, roofing, drywall, electrical, glaziers, concrete companies, and anyone else involved in construction.
13. Insurance Underwriter
Mean annual wage: $62,600
Image: Santa Clara U
Job description: Review applications for insurance coverage submitted by non-clients wanting coverage. Find any possible risk associated in covering a potential client, then approve, deny or modify the policy to accommodate the client’s personal needs. If you become an underwriters, you may work for life or health insurance companies, or you might work with automobile, home owners or commercial insurance policies.
How you land the position: Most companies prefer a Bachelor’s degree. An emphasis in business administration or other business related course work, such as economics, accounting or insurance principals, helps. Many underwriters start out in entry-level positions and move their way up by gaining experience and industry knowledge. Continued education is highly recommended for advancement within the field.
Examples of companies to work for: Aetna, Cigna, State Farm, Farmers, New York Life, MetLife, and other insurance companies.
12. Broadcast News Analyst
Mean annual wage: $70,730
Job description: Broadcast news analysts, or new anchors, host television and radio news programs. Anchors read current news stories, host panel discussions, and perform interviews. Length and frequency of reports may vary depending upon seniority and the size of the news agency. An anchor at a large station will have a very specialized function, while an anchor at a small station may perform various duties relating to multiple topics such as sports, weather, traffic, and breaking news.
How you land the position: There are no formal educational requirements, but networks prefer a Bachelor’s degree. Any education or professional experience in English, public speaking, broadcasting, or communications helps. Candidates should have clear diction, strong voice projection and, for television, a professional appearance.
Examples of companies to work for: ESPN, CNN, Fox News, NPR, local radio stations, local television news network.
11. Gaming Manager
Mean annual wage: $73,480
Job description: Responsible for oversight of the gaming floor at casinos and other gaming institutions. Supervise dealers and other employees in the gaming area. You also perform customer service duties while out on the floor.
How you land the position: An Associate’s degree is recommended, as is prior casino experience. If you have a BA, flaunt it. Also be able to pass a background check.
Examples of companies to work for: Harrah’s, Isle of Capri, other casinos, riverboats, cruise ships, etc.
10. Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
Mean annual wage: $79,260
Job description: A sales representative’s job function, regardless of industry, is to present their merchandise or services to clients through demos and presentations, answer questions and concerns and provide initial customer service. As a sales rep, you may present a single product or a whole line of products. You might also provide services directly to consumers, to wholesalers, retailers, contractors, or government agencies.
How you land the position: Education levels for the field vary. A Bachelor’s degree is preferable, especially for anyone interested in working in technical or scientific industries. Excellent communication skills, a professional appearance, and a winning attitude are also keys for any sales job.
Examples of companies to work for: You may find employment in a retail environment, manufacturing, construction or IT, to name a few possible industries.
9. First-Line Supervisor/Manager of Non-Retail Sales Workers
Mean annual wage: $79,870
Job description: This job title is Labor Department-speak for Middle Manager, Field Not Specified. Your main job is to oversee employees who work in a non-retail environment. Additionally, you may perform accounting, budgeting or personnel matters.
How you land the position: A liberal arts degree is ideal, since specific career fields vary widely. Depending upon the industry, employees may have an emphasis in business, social sciences, computers, etc. Start in an entry-level position, then work your way up to middle management—or job-hop until you have the skills to land a middle management position at a new company. You can do this by acquiring relevant certificates, getting into a small but growing company, or laying out for an MBA.
Examples of companies to work for: This position exists in a broad range of fields. You may find employment in local government offices such as law enforcement, schools, nonprofits, or corporations. Job titles vary—just look for a “manager” suffix.
8. Agent and Business Manager of Artists, Performers, and Athlete
Mean annual wage: $81,550
Job description: An agent serves as a professional representative for another person. Agents introduce their clients to other important contacts within their industry and help negotiate deals and contracts. You should have a background and/or expertise in their desired field.
How you land the position: Education levels may vary greatly. A liberal arts Bachelor’s degree, complemented by strong communication and networking skills, is a good start. Agents also need the ability to look and act professional.
Examples of companies to work for: The Actors Group, Encore Talent Agency, Baron Entertainment, Cannonball Fine Art, Anna Goodson Management Inc., Flynn Sports Management, Progressive Sports Management
7. Stockbroker: Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent
Mean annual wage: $92,050
Job description: A stockbroker buys and sells securities for brokerage firms. As a stockbroker, you may work with the public buying, selling or trading stocks, bonds, and other securities. Full service broker also advise their clients on investment matters, for an additional fee or commission.
How you land the position: Most stock brokers have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, though education levels vary. Common majors include economics, finance, accounting, and business administration. But nobody’s going to kick you out for having a humanities degree. Additionally, to become a stockbroker, you have to pass the Series 7 and Series 63 licensing exams.
Examples of companies to work for: Charles Schwab, Merrill Lynch, Edward Jones
6. Education Administrator, Postsecondary
Mean annual wage: $92,920
Image: New America Foundation
Job description: Postsecondary education administrators perform administrative tasks at schools beyond the high school level. Administrators work in all departments. Organize course schedules, hire faculty and other staff, manage budgets, serve as academic advisors, and perform other administrative tasks.
How you land the position: Most colleges and universities prefer a Bachelor’s degree, though more advanced positions require a graduate degree.
Examples of companies to work for: Public and private universities, community colleges, vocational training schools, and technical institutes.
5. Pharmaceutical Sales Rep
Estimated wage potential: $100,000+
Job description: A typical pharmaceutical sales representative, also known as a drug rep, represents a particular drug or drug group for a major pharmaceutical company. Drug reps present product information and samples to physicians. For example, a drug rep specializing in cardiac medicine would sell cholesterol- or blood pressure drugs to cardiologists.
How you land the position: Have at least a Bachelor’s degree. Companies may prefer science degrees, but you can still get in with a liberal arts education. Previous sales experience is a plus. To make it as a rep, you need excellent communication skills. You should thrive in a competitive environment. You also need to look and act professional, and be willing to learn and speak clearly about the product you are selling.
Examples of companies to work for: Pfizer, Merck & Co., Bayer, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis
4. Public Relations Manager
Mean annual wage: $101,220
Job description: Oversees employees within the public relations (PR) and marketing departments. PR managers help a company manage its public appearance, brand, and reputation, as well as generate exposure for its products or services. Specific duties may include generating and distributing marketing materials, creating press releases, and liaising with journalists.
How you land the position: Besides your Bachelor’s degree, try to take specific coursework in public relations, communications, speaking, journalism, or English. To work your way up to management, start in an entry-level position and build experience. Keep a portfolio of your press releases, media mentions, and other positive accomplishments.
Examples of companies to work for: Positions exist within communications, construction, information technology, education, sporting goods, and many other industries. Companies with more exposure usually need more PR help.
3. General and Operations Manager
Mean annual wage: $107,970
Image: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC
Job description: A general or operations manager organizes and oversees company operations in either the public or private sector. Duties may include creating and/or implementing policy, human resources, purchasing, and administrative tasks.
How you land the position: Gain industry experience to complement your Bachelor’s degree. Many companies prefer a managerial or supervisory history
Examples of companies to work for: Companies that employ this position may include jobs in construction, IT, sports, hospitality, freight, and a number of other industries.
2. Sales Manager
Mean annual wage: $110,390
Job description: A sales manager leads a sales team, helps train and develop her employees, and makes or contributes to hiring decisions. The success of the sales team is based, in large part, on the successful communication, direction and leadership of the sales manager.
How you land the position: Most companies prefer a Bachelor’s degree. Industry experience and education in your field of specialization help. A good track record in sales is crucial.
Examples of companies to work for: Everybody needs to sell. Look for positions in healthcare, education, finance, insurance, retail, and any other industry you feel drawn towards.
1. Marketing Manager
Mean annual wage: $118,160
Image: Fly4Change
Job description: A marketing manager focuses on increasing sales and recognition for their organization through marketing activities. Sales, public relations and advertising may fall under a marketing manager’s umbrella. As a marketing manager, you need to monitor competitor activities, demand for your products, new client markets, and your budget. You need to have the ability to create a strategic plan based on those parameters.
How you land the position: A liberal arts degree works for this field, although any kind of coursework in marketing, PR, or business helps, as does industry expertise. Depending on the company, you may also want an MBA. Previous marketing experience is essential.
Examples of companies to work for: This is a versatile position available within many industries ranging from IT, insurance, architecture, sporting goods, publications, etc.
