10 Highest Paying Communication Jobs - Careers, Salaries, Degrees | GreatValueColleges (2023)

Jobs for Communication Majors

If you’re a natural communicator and want to capitalize on this talent, then the logical next step is to consider the many lucrative communications degree jobs available. Many of these professions are associated with six-figure salary potentials, and some are currently experiencing unprecedented growth. The time to pursue a career in communications is now! Start by perusing the following nine high-paying communications degree jobs.

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1. Public Relations and Fundraising Managers

Median Annual Wage 2020 (BLS): $118,430

When looking for communications degree jobs, be sure toconsider positions that include management roles such as the position of apublic relations and fundraising manager. These professionals must rely on theirstrong communication skills to manage PR campaigns and fundraisers on behalf ofcompanies and organizations. This can include directing and overseeing staffmembers as they execute tasks.

Although some employers will prefer a master’s credential, abachelor’s degree is usually sufficient for management roles in publicrelations and fundraising. This is especially true if you also have someexperience in the field. Academic backgrounds in communications, English,journalism, or marketing will prepare candidates for success in the role of apublic relations/fundraising manager.

Jobs for public relations and fundraising managers aregrowing faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).Still, competition for these well-paid positions will remain stiff.

2. Broadcast News Analysts

Median Annual Wage 2020 (BLS): $49,300

Broadcast news analysts report the news to the public viathe radio or television. Often called news anchors, these communicationsprofessionals are responsible for telling news stories in a way that theaudience understands and finds interesting.

Minimum requirements for employment as a broadcast newsanalyst include a bachelor’s degree in either journalism or communications aswell as an internship or prior work experience. This latter component demonstratesto employers that candidates have the ability to engage with a wide audience.

Demand for broadcast news analysts is expected to decline over the next several years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Competition for these jobs will remain just as strong, however. Anchors who are social media savvy may have a competitive edge over other applicants.

3. Writers and Authors

Median Annual Wage 2020 (BLS): $67,120

Among the most well-known communications degree jobs is that of a writer or author. These communications professionals are masters of the written word and use their excellent communication skills to convey information in print. There are numerous different kinds of writers and authors, including novelists, copywriters, biographers, speechwriters, playwrights, and more.

Education requirements for writers will vary based on theterms of employment. Many writers are self-employed, so there is no formaleducation requirement; still, an academic background in journalism or Englishmay prove helpful. For salaried positions, you’ll likely need a minimum of abachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.

Though top-earning professionals in the field earned over $130,000 in 2020, the median annual wage for writers and authors was just over half this wage that same year. Discrepancies in pay may be explained by the industry in which various writers and authors work as well as their years of experience practicing their craft.

4. Market Research Analysts

Median Annual Wage 2020 (BLS): $65,810

When you think of communications degree jobs, the occupationof market research analysts may not be the first thing that comes to mind.Still, these positions generally require just a bachelor’s degree and carrywith them the potential to earn a desirable salary.

But what is a market research analyst? These professionalsstudy the market to determine the success of a product or service. They gatherinformation on market conditions, use software to analyze this data, andprepare presentations for clients and company executives.

The demand for market research analysts is currently very high. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that jobs for these professionals will increase by 18% between 2019 and 2029. As more businesses continue to rely on market data for their business models, these jobs will continue to be in demand.

5. Editors

Median Annual Wage 2020 (BLS): $63,400

If you’re looking for high-paying communications degree jobs, you may want to consider a career as an editor. Although the median annual wage for these communications professionals was just over $60,000 in 2020, top-earning professionals in the field made well over six figures that same year.

Though correcting errors in spelling and grammar are whateditors are best known for, that’s not all they do. Editors may also beresponsible for rewriting text, helping writers develop their ideas, verifyingdetails and sources, and more. There are different types of editors, too, sospecific duties will vary. Some examples of these varying roles include copyeditors, managing editors, and publication assistants, for example.

To become an editor, you’ll typically need a minimum of abachelor’s degree. Employers usually prefer an academic background incommunications, English, or journalism. Degrees in closely related fields mayalso be considered.

6. Technical Writers

Median Annual Wage 2020 (BLS): $74,650

Among those communications degree jobs for individuals whospecialize in written communication is the role of technical writer. Technicalwriters use their knowledge of the written word to make complex concepts and ideaseasier to understand. They may write instruction manuals, brochures, articles,and other publications.

Jobs for technical writers are on the rise, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As science and technology continue to advance, the demand for technical writers who can explain these advancements to the public will continue to grow.

In order to secure a position as a technical writer, you’llneed at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, English, or related field.Depending on the industry you wish to work in, you may also need a secondarydegree or academic background in an area like engineering, medicine, orcomputer science, for instance.

7. Advertising Sales Agents

Median Annual Wage 2020 (BLS): $54,940

Still looking for communications degree jobs? If so, you maywant to consider the role of an advertising sales agent. Sometimes calledadvertising sales representatives, these professionals are responsible forselling advertising services on behalf of an advertising agency. Their dutiesmay include contacting prospective customers to pitch their advertisingpackages, creating sales presentations, and estimating costs associated withthe agency’s advertising services.

Although it’s possible to get a job as an advertising salesagent without a bachelor’s degree, it can be challenging. With a degree incommunications or marketing, you’ll be more prepared for your duties, and you’llhave a competitive edge over other applicants during your job search. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), knowledge of digital communications and digital media will also increaseyour chances of employment as an advertising sales agent.

While the salary potential for advertising sales agents isenticing, it’s important to keep in mind that the average wage for most employeesin this field is significantly less than that of top earners. Still, with yearsof experience in the field, your chances of earning a handsome paycheck aregood.

8. Public Relations Specialists

Median Annual Wage 2020 (BLS): $62,810

Communications degree jobs can also be found in the field of public relations. As a public relations specialist, you’ll rely on your excellent communication skills to represent a brand or business in the best possible light. This may mean writing press releases or managing social media campaigns. Other duties of public relations specialists may include evaluating advertisements and promotions, prepping clients for interviews, and responding to media requests.

Though your exact salary as a public relations specialist will vary depending on your terms of employment, top-earners in the field earned well over $100,000 in 2020. Competition for jobs is expected to be strong, even though employment of PR specialists is growing steadily.

Minimum requirements for employment as a public relationsspecialist include a bachelor’s degree in public relations or communications ora related field like journalism, English, or even business.

9. Reporters and Correspondents

Median Annual Wage 2020 (BLS): $49,300

Reporters and correspondents are practically poster children for communications degree jobs. These professionals, sometimes collectively referred to as journalists, are responsible for writing compelling articles and stories on various topics of interest for newspapers, magazines, and online media outlets. To accomplish this, reporters and correspondents must conduct research, hold interviews, and follow leads. They need excellent written communication skills in order to develop ideas and create intriguing stories.

To become a reporter or correspondent, you’ll need a bachelor’sdegree in communications or a related field such as journalism or English.Because modern audiences are now consuming their news primarily online, coursesin multimedia topics such as programming and design may also be helpful.

Competition for positions in journalism is currently verystrong. The more experience you have in the field, the better your chances ofsecuring a job.

10. Fundraiser

Median Annual Wage 2020 (BLS): 59,610

The job title of “fundraiser” may be the last thing that comes to mind when you think of communications degree jobs. Still, these professionals must have strong verbal and written communication skills in order to convince people to donate their hard-earned money.Organizations hire professional fundraisers in order to help them raise money for a certain cause.

The employment of fundraisers is currently growing fasterthan average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This trend is expectedto continue so long as non-profit agencies require donations to fund theiractivities. Although job prospects for fundraisers are good, you may still facecompetition during the application and hiring process. Candidates with real-worldexperience in the field and those who are proficient with social media willfare the best.

Frequently-Asked Questions About Communications DegreeJobs

Q: What type of credential do I need to secure a positionin communications?

A: In most cases, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry-levelcommunications degree jobs. However, a master’s degree may make your job searcheasier and qualify you for more advanced roles in the field.

Q: Are communications degree jobs in demand?

A: Yes. Several of the jobs we’ve discussed in this very article are currently experiencing faster-than-average growth.

Q: What can I expect to earn with a communications degree?

A: It varies. Your salary after graduation will depend on anumber of different factors, including your employer, your exact degree type,and your prior work experience.

Q: Can I earn my communications degree online?

A: Yes. A number of schools currently offer bachelor ofcommunications degree programs that can be completed entirely online.