Watch Rachel Dratch recreate Debbie Downer with a hilarious speech
Rachel Dratch, a former “Saturday Night Live” cast member, gave part of Dartmouth College’s commencement speech as Debbie Downer.
College graduates face a tough job market.
The unemployment rate for new graduates is higher than for other workers. Many students have unrealistic expectations about how much they can earn.
However, high-paying jobs exist not only for business majors. A recent report from 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 begins in earnest, here are 25 high-paying fields for recent graduates. Our list is based on the Resume Genius report, which is based on data from the Department of Labor.
High-paying 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 artist and animator
These workers create the visuals for movies, television shows, and video games. “For graduates with a background in animation or digital art, this is one of the most direct routes to a degree and into a professional studio,” writes Resume Genius.
As of May 2024, the average annual salary for this job is $99,800, with the top 10% of earners making at least $174,630.
Web developers and digital designers
These employees leverage both coding and visual design skills to build websites and apps.
As of 2024, the median salary is $95,380.
technical writer
This job involves translating complex technical information into clear and easy-to-read guides for users.
The median annual salary is $91,670, with high earners earning at least $130,430.
producer and director
In this career, you’ll manage teams that create movies, television shows, and digital content.
The median salary is $83,480, with top earners earning more than $198,530.
fashion designer
These workers develop the clothing and accessories that go into stores. “Most graduates of fashion and textile programs start out in junior positions at labels and studios and work their way up,” writes Resume Genius.
The median annual salary is $80,690, with high earners earning at least $169,620.
commercial and industrial designers
In this space, “you decide what everyday objects look like and how they function,” Resume Genius reports.
Median salary is $79,450. High earners receive more than $134,840.
editor
These workers prepare articles and books for publication, helping writers shape and structure their work, and checking it for accuracy and clarity.
The median salary is $75,260, with high earners earning at least $140,840.
writers and writers
These workers work with editors to create written content such as articles, press releases, and books (see above).
The median salary is $72,270, with high earners earning at least $133,680.
film and video editor
These workers transform raw footage into finished content, determining structure, pacing, and sequencing.
The median salary is $70,980, with high earners earning at least $145,900.
High-paying jobs for business graduates
actuary
In this area, particularly insurance companies and banks, Resume Genius reports that statistics need to be organized to “understand the likelihood of bad things happening and the costs of doing so.”
The median salary is $125,770, with high earners earning more than $206,430.
data scientist
These workers manipulate data to “find patterns and help organizations make smarter decisions,” Resume Genius reports.
The median salary is $112,590, with top earners earning at least $194,410.
financial risk expert
In this area, companies need to understand “what could go wrong” and what the costs will be if they fail, reports Resume Genius.
The median salary is $106,000, with high earners earning more than $182,310.
personal financial advisor
These professionals help clients build and manage their wealth and plan for retirement.
Median salary is $102,140.
financial and investment analyst
These analysts work with portfolio managers and investment teams to conduct research to determine how funds should be invested.
The median salary is $101,350, with top earners earning at least $180,550.
management analyst
In this job, he “observes how a company operates, finds what’s not working, and recommends ways to fix it,” Resume Genius reports.
The median salary is $101,190, with top earners earning at least $174,140.
project manager
This role “exists in nearly every industry,” writes Resume Genius. A project manager helps keep work on track, on time, and on budget.
The median salary is $100,750, with high earners earning more than $165,790.
accountants and auditors
These professionals keep a company or organization’s books and track, verify, and report financial numbers.
The median salary is $81,680, with top earners earning at least $141,420.
logistics person
Logistics personnel oversee the flow of goods through the supply chain, from manufacturers to warehouses to customers. (It is also considered a good job for humanities majors.)
The median salary is $80,880, with high earners earning at least $132,110.
High-paying jobs for liberal arts graduates
management analyst
These experts are “brought in to figure out what’s going wrong within the organization and how to fix it,” says Resume Genius. With its emphasis on communication and clear thinking, this job is a perfect fit for humanities majors.
The median salary is $101,190, with top earners earning more than $174,140.
urban and regional planners
Planners oversee the growth and development of towns and cities. Good job for geography, political science and sociology graduates.
The median salary is $83,720, with high earners earning more than $128,550.
compliance officer
These employees ensure that businesses and organizations comply with laws, regulations, and policies, and look for potential problems to solve.
The median salary is $78,420, with high earners earning more than $130,030.
compensation expert
In this role, you will design compensation packages to attract and retain talented employees. Ideal for students majoring in psychology or sociology.
The median wage is $77,020, with high earners earning at least $128,830.
Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist
These experts “understand what customers want and why they want it” and help companies decide what products and services to offer, Resume Genius reports.
The median salary is $76,950, with high earners earning at least $144,610.
human resources specialist
These employees oversee recruitment, orientation, and ongoing support for employees and address recruitment, benefits, and workplace concerns.
The median salary is $72,910, with high earners earning more than $126,540.
Public relations specialist
These employees write press releases and work with social media to shape your brand and introduce your company or organization to the world.
The median salary is $69,780, with top earners earning at least $129,480.
