What Can I Do With a Major in Communications?
Roughly twenty percent of communications majors go on to work in an occupation that’s closely related to their major. Broadcasters, radio announcers, writers, and public relations specialists are a few occupations that are considered closely related to this major.
But since those types of positions are so scarce and often require significant experience, not even one third of those with a communications degree work in a field that’s even loosely related to their major. Instead, many find work in education, sales, and marketing positions.
People who earn a degree in communications earn a median salary of $50,000, which is about ten percent less than the average salary for all college graduates. Graduates who just entered the workforce with a degree in communications earn about $37,000 per year on average, and their earnings increase over time.
The unemployment rate for people with a communications degree is also higher than average. However, if you’re passionate about communications and you’re willing to be flexible with your career options, there is no good reason why you can’t have a long and successful career in an area of your choosing.
Career Options for Communications Majors
Below is a list of common career choices for those who earn a degree in communications. This is not a comprehensive list, but it should give you a good idea of the types of jobs that communications majors most frequently choose.
| Occupation | Median Salary | Median Hourly | Current jobs | Outlook | Required Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising Manager | $83,890 | $40.33 | 44,640 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Advertising Sales Agent | $45,350 | $21.80 | 166,830 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Broadcast News Analyst | $54,140 | $26.03 | 6,600 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| College Professor | $62,050 | $29.83 | 1,756,000 | Good | Graduate Degree |
| Copywriter | $49,060 | $23.59 | 151,680 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Editor | $51,470 | $24.75 | 129,600 | Normal | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Elementary School Teacher | $51,660 | $24.84 | 1,549,520 | Good | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Film Editor | $50,930 | $24.49 | 25,530 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| High School Teacher | $53,230 | $25.59 | 1,109,500 | Good | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Insurance Sales Agent | $46,770 | $22.49 | 434,770 | Good | Bachelor’s degree |
| Marketing Manager | $112,800 | $54.23 | 175,570 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Market Research Analyst | $60,660 | $29.16 | 249,810 | Good | Bachelor’s degree |
| Middle School Teacher | $51,960 | $24.98 | 659,460 | Good | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Photographer | $42,869 | $20.61 | 152,000 | Normal | On the job training |
| Producer | $68,440 | $32.90 | 122,500 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Public Relations Manager | $91,810 | $44.14 | 56,720 | Normal | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Public Relations Specialist | $52,090 | $25.04 | 258,100 | Good | Bachelor’s degree |
| Radio Announcer | $26,850 | $12.91 | 394,420 | Normal | On the job training |
| Recruiter | $52,690 | $25.33 | 207,850 | Good | Bachelor’s degree |
| Real Estate Agent | $40,030 | $19.25 | 394,420 | Good | Bachelor’s degree |
| Real Estate Broker | $54,910 | $26.40 | 123,390 | Normal | Bachelor’s degree |
| Sales Manager | $98,350 | $47.28 | 346,860 | Good | Bachelor’s degree |
| Secretary | $34,660 | $16.66 | 2,019,970 | Good | On the job training |
| Technical Writer | $63,280 | $30.42 | 48,910 | Normal | Bachelor’s Degree |
