Highest Paying Jobs with an English Literature Degree

Imagine this scenario: you’ve spent years poring over Shakespeare, Austen, and Hemingway, gaining a deep understanding of literary history and critical analysis, only to find yourself wondering, “What now?” The common misconception is that an English Literature degree limits career options to teaching or writing. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. English majors have skills that are highly transferable, and many of them are landing some of the highest-paying jobs across various industries.

In fact, the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills you gain as an English Literature major make you an attractive candidate for a wide range of lucrative career paths. In this article, we’ll explore some of the highest-paying jobs for English Literature graduates, from fields you might expect to some that may surprise you.

High-Paying Jobs for English Literature Graduates:

1. Content Strategist ($90,000 - $140,000)
Content strategy is a booming field, especially with businesses increasingly recognizing the value of online content. English Literature graduates, with their strong writing, editing, and communication skills, are natural fits for this role. Content strategists are responsible for developing content plans, managing editorial calendars, and ensuring that all content aligns with the company’s goals. They work closely with marketing and design teams to create cohesive brand messaging.

As businesses continue to shift their focus online, the demand for content strategists has skyrocketed. And with experience, content strategists can earn well over six figures annually, making it one of the most lucrative careers for English Literature graduates.

2. Corporate Communications Manager ($75,000 - $150,000)
Companies are always in need of excellent communicators to manage their internal and external communications. As a Corporate Communications Manager, you’ll be responsible for crafting the company’s public messaging, writing press releases, managing crisis communications, and often serving as the company’s spokesperson. This role is vital for maintaining the company’s reputation and ensuring consistent communication across all platforms.

The good news is that it pays handsomely. Salaries typically range from $75,000 for entry-level positions to upwards of $150,000 with experience. Strong writing and editing skills, along with a keen understanding of messaging, are critical for success in this field, making it an ideal fit for English Literature graduates.

3. Technical Writer ($60,000 - $100,000+)
If you have a knack for explaining complex ideas in a clear and concise way, a career in technical writing might be perfect for you. Technical writers create manuals, guides, and other documents that help people understand how to use products or services. While this might seem like a far cry from literary analysis, the skills you’ve developed in writing clear, structured arguments can easily translate into the field of technical writing.

Technical writing is a high-demand field, especially in industries like technology, engineering, and healthcare. As you gain experience, you can expect to earn six figures or more, especially if you specialize in a technical field such as IT or medical writing.

4. Marketing Manager ($70,000 - $150,000)
Marketing managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns that promote a company’s products or services. English Literature graduates are well-suited for this role because of their ability to craft compelling narratives and communicate effectively across various platforms. As a marketing manager, you’ll work with teams to create marketing strategies, oversee content creation, and analyze campaign results.

Marketing management is a broad field with many opportunities for growth. You can work in digital marketing, product marketing, or brand management. The salaries vary depending on the industry and location, but many marketing managers earn six figures, particularly as they move up to senior positions.

5. Public Relations Specialist ($60,000 - $120,000)
Public relations is all about managing a company’s or individual’s public image, and English Literature graduates are well-prepared for this challenge. PR specialists write press releases, pitch stories to the media, and manage relationships with journalists. They also work on crisis communications, ensuring that their clients respond effectively to negative news or scandals.

The demand for skilled PR professionals is high, particularly in industries like entertainment, sports, and corporate communications. Starting salaries are typically around $60,000, but with experience, you can earn over $100,000, especially if you land a job with a high-profile client or company.

6. Editor ($50,000 - $100,000+)
Editing is a natural career choice for English Literature graduates, and it’s a field that can be both creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding. Editors work in a variety of industries, from publishing and journalism to content marketing and corporate communications. As an editor, you’ll be responsible for reviewing and improving written content, ensuring that it is clear, cohesive, and free of errors.

While entry-level editing positions may start around $50,000, experienced editors in major markets can earn six figures or more, particularly if they work for top-tier publishing houses, media companies, or corporations.

7. Lawyer ($120,000 - $250,000+)
Surprised to see law on this list? Many people don’t realize that an English Literature degree is excellent preparation for a career in law. The critical thinking, research, and writing skills you develop as an English major are invaluable in law school and in legal practice. Many English Literature graduates go on to law school, where they excel in crafting persuasive arguments and analyzing complex texts.

Lawyers can work in a variety of fields, from corporate law to intellectual property law, and the earning potential is substantial. Entry-level lawyers can expect to earn around $120,000, while experienced attorneys, especially those at large firms, can earn well over $200,000 per year.

8. Digital Marketing Specialist ($50,000 - $110,000+)
In today’s digital age, businesses need experts who can navigate the online landscape and develop strategies for reaching audiences through digital platforms. Digital marketing specialists focus on SEO, social media marketing, email campaigns, and online advertising. English Literature graduates are well-suited for this role, as they have strong writing skills, creativity, and the ability to analyze and interpret data.

Salaries for digital marketing specialists vary, but experienced professionals in high-demand industries can earn six figures. Plus, the field offers plenty of opportunities for growth and specialization.

9. Human Resources Manager ($70,000 - $140,000)
Human Resources (HR) is another field where strong communication skills are essential. HR managers are responsible for hiring new employees, managing employee relations, and developing workplace policies. They also handle conflict resolution and ensure that the company complies with labor laws.

English Literature graduates often excel in HR because they can navigate complex interpersonal relationships and communicate effectively with both employees and management. HR managers can expect to earn a comfortable salary, particularly in larger organizations or in industries like tech or finance.

10. Publishing Executive ($70,000 - $200,000+)
For those passionate about the world of books, a career in publishing can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. Publishing executives oversee the acquisition, editing, and marketing of books. They work closely with authors, editors, and marketers to bring new books to market.

While the starting salaries in publishing may be modest, with experience and the right connections, publishing executives can earn six figures or more. Those who rise to the top of major publishing houses can even earn salaries in the high six figures.

Conclusion: The Sky’s the Limit
An English Literature degree opens more doors than you might think. Far from being a “useless” degree, it provides you with a broad skill set that can be applied in many high-paying fields. Whether you want to work in law, marketing, communications, or even tech, your degree has given you the tools you need to succeed. So, don’t limit yourself to traditional career paths—explore your options, and you may find yourself in a lucrative and fulfilling career you never expected.