[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English graduates help people, organizations, and communities understand and preserve the arts, learn from history, and tell stories. Yet you might wonder: What jobs can I get as an English major?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A degree in English provides you with marketable soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. You’ll also acquire the technical skills necessary for writing, editing, and education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English majors study academic writing, literature, and the general humanities. [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-english/”]English degree programs[/hen-ui-link] also intersect with other disciplines like social sciences, history, and communications. With a diverse skill set and strong foundation in writing, you can launch a career in a wide variety of industries as an English major.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Jobs Can You Get With an English Degree​?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an English major, you can apply your writing, research, and problem-solving skills in many fields, but especially in education, publishing, media, and communications. Careers for English majors can also be found in tech, such as copywriting, SEO, or social media management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To improve your qualifications in a specialized field, you can take targeted electives and find related internships or work. Getting an internship can show you how to apply your skills to your chosen field and highlight what additional qualifications you need to become more competitive in the job market.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]15 Jobs for English Majors[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career Path[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Typical Degree Level Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary (2024)*[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Outlook (2023-33)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Paralegal[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Associate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$61,010[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]+1%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Technical Writer[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$91,670[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]+4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Editor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$75,260[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]-2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Writer and Author[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$72,270[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]+5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Relations Specialist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$69,780[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]+6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Training and Development Specialist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$65,850[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]+12%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Middle School English Teacher[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$62,970[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]-1%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Elementary School English Teacher[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$62,310[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]-1%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]News Analyst, Reporter, and Journalist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$60,280[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]-3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Interpreter and Translator[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$59,440[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]+2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s or Master’s*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$159,660[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]+8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Relations Manager[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s or Master’s*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$132,870[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]+7%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]High School English Teacher[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s or Master’s*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$64,580[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]-1%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]ESL Teacher[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Bachelor’s or Master’s*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$59,950[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]-13%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]College English Professors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career Path”]Doctorate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Typical Degree Level Required”]$78,270[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)*”]+8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]15 Jobs for English Majors: A Deeper Dive[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ready to dig deeper into these jobs for English majors? Whether you’re drawn to teaching, media, writing, business, or another area, your English degree can help you in your career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several fields and career paths you can pursue with an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/english-degree/”]English degree[/hen-ui-link]. For this reason, we’ve broken these jobs for English majors down into three groups of occupations:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Careers [/hen-ui-text](5)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Journalism, Publishing, and Writing Careers[/hen-ui-text] (4)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Business and Communication Careers [/hen-ui-text](6)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]1. Education Careers With an English Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A degree in English equips you with the skills to teach reading, writing, and communication. However, if you’re aiming for a role in a public school, you will also need to complete education courses. Private schools, on the other hand, may hire you with just an English degree.Each state has different requirements for English teachers, but most public middle and high schools in the United States require at least a bachelor’s [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-education/”]degree in secondary education[/hen-ui-link], with an English emphasis. You will also need to meet state certification requirements. Earning a master’s in English can open even more doors in the field of education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Elementary School English Teacher[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $62,310[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English majors can use their understanding of grammar, narrative, and rhetoric to teach English Language Arts at the elementary level. You’ll help students build foundational literacy skills, develop as writers, and strengthen critical thinking and communication skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To teach English in elementary school, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in elementary education or a degree in English plus a teaching credential. You can bolster your English credentials by taking elective courses in literature and writing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Middle School English Teacher[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $62,970[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Middle school English teachers guide students through reading fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Drawing on their expertise in literary analysis and communication, they help middle schoolers develop strong analytical and writing skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public school teachers generally need to complete a teacher preparation program. Your English degree can meet the subject-area requirements for a teaching license and endorsement in language arts.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]High School English Teacher[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $64,580[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree, some schools require a master’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English majors who become high school teachers help students prepare for the workforce and college. In addition to core language and writing classes, high school language arts teachers also teach advanced placement, drama, creative writing, and other courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High school teachers at public schools need a state-issued license or certification. You can complete your state’s requirements with a teacher preparation program or a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-education/”]master’s in education[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teacher[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $59,950[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s or master’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Thanks to their strong understanding of language, English majors can teach English to non-native speakers. EFL teachers, sometimes called English as a second language (ESL) teachers, can work in K-12 schools, colleges, and online settings. And if you’re interested in working overseas, this could be a good fit — some EFL teachers travel abroad to teach English to learners in non-English speaking countries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English majors can pursue teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) certification or take courses in literacy strategies or second language acquisition. Experience with a second language can also help EFL teachers connect with learners, though fluency is not usually a requirement. Some employers may require a degree specifically in English language teaching.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]English College Professor[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $78,270[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Doctoral degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College professors in the English department teach undergraduate and graduate classes. They also conduct research and publish scholarship. If you loved earning a bachelor’s in English, pursuing an academic career could be a good option.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nearly half of English majors continue their studies at the graduate level, according to data from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/english/english-field-of-degree.htm” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS). Earning a doctorate in English develops expertise in a specialty such as literature, linguistics, or literary theory.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]2. Journalism, Publishing, and Writing Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An undergraduate English degree can open doors in publishing, journalism, and writing. But earning a master’s gives you an edge in a competitive field. With a journalism concentration, you’ll learn to use digital and visual media to connect with specific audiences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many English master’s programs also offer specializations in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or creative writing, helping you refine your voice and advance your career. If you’re aiming for a role in publishing, consider focusing on editing, technical writing, or literature.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] ​​$60,280[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An English degree strengthens your grasp of grammar, syntax, and critical thinking, all key skills for journalism careers. While a bachelor’s degree in English could lead to entry-level roles, some employers prefer or require you to hold a graduate degree in English.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With the rise of online media, you’ll also benefit from a program that emphasizes writing technologies, digital rhetoric, or content creation. Tailoring your studies to these areas can give you a competitive edge in today’s digital-first media landscape.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Technical Writer[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $91,670[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Technical writing is one of the highest-paying careers for English majors. As a technical writer, you’ll communicate complex information in understandable language. In addition to creating instruction manuals and guides, you’ll work closely with tech professionals to support users.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While earning your English degree, look for classes in technical communication and business writing to develop the skills you’ll need as a technical writer. Pursuing an internship can also help you gain real-world technical writing experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Writers and Authors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $72,270[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Copywriters, novelists, speechwriters, and playwrights share something in common: a strong command of the English language. You can draw on your literary talents, rhetorical abilities, and creativity to become a writer or author with your English degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you’re creating online content, writing biographies, or crafting scripts, a background in English can give you a communication edge. An internship or concentration in a writing-focused field can also help you become a writer.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Editors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $75,260[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If your strengths include grammar, fact-checking, or research, working as an editor could be a good fit. Editors revise material for publication to make sure that drafts follow editorial policies and connect with readers. In publishing, editors may also read manuscripts and support authors through the publishing process.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working for your college paper in an editorial role or completing an editorial internship can give you an edge as you launch your career as an editor.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]3. Business and Communication Careers With an English Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An English degree teaches you how to communicate via the written word, a skill that is essential for marketing, advertising, and [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/communications-degree/”]media communications jobs[/hen-ui-link]. A bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in business, marketing, or public relations could be a strong foundation for a position in one of these fields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in English with a specialty in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-communications/”]media and communication[/hen-ui-link] management or digital media studies prepares you for leadership positions in marketing, advertising, and media communications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Paralegal[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $61,010[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Associate degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English majors hone their analytical, research, and communication skills. If you’re interested in the legal field but not law school, you may be able to become a paralegal with an English degree. Paralegals conduct legal research, draft legal documents, and organize evidence for trials.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The reading and comprehension focus of English courses offers a strong general foundation. Undergrads can take courses that cover legal writing, logic, or textual analysis to develop the skills for paralegal careers. Some colleges offer [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-paralegal-programs/”]programs in paralegal studies[/hen-ui-link] if your ultimate career goal is to become a paralegal.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Interpreters and Translators[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $59,440[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Are you fluent in another language? Working as an interpreter or translator will put your communication skills to the test. An English degree can give you the sensitivity to style and tone that good interpreters and translators bring to their careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bilingual English majors can also find opportunities as a literary translator, transforming books written in foreign languages for English-speaking audiences.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Training and Development Specialist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $65,850[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Training and development careers blend teaching and business, offering a good fit for English majors. This human resources role develops learning material, delivers training sessions, and assesses the impact of development programs. Businesses rely on training and development professionals to upskill their workforce, and an English degree’s focus on communication and evaluation aligns well with these careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English majors also benefit from career advancement opportunities. Experience or a master’s degree can help training and development specialists to move into higher-paying roles, such as training and development manager.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Public Relations (PR) Specialist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $69,780[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tone, message, and audience sit at the core of literary analysis. English majors with these skills find public relations a natural fit. Public relations specialists draft press releases, communicate with the media, and write speeches. And PR has a purpose — to shape public opinion and build a positive brand identity.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many English programs offer a concentration or electives in public relations, which can help undergrads prepare for careers in this growing field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Public Relations Manager[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $132,870[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree, some employers prefer a master’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While PR specialists draft materials, public relations managers craft the strategy. They identify target audiences, offer a PR perspective on advertising efforts, and develop brand narratives. Managers may also specialize in digital PR, corporate communications, or crisis management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English majors who gain experience in PR can move into these high-paying roles. A master’s in English, public relations, or communication can also benefit you in this field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Median Annual Salary (2024):[/hen-ui-text] $159,660[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s degree, some employers prefer a master’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With their attention to target audiences and persuasive writing techniques, English majors often succeed in advertising and marketing. While advertising and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-marketing/”]marketing programs[/hen-ui-link] develop the most applicable skills for them, these in-demand careers also draw on the research and storytelling skills of English grads.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Careers as an advertising, promotion, or marketing manager typically require experience or a master’s degree. Experience in sales, market research analysis, or public relations can help English majors pursue this career.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Jobs for English Majors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are the highest-paying jobs you can get with an English degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying jobs with an English degree include public relations, writing, and management roles. For example, public relations specialists earned a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $69,780[/hen-ui-link] as of May 2024, while technical writers earned a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $91,670[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The same year, writers and editors made a median annual salary of around $75,000, while manager roles reported median pay in the six figures, according to BLS data.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are English majors in demand?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, English majors are in demand because of their strong critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. An English degree develops in-demand skills across diverse fields, including education, media, and business.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English majors can prepare for the workforce by pursuing a minor or concentration that aligns with their career goals. An internship can also build valuable professional skills.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I get a job teaching English in Japan​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can get a job teaching English in Japan by earning a bachelor’s degree and pursuing a TEFL certificate. Many EFL employers prefer to hire those with a bachelor’s in English.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English language teachers can look for jobs at Japanese public schools or through a private language school or company. Many language recruitment companies also hire English teachers and place them in open jobs in Japan.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do English teachers make in Japan​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]English teachers in Japan earn $1,700-$5,000 per month, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.tefl.org/teach-english-abroad/teach-english-in-japan/salary/” target=”_blank”]TEFL Organization[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salaries vary based on experience and work setting. Public school salaries start at $2,200 per month, while independent English schools report salaries of around $2,000. Japanese international schools pay teachers $1,500-$3,500 per month.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I teach English abroad?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can teach English abroad by strengthening your English and language literacy skills. For example, earning a bachelor’s in English can prepare you to teach English abroad. Next, consider a TEFL certification to build your language teaching abilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many companies hire English language instructors to work abroad, including schools, private organizations, and tutoring services. Research your options to find a good fit for your skills, experience, and desired teaching location.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1542,335″][/hen-ui-article-row]