Ever wondered why 'through,' 'tough,' and 'though' sound like a linguistic tongue-twister, while 'pony' and 'bologna' surprisingly strike a rhyme? Forget starving artist clichés—English majors are winning the job game in 2024. From doing amazing content magic as a content strategist to cracking corporate code as a technical writer, it's not all about Shakespearean sonnets. Here are the top 15 highest-paying jobs for English majors that prove that playing with words can be as financially satisfying as it is linguistically entertaining.
15 Highest Paying Jobs for English Majors
Do you think that careers for English majors only lead to a life of chalkboards and red pens? Think again! Forget just teaching—there are several high-paying jobs for people with English degrees in marketing, law, translation, and UX. You can begin your journey by studying at the best English universities in France, the English universities in Germany, or anywhere else in the world. Let's see the top 15 career opportunities for English majors in 2024!
1. Copywriter
Average Salary: $66,107 per year
Number of US jobs: 131,200
Projected Growth for 2031: 4%
As a copywriter, you craft compelling content for diverse platforms, conduct thorough research and interviews, and collaborate with creative professionals. You also interpret project requirements, work on marketing campaigns, and edit copy. This is one of the highest-paying jobs for English majors, including high-paying jobs in fields such as marketing, content creation, and public relations. Opportunities range from ads to blog posts, reflecting the versatility of an English degree.
2. Grant Writer
Average Salary: $51,838 per year
Number of US jobs: 10,546
Projected Growth for 2031: 6%
Next on our list of the highest-paying jobs for English majors is grant writing. A grant writer plays a crucial role in forging connections with stakeholders, aligning with the organisation's mission, and maintaining deep knowledge of its history. They research grant opportunities, craft compelling proposals, and collaborate with the leadership team to secure annual funding. Ideal for careers for English majors, offering diverse career opportunities and high-paying roles.
3. Technical Writer
Average Salary: $66,107 per year
Number of US jobs: 10,546
Projected Growth for 2031: 6%
As a technical writer, your roles extend beyond crafting words—they involve building relationships, staying true to your organisation's mission, and delving into its history and programs. Researching grant opportunities, writing compelling proposals, and collaborating with leadership ensure financial stability. If you’re looking for high-paying English major jobs, this role will open up diverse career opportunities and income sources.
4. Editor
Average Salary: $67,228 per year
Number of US jobs: 74,471
Projected Growth for 2031: 4%
Editing is also one of the best jobs for English majors. The role of an editor encompasses diverse tasks, such as removing irrelevant content, supporting authors in story development, acquisitions editing, and performing line editing. What's expected of an editor? Editors must respect publishing guidelines, check facts, and create editorial policies, requiring patience and concentration. These roles offer varied career opportunities for English majors, including rewarding positions in the field of literature.
5. Social Media Manager
Average Salary: $67,228 per year
Number of US jobs: 74,471
Projected Growth for 2031: 4%
Social media managers play crucial roles in the world of content. They remove unsuitable material, support authors in story development, and ensure adherence to publishing guidelines. They also check facts, create editorial policies, and reference multiple materials, navigating the creative and strategic landscape. The social media manager role, one of the best-paying jobs for English majors, offers career opportunities for individuals to showcase their skills in editing, fact-checking, and content development. Jobs for English degree graduates include positions in high-paying fields, making it one of the best jobs with an English literature degree.
6. Consultant
Average Salary: $88,503 per year
Number of US jobs: 610,454
Projected Growth for 2031: 10%
Consultants, one of the best English major jobs, help by grasping client goals, conducting interviews and surveys, and analysing data to address issues. They present findings to management and provide valuable advice for organisational improvement. If you are searching for careers for English majors, you have diverse career opportunities in consulting, with jobs ranging from advising to analysing data, aligning with your skills and interests.
7. Proofreader
Average Salary: $21.12 per hour
Number of US jobs: 5,327
Projected Growth for 2031: 5%
Proofreaders ensure written perfection. Detecting and correcting errors, they use special marks to refine text and verify the precision of images, tables, and charts. They ensure coherence by fixing punctuation and employing specialised software. So, if you’re good at all this, then proofreading is definitely one of the best highest-paying jobs for you, with numerous opportunities in diverse sectors.
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8. English Professor/Teacher
Average Salary: $55,067 per year
Number of US jobs: 1,279,570
Projected Growth for 2031: 13%
Teaching is definitely one of the high-paying jobs with an English literature degree. English teachers play pivotal roles in crafting engaging course materials, assessing student progress, and fostering trust with students, parents, and staff. Are you seeking potential paths in the professional realm for English majors? This job provides diverse career opportunities, from high-paying English major jobs to rewarding roles in education, showcasing the versatility of an English major.
9. Librarian
Average Salary: $70,371 per year
Number of US jobs: 80,817
Projected Growth for 2031: 3%
How does spending the whole day surrounded by books sound to you? If your answer is ‘divine,’ then being a librarian is the job for you! One of the best English degree jobs that pay well, librarians play important roles in managing and providing access to information, fostering knowledge discovery, and supporting educational needs. They implement policies, manage budgets, and ensure cost-effective information retrieval methods. It includes roles in library management, research, and information technology, offering diverse and rewarding paths for graduates. For a career in English major jobs, you can work in areas like library science, research, and technology for fulfilling and well-paying careers.
10. Journalist
Average Salary: $48,454 per year
Number of US jobs: 6,047
Projected Growth for 2031: 9%
Being a journalist, one of the highest-paying jobs for English majors means working in researching and crafting unbiased news stories about real events. Journalists interview experts, gather firsthand accounts, and weave compelling narratives. Journalists need to have strong research, communication, and writing skills. An English degree helps individuals develop these skills. For jobs with an English degree, journalism offers diverse career opportunities, making it a top choice for those with an English degree.
11. Content Manager
Average Salary: $67,786 per year
Number of US jobs: 5,572
Projected Growth for 2031: 10%
A content manager wears many hats. They craft content strategies and create captivating material for websites and social media. They also dive into Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), analyse performance metrics, and ensure brand consistency. Editing and proofreading come naturally. Being a content manager is undoubtedly one of the best jobs for English majors!
12. Medical Writer
Average Salary: $94,973 per year
Number of US jobs: 268
Projected Growth for 2031: 6%
Medical writing is also one of the highest-paying jobs for English majors. The role of a medical writer is diverse. It involves creating content for publications, ensuring client approval, and communicating with medical professionals. Tasks include research, interviews, and report writing on diseases or treatments. One of the best English major jobs, medical writing offers varied career opportunities, from drafting scientific papers to high-paying positions in pharmaceutical companies.
13. UX Writer
Average Salary: $108,000 - $119,531 per year
Number of US jobs: 9,758
Projected Growth for 2031: 23%
UX writers craft the words users encounter in software, apps, and interfaces, collaborating with designers and developers for a seamless user experience. Beyond writing, they lead user research, test copy, and shape a brand's voice. One of the highest-paying jobs for English majors, being a UX writer is something you can think of.
14. Brand Strategist
Average Salary: $78,214 - $118,841 per year
Number of US jobs: 4,197
Projected Growth for 2031: 10%
As a Brand Strategist, you're a storyteller, weaving narratives that connect with consumers. Your canvas includes crafting marketing strategies for brand prominence, and analysing market trends for smart decisions. Considering your jobs with an English degree? You can work in this creative arena, finding different opportunities like client presentations and top-paying roles in brand-focused careers.
15. Paralegal
Average Salary: $38,000 - $89,000 per year
Number of US jobs: 298,497
Projected Growth for 2031: 14%
Last on our list of the highest-paying jobs for English majors is a paralegal, who aids attorneys during trials, conducting legal case research, and interviewing clients. Their responsibilities include drafting legal documents. For English majors, paralegal positions offer promising jobs with English literature degree, showcasing the valuable skills gained.
8 Tips to Make the Most from an English Degree
Now that you've learnt the potential of an English degree, there are various tips and tricks to help you get one of the high-paying jobs with an English literature degree. Here are some entry-level and advancement opportunities waiting for you.
1. Diversify your knowledge: Enroll in elective courses that expose you to diverse disciplines, such as business or foreign languages. This can unveil new job prospects that align with your skills.
2. Real-world experience: Seek internships, volunteer work, or non-salary opportunities to apply your English degree skills in a practical business setting. For instance, literary agents often kick-start their careers by interning under experienced professionals.
3. Job listings hunt: Scan job listings for positions requiring an English degree. Also, explore roles in communications, marketing, and journalism, as these fields appreciate the valuable skills of an English major.
4. Showcase your skills: Build a portfolio through freelance projects that mirror tasks mentioned in job descriptions. Highlight your versatility, from copywriting to event planning.
5. Network and connect: Attend networking events and professional conferences to meet people who appreciate your background. Join professional organisations to stay updated on industry trends and discover career opportunities.
6. Social media opportunities: Follow brands and influencers on social media. Look for job announcements related to writing, communications, or marketing.
7. Stay informed: Join professional organisations like NCTE or BNI. Membership keeps you informed about industry best practices and opens doors to potential careers.
8. Explore emerging industries: Study different industries and identify how an English major could contribute. For example, in the cryptocurrency realm, an English major with UX writing skills could enhance user-friendly content.
So, that's our list of the highest-paying jobs for English majors in 2024. It gives you a peek into potential career paths. And, you can always turn to the best apps for learning English to go that extra mile. Don't let anyone doubt your choice—show them this list and prove them wrong. Your journey in the world of jobs for people with English degrees is full of possibilities!
