College graduates face a daunting job market.
The unemployment rate is higher for new graduates than for other workers. Many students harbor unrealistic hopes for how much they will earn.
But high-salary jobs are out there, and not just for business majors. In a recent report, the job-seeker website Resume Genius found high-paying fields across three broad categories of college degrees: business, humanities, and creative and arts majors.
As the Class of 2026 hits the pavement, here are 25 high-paying fields for new college graduates. Our list is adapted from the Resume Genius report, which draws on Labor Department data.
High-Salary Jobs for Creative and Arts Graduates
In the Resume Genius report, this category includes academic majors in animation, design, film, writing and communication.
Special Effects Artists and Animators
These workers create the visuals for films, television shows and video games. “For graduates with animation or digital arts backgrounds, it’s one of the most direct routes from a degree to a professional studio,” Resume Genius writes.
The job pays a median annual salary of $99,800, as of May 2024, and the top 10% of earners pull down at least $174,630.
Web Developers and Digital Designers
These workers build websites and apps, employing both coding and visual design skills.
The median salary is $95,380, as of 2024.
Technical Writers
This job involves translating complex technical information into straightforward, readable guides for users.
The median annual salary is $91,670, and top earners reap at least $130,430.
Producers and Directors
In this career, you manage teams that make films, television shows and digital content.
The median salary is $83,480, and top earners make upwards of $198,530.
Fashion Designers
These workers develop clothing and accessories bound for store shelves. “Most graduates from fashion or textile programs start in junior roles at labels or studios and work their way up,” Resume Genius writes.
The median annual salary is $80,690, and top earners get at least $169,620.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
In this field, you “decide what everyday products look like and how they work,” Resume Genius reports.
The median salary is $79,450. Top earners get $134,840 or more.
Editors
These workers prepare articles and books for publication, helping writers shape and structure their work and checking for accuracy and clarity.
The median salary is $75,260, and top earners make at least $140,840.
Writers and Authors
These workers create written content, including articles, press releases and books, working with editors (see above).
The median salary is $72,270, and top earners make at least $133,680.
Film and Video Editors
These workers transform raw footage into finished content, deciding on structure, pacing and sequence.
The median salary is $70,980, and top earners make at least $145,900.
High-Salary Jobs for Business Graduates
Actuaries
In this field, you marshal statistics to “figure out how likely bad things are to happen and what they would cost,” especially for insurers and banks, Resume Genius reports.
The median salary is $125,770, and top earners make $206,430 or more.
Data Scientists
These workers manipulate data to “find patterns and help organizations make smarter decisions,” Resume Genius reports.
The median salary is $112,590, and top earners make at least $194,410.
Financial Risk Specialists
In this field, you “figure out what could go wrong” for your company and what a misstep might cost, Resume Genius reports.
The median salary is $106,000, and top earners make $182,310 or more.
Personal Financial Advisers
These professionals help clients build and manage wealth and plan for retirement.
The median salary is $102,140.
Financial and Investment Analysts
These analysts work with portfolio managers and investment teams, conducting research to decide how money should be invested.
The median salary is $101,350, and top earners get at least $180,550.
Management Analysts
In this job, you “look at how a company operates, find what’s not working, and recommend ways to fix it,” Resume Genius reports.
The median salary is $101,190, and top earners make at least $174,140.
Project Managers
This role “exists in almost every industry,” Resume Genius writes. Project managers help keep work on track, on time and on budget.
The median salary is $100,750, and top earners get $165,790 or more.
Accountants and Auditors
These professionals keep the books for companies and organizations, tracking, verifying and reporting financial figures.
The median salary is $81,680, and top earners get at least $141,420.
Logisticians
A logistician oversees the flow of goods through the supply chain from manufacturers to warehouses and then to customers. (It’s also considered a good job for humanities majors.)
The median salary is $80,880, and top earners make at least $132,110.
High-Paying Jobs for Humanities Graduates
Management Analysts
These experts “are brought in to figure out what’s not working inside an organization” and how to fix it, Resume Genius says. With a focus on communication and clear thinking, the job is a good fit for humanities majors.
The median salary is $101,190, and top earners make $174,140 or more.
Urban and Regional Planners
Planners oversee the growth and development of towns and cities. It’s a good job for geography, political science and sociology grads.
The median salary is $83,720, and top earners make $128,550 or more.
Compliance Officers
These workers ensure that companies and organizations follow laws, regulations and policies, looking for potential problems to fix.
The median salary is $78,420, and top earners get $130,030 or more.
Compensation Specialists
In this role, you design compensation packages to attract and retain talented employees. It’s a good match for psychology or sociology majors.
The median wage is $77,020, and top earners get at least $128,830.
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
These specialists “figure out what customers want and why,” Resume Genius reports, to help companies decide what products and services to offer.
The median salary is $76,950, and top earners make at least $144,610.
Human Resources Specialists
These workers oversee hiring, orientation and ongoing support for employees, handling recruitment, benefits and workplace concerns.
The median salary is $72,910, and top earners get $126,540 or more.
Public Relations Specialists
These workers present a company or organization to the world, writing press releases, working with social media and shaping the brand.
The median salary is $69,780, and top earners get at least $129,480.
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