DID YOU KNOW? captivating, every, find, history, Money, news, united states, Work September 7, 2024

“14 College Degrees You Won’t Believe Have Shockingly Low Starting Salaries”

Okay, let’s cut right to it. Picture this: you bust your butt for four—or maybe six—years, spending tens of thousands of dollars (hello, student loans!), only to land a “dream job” that barely allows you to cover your loan payments and maybe, just maybe, afford Ramen for dinner. Depressing, right? Sadly, for many fresh-faced college grads, this is the harsh reality. The average student debt looms around **$38,000**, but where’s that lucrative salary trajectory everyone promised?

The fantasy of college being the no-brainer path to a high-flying career? Yeah, it’s more like a house of cards, ready to collapse the second real life comes knocking. Spoiler alert: Not all degrees are created equal. Some deliver a comfy ROI, while others? Well… they make you question the sanity of your younger self. But don’t panic! I’m not here to ruin your college aspirations (or confirm your fears). Instead, this is about playing it smart, getting informed, and—brace yourself—considering *alternative* routes to that sweet, sweet paycheck, if a traditional degree seems like a one-way ticket to nowhere.

So buckle up, we’re diving into reasons why some degrees leave you driving for Uber on the weekends, plus tips for career pivoting (yep, that’s a thing), and even some non-college paths you might want to think about. Because knowledge? It’s not just power. It’s also the key to NOT living in your parents’ basement until you’re 50. Let’s break it all down.

**1. Theatre Arts**

Ah, the captivating world of stage and screen… until the lights go out and you’re scavenging coins for rent. Don’t get me wrong—pursuing your passion is noble, but a theatre arts degree? It might leave your bank account more dramatic than your soliloquies. With a median salary of around **$48,000**, actors often juggle side gigs to supplement the *real* performance: surviving. Want to up your game? Dip a toe into areas like voice acting, teaching, or production work. Trust me, a backup plan here is not just smart; it’s survival.

**2. Early Childhood Education**

Teaching tiny humans is a big deal—until that paycheck hits and suddenly, it’s like playing Monopoly with actual money. Preschool teachers rake in an average of only **$40,000**. Uh, Starbucks baristas take home more tips than some educators take home *salary*. Want to actually buy a house before you’re 90? Consider advancing to K-12 teaching or specialize (Special Ed or bilingual educator, anyone?). Let’s be real, though: no matter how much you love kids, no one loves struggling to make ends meet.

**3. Theology and Religious Vocations**

The Lord may provide, but His paycheck? Not so much… A degree in theology can land you a rich, fulfilling career in service—but it might not land you in a mansion on the hill. On average, these graduates make around **$37,000** annually. If you want to avoid divine poverty, consider taking on extra roles within your community or using your skills in social services or education. Maybe the prayer here is for a promotion.

**4. Communications and Journalism**

Writing for a living sounds glamorous, right? Dream job status! That is, until the paychecks come in. Journalists can expect a handsome **$49,300** median salary… but only if you ignore the fact that most of them work multiple jobs to make that happen. Want to stay afloat in this sinking ship of an industry? Put those digital skills to work! Social media management, video editing, freelance writing—dive into them like you’re chasing the last lifeboat on the Titanic.

**5. Music**

A music career sounds like a dream—*cue vinyl-scratching reality check*. Many musicians earn barely **$38,000** yearly, even after years of practice, passion, and perfecting scales until your fingers bleed. Not glamorous. Want to turn that around? Teach, produce, or perform at private events—basically, diversify until your hands are in every part of the industry pie! Oh, and get a business mind—because in this field, you’re the boss, baby.

**6. Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies**

Look, managing parks and promoting fitness sounds idyllic. But when the median annual salary is all of **$32,000**, let’s just say your trust fund better be loaded. Want to avoid clipping newspaper coupons for “fun”? Beef up your qualifications with personal training or fitness instructing certs—or even move up to management or admin roles. Who knew you’d have to fight that hard for financial “fitness”?

**7. Anthropology and Archeology**

Digging up the past sounds like a blast, but here’s a shock

Imagine this: You’ve spent years of your life and a massive amount of money pursuing a college degree, only to find yourself taking home a salary that hardly covers your student loan payments. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Unfortunately, this is the bleak reality for many graduates today, with the average student loan debt averaging almost $38,000.

While a college degree is often touted as the path of least resistance to a high-paying career, the truth is more complex. Some degrees offer a solid return on investment, while others leave graduates struggling to make ends meet. This isn’t about discouraging anyone from pursuing higher education, but rather about educating you to make informed decisions and consider alternative paths if a traditional degree doesn’t seem like the best fit.

We’re examining the factors contributing to these disappointing outcomes and offering insights into potential career shifts and alternative education options. Remember, knowledge is power. By understanding the financial realities of different degrees, you can make well-informed decisions about your future education and career path.

1. Theatre Arts

A man and woman kneel on stage during theater rehearsals. — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

While the stage may call to aspiring actors and playwrights, a theatre arts degree often leads to a challenging financial reality. Performing artists with this degree earn a median annual wage of about $48,000, with many relying on part-time jobs to supplement their income.

To increase your earning potential, consider diversifying your skills. Explore opportunities in voice acting, teaching, or working behind the scenes in production or stage management. Building a strong network in the entertainment industry can also open doors to higher-paying gigs.

2. Early Childhood Education

A female Childcare teacher Supporting the child in Learning through game — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Early childhood educators are responsible for nurturing and educating young children, laying the foundation for their future development. However, their salaries often reflect the challenges facing the education sector. Preschool teachers earn an average annual wage of $40,000.

To increase your earning potential, consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education, which can open doors to higher-paying positions in elementary or secondary education. Additionally, specializing in a specific area such as special education or bilingual education can also boost your salary.

3. Theology and Religious Vocations

For those called to religious service, a degree in theology or religious vocations can be deeply fulfilling. However, it’s important to be aware that these careers often come with modest salaries. The average annual wage for liberal arts graduates is $37,000.

To supplement your income, consider exploring additional roles within your religious community, such as teaching or counseling. You can also pursue secular work in fields such as social services or education, where your theological training can be an asset.

4. Communications and Journalism

Happy businesswoman in suit giving interview to journalist in office. — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

While communications and journalism degrees can equip you with valuable writing and communication skills, the media industry is facing significant challenges. The BLS reports that reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts earn a median annual wage of $49,300.

To navigate the evolving media landscape, consider developing digital skills like video editing, social media marketing, or content creation. Explore opportunities in public relations, corporate communications, or freelance writing to diversify your income streams.

5. Music

Smiling friends with cocktails enjoying guitar — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

A degree in music can foster a lifelong passion for the arts and performing. However, the music industry is notoriously competitive, and many musicians struggle to make a living solely from their art. Musicians and singers earn an average annual wage of about $38,000.

To sustain a career in music, consider diversifying your income streams by teaching music lessons, performing at private events, or working in music production or sound engineering. Building a strong network in the music industry and developing entrepreneurial skills can also be crucial for success.

6. Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies

Male personal trainer looking at sportswoman doing sit ups with dumbbells' — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

While a degree in parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies can lead to fulfilling careers in promoting health and well-being, the salaries for entry-level positions can be relatively low. Recreation workers earn a median annual wage of $32,000.

To increase your earning potential, ponder pursuing certifications in specialized areas like personal training, group fitness instruction, or therapeutic recreation. Additionally, gaining experience in management or administration can open doors to higher-paying positions in parks and recreation departments or fitness centers.

7. Anthropology and Archeology

Archeology scientists reconstruct broken pottery in laboratory. — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

While they are fascinating fields, anthropology and archeology degrees often lead to limited job prospects and low salaries. Even though the typical entry-level education requirement in the field is a master’s degree, some earn less than $44,000.

To enhance your career prospects, consider specializing in a niche area like forensic anthropology or cultural resource management. You can also explore careers in museums, research institutions, or government agencies.

8. Hospitality Management

Event Planners, Banquet manager and restaurant owner discussing upcoming event — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

A degree in Hospitality Management can open doors to the exciting world of hotels, restaurants, and tourism. Unfortunately, entry-level positions often involve long hours and low pay, with some taking home as little as $35,000 per year.

To boost your earning potential, focus on gaining experience in management or specialized areas like event planning or revenue management. Consider pursuing certifications in hospitality management or related fields to demonstrate your expertise.

9. Social Work

Volunteer packing food into bag — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Social work is a noble profession focused on helping individuals and communities overcome challenges. Even with a college degree, starting salaries in this field can be surprisingly low. In fact, the lowest earners make less than $36,500 annually.

To increase your earning potential, consider specializing in a specific area like clinical social work or child welfare. Pursuing a master’s degree in social work can also open doors to higher-paying positions in healthcare or administration.

10. Film and Photography

Photographer taking photo with digital camera — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

While these creative fields can be fulfilling, they are also highly competitive and often offer low starting salaries. Earnings for entry-level positions in the field can be as low as $34,000.

To succeed in these industries, focus on building a strong portfolio, networking with industry professionals, and developing an understanding of best business practices. Consider freelancing or working for smaller studios to gain experience and build your reputation.

11. Culinary Arts

Team of chefs in production process of system catering — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

A Culinary Arts degree can lead to a rewarding career in the food industry. However, starting salaries for line cooks and prep cooks can be low, often around minimum wage. While some experienced workers make upwards of $90,000 per year, entry-level positions start at around $35,000.

To increase your earning potential, aim for leadership positions like sous chef or executive chef. Consider specializing in a particular cuisine or opening your own restaurant or catering business.

12. Human Services

Partial view of multiethnic businesspeople at table during conference in office — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

These degrees focus on social services and community development, but job opportunities can be limited, and salaries are often low. Human services workers in the United States earn an average salary of about $32,000, though salaries can range from around $28,000 to $40,000.

To enhance your career prospects, consider pursuing a master’s degree in social work or public administration. Look for opportunities in non-profit organizations, government agencies, or healthcare settings.

13. History

Interior of the State Hermitage (Winter Palace). Hermitage is one of largest and oldest museums of art and culture in the world — Photo Credit: paanna at Depositphotos.com.

History degrees offer a deep understanding of the past but can be challenging to translate into lucrative careers. Entry-level jobs within the field pay as low as $28,000.

To broaden your career options, consider pairing your history degree with practical skills like archival research, museum curation, or public history. Explore careers in museums, historical societies, or government agencies.

14. Ethnic and Civilization Studies

Hands of anthropologist with human skull — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

These degrees delve into cultural and social issues but often have limited job prospects and low salaries. Some entry-level positions within the field pay less than $21,000.

To increase your career options, consider pursuing a master’s degree in sociology or anthropology. Explore careers in research, education, or social services where your cultural knowledge and analytical skills can be valuable.

17 High-Paying Jobs That Value Skills Over Degrees

Senior architect, Home Inspector or civil engineer at the construction site — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

If you’re eager to start earning sooner, prefer hands-on learning, or just want to explore alternative paths beyond the usual college route, this list is your launchpad. We’re not just talking about “decent” jobs here – we’re diving into careers with serious earning potential, challenging responsibilities, and the opportunity to make a real impact.

There’s no perfect path for anyone, so exploring options is a great first step to a fulfilling career, independent of the requirements.

17 High-Paying Careers That Value Skills Over Degrees

15 Ways to Pivot into a New Career, No Matter Experience or Age

job interview candidates suits woman men — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Get ready to shake up your career trajectory! Gone are the days of needing decades of experience or returning to college to make a big change. Let’s bust the myth that job shifts are only for the young and restless. Anyone, regardless of age, can take charge of their professional destiny.

This isn’t about impulsive decisions or get-rich-quick schemes. Successful pivots involve strategy, self-reflection, and tapping into resources that empower your reinvention. Whether you’re tired of your current field, facing a layoff, or simply seeking something more fulfilling, the possibilities are more open than you might think!

15 Ways to Pivot into a New Career, No Matter Experience or Age

20 High-Paying Jobs That Are Perfect for Retirees

retired old man working on his computer near the ocean — Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Retirement doesn’t have to mean a rocking chair and endless daytime TV! For many, it’s a chance to start a whole new career chapter filled with purpose and a healthy boost to their bank accounts. We’re about to dive into some surprisingly lucrative fields that are ideal for those with experience and wisdom.

20 High-Paying Jobs That Are Perfect for Retirees