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21 Jobs for English Majors (With Salary and Duties)
If you’ve majored in English, chances are you’ve heard questions like, “So, are you going to be a teacher?” or “What will you do with that degree?” more times than you can count. But here’s the truth: an English degree is far more versatile than people give it credit for.
English majors graduate with powerful skills—writing, communication, analysis, research, and creativity—that make them assets in nearly every industry. From publishing and marketing to tech and law, the possibilities are wide open.
In this article, we’ll explore 21 career options ideal for English majors, complete with salary ranges, primary duties, and growth potential. Whether you’re a student trying to plan your future or a recent graduate looking for your next step, this list is your guide.
1. Content Writer
- Average Salary: $50,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Write blog posts, articles, product descriptions, and web content for brands and organizations.
- Why It Fits: English majors are trained to write clearly and persuasively—perfect for content creation.
2. Editor
- Average Salary: $60,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Review and revise written content for grammar, structure, and clarity. Work with authors, journalists, or corporations.
- Where You’ll Find Work: Publishing houses, media companies, nonprofits.
3. Copywriter
- Average Salary: $65,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Create advertising and promotional material for companies—slogans, email campaigns, websites, etc.
- Skills Needed: Creativity, brevity, persuasive writing.
4. Public Relations Specialist
- Average Salary: $62,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Craft press releases, media statements, and speeches. Build relationships with journalists and manage a company’s public image.
- Great For: English majors who love storytelling and crisis communication.
5. Social Media Manager
- Average Salary: $55,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Manage social accounts, create content, track analytics, and engage with audiences.
- Bonus: A great path if you’re creative, trend-savvy, and strategic.
6. Technical Writer
- Average Salary: $74,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Translate complex technical info into user-friendly manuals, FAQs, and guides.
- Industries: Tech, engineering, healthcare.
- Tip: Consider getting a tech-writing certification.
7. Grant Writer
- Average Salary: $55,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Research and write proposals to help nonprofits and institutions secure funding.
- Ideal For: Writers who want to make a difference and love detail-oriented tasks.
8. Journalist
- Average Salary: $48,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Report on current events, interview people, research stories, and write for news outlets.
- Note: Local news may pay less, but top-tier publications offer competitive salaries.
9. Marketing Specialist
- Average Salary: $65,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Conduct market research, create strategies, and develop marketing materials.
- Why It Works: Marketing is about understanding and communicating value—something English majors do well.
10. Communications Coordinator
- Average Salary: $58,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Handle internal and external communications, newsletters, event publicity, and more.
- Common Employers: Universities, government agencies, NGOs.
11. ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language)
- Average Salary: $45,000–$65,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Teach English to non-native speakers in schools or abroad.
- Pro Tip: A TEFL certification can boost job prospects, especially internationally.
12. Literary Agent
- Average Salary: $50,000–$80,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Represent authors, pitch books to publishers, and negotiate deals.
- Good Fit: If you love books, know publishing trends, and have a sharp eye for marketable writing.
13. Paralegal or Legal Assistant
- Average Salary: $56,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Research case law, draft legal documents, and assist lawyers.
- Why English Majors Excel: Strong research and writing skills are essential in law.
14. Human Resources Specialist
- Average Salary: $64,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Manage hiring, onboarding, internal communication, and policy documentation.
- Ideal Traits: Clear writing, empathy, organization—check, check, and check for English grads.
15. Instructional Designer
- Average Salary: $72,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Design educational content for schools, companies, and e-learning platforms.
- Key Skills: Writing, editing, tech fluency (especially tools like Canva, Storyline, or Captivate).
16. Translator/Interpreter (English)
- Average Salary: $55,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Translate written or spoken language from one language to English or vice versa.
- Requirements: Fluency in a second language; certification is a plus.
17. Author or Novelist
- Average Salary: Varies widely ($0 to millions)
- What You’ll Do: Write books, novels, memoirs, or short stories.
- Reality Check: It can take years to earn steady income—but side gigs like freelance writing can help.
18. Research Analyst
- Average Salary: $70,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Analyze trends, compile reports, and write insights for businesses or think tanks.
- Strong Suit: English majors’ ability to synthesize information and present it clearly.
19. Library Assistant or Librarian
- Average Salary: $50,000–$70,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Help patrons, organize collections, conduct research assistance.
- Added Tip: A Master of Library Science (MLS) opens up more senior roles.
20. Creative Director (Long-Term Growth Role)
- Average Salary: $95,000–$130,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Lead a creative team in advertising, branding, or content strategy.
- Climb the Ladder: Many creative directors start as copywriters or editors.
21. College Professor (English or Literature)
- Average Salary: $80,000/year
- What You’ll Do: Teach college students, research, and publish academic work.
- Path: Requires a master’s or Ph.D. in English or a related field.
What Makes English Majors Employable?
Let’s break it down. Here are the top skills employers love in English grads:
- Written Communication: Clear writing is key in every industry.
- Analytical Thinking: English majors are trained to find meaning and analyze arguments.
- Research: From literary criticism to academic essays, research is a daily habit.
- Creativity: Especially valuable in marketing, media, and design.
- Adaptability: English majors can wear many hats—from writing to customer service to leadership.
Tips for Landing a Job as an English Major
- Build a Portfolio: Showcase your writing—articles, blog posts, newsletters, scripts, etc.
- Intern Early: Gain real-world experience during or right after college.
- Learn Complementary Skills:
- Basic graphic design (Canva, Adobe)
- SEO & digital marketing
- Technical writing tools (Markdown, GitHub)
- Network: Join LinkedIn, attend webinars, and connect with alumni.
- Stay Curious: The English degree isn’t limiting—it’s launching you into multiple paths.
Final Thoughts
English majors are anything but limited in today’s job market. Whether you want to work in media, business, education, or tech, there’s a place for you—and a career that values your voice.
With the world craving stories, clarity, and communication, your English degree could be one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal.
Ready to explore your path? Let me know if you’d like help building your resume or identifying remote jobs for English majors in 2025!
