Careers in Arts & Humanities – Career Paths & Earning Potential

Associate Degree

An associate degree in the humanities is versatile and can help students either find entry-level work or serve as a foundation for them to pursue a bachelor's degree. These programs usually take two years to complete and provide a well-rounded education emphasizing courses like literature, history, social science, communication, and performing arts.

Some of the courses you may take when earning this degree are:

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor of arts in humanities degree introduces students to creative and critical thinking, human behavior, and values with a selection of topics pertaining to arts and humanities. Writing, communication, cultural awareness, critical thinking, and problem-solving are all important skills in this program. Earning a BA in humanities can be a stepping stone to studying medicine, law, business, education, etc.

Some of the courses you may take when earning this degree are:

Movie Producer or Director

Movie producers and directors bring stories to life on the big screen, requiring experience and a degree in film, communication, or a related field. Directors make creative decisions, working closely with the cast and crew from pre-production to post-production to ensure the project aligns with its vision. Film producers and directors earn a median annual salary of $82,510.

Movie producers hire starring actors, actresses, and important crew members, secure financing for projects, oversee idea development, select scripts, and choose directors. Prospective movie producers need drive, creativity, knowledge of films and the film industry, and a sharp business sense. The work hours can sometimes be quite long, travel may be required, and stress-related deadlines are common in this profession.

Cinematographer

A cinematographer handles the visual elements of a film, often called the director of photography. They make stylistic decisions on set, including lighting, lens usage, and composition, while working under the guidance of the director and producer. Essentially, they are the eye behind the camera.

A successful cinematographer must be trained in photography, filmography, special effects, and modern equipment. They typically need a bachelor's degree, often from technical schools or fine arts programs, covering theory and cinematography techniques. Strong vision, artistic sensibility, hand-eye coordination, and a solid understanding of digital camera technology are also essential.

For movie fans interested in capturing shots for films, a career as a cinematographer could be a great fit. Cinematographers may specialize in areas like cartoons, special effects, or managing multi-camera rigs. A post-secondary degree is typically required, and the average salary for film and video editors and camera operators is around $65,070 annually.

Writer

Writing offers a wide range of career options, from freelance work to screenwriting in Hollywood. While there are various ways to break into the entertainment industry, three key factors—talent, training, and experience—are essential for success. Writers research, conceptualize, edit, and polish content across many genres, including fiction, satire, non-fiction, and poetry. Over time, many writers specialize through experience, and the best way to prove your skills is by writing something people care about.

Writing professionals can work in various roles within the entertainment industry, including screenplay, TV show, and commercial writing. The majority—about two-thirds—are self-employed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This profession requires strong writing skills, creativity, research abilities, and time management, as deadlines are common. The average salary for a writer or author is around $73,690 annually.

Actor-Actress

A successful acting career requires talent, practice, good memory, and some luck, as many people compete for the same roles. Actors may appear in TV shows, movies, online content, podcasts, or even do voiceovers for cartoons, animations, and audiobooks. Some work on stage in plays or Broadway shows, while others aim for that big break in film. Most actors start with smaller roles or as extras, with only a few achieving widespread fame.

Contrary to popular belief, acting is a job like any other, requiring hard work and long hours. Actors often work long shifts on movie sets, rush to film TV shows during off-seasons, and may still have duties like tours, photoshoots, and interviews even after their scenes are done.

Actors may specialize in genres like comedy or adventure, but a skilled actor can play any role. They usually audition by reading from a script, and if chosen, they must bring the character to life. The average salary for an actor/actress is $20.50 per hour.

Musician

They say that anyone can be a musician, but unless you want to play dive bars and hope to make it big, you might need a little more than that. If you want to be a professional musician, you will likely need a lot of practice - some talent would also help. Professional musicians often begin their careers at an early age; others start playing, singing, or conducting in high school. There are many opportunities for musicians nowadays; you can play with a band, an orchestra, or even perform solo. And, it’s never too late to start taking lessons.

There are many doors open to professional musicians, from paying yourself to record in a studio or performing on stage. If you are looking to pursue a career as a musician, you should consider studying at a conservatory where you will receive specialized training. The most important thing for aspiring musicians is to practice every chance you get. Remember, practice makes perfect. If you would like to become a composer or music director, it will be necessary to get a bachelor’s degree in music performance or music theory.

The average salary for musicians and singers is $39.14 an hour, though, of course, this doesn't tell the whole story when you consider outliers like rock and country stars.

Radio Broadcaster

If you've ever listened to a morning radio talk show, a DJ on a music station, or a sports announcer, you've heard a radio broadcaster. While they all do similar work, there are various paths within this career. If you're passionate about music, you could become a DJ, interviewing artists and broadcasting live at festivals. Alternatively, you might pursue a career in journalism or sports broadcasting, announcing your favorite sport or sharing local news.

If you want to get into a career in radio broadcasting, you’ll likely need a bachelor’s in communication or a related degree. You’ll also need strong public speaking skills and deal well with people, being willing and able to moderate if things get heated in an interview or with a caller. If you end up working at a smaller station, you may even need technical skills to understand how to use broadcast automation systems, control mixer boards, and more.

The average salary for radio announcers and DJs is $20.94 per hour.

Event Planner

If you enjoy organizing parties and events, a career as an event planner might be for you. Event planners are hired for weddings, corporate events, conferences, parties, and more. It's an exciting, rewarding job where you'll meet new people and showcase your planning skills. However, it can also be hectic, as you're responsible for everything. If something goes wrong, like late bands or mistakes with the cake or decorations, you'll be the one to fix it. In fact, in 2017, event coordinator was ranked the 5th most stressful job, excluding dangerous ones.

Event planners require extensive organizational skills, communication skills, time management, and the ability to remain calm in any given situation. With a good education and some experience, you can get started and will be on your way to a very rewarding career.

You will need to have many resources lined up in order to have the perfect layout for your clients. Most clients will choose the theme they want to use, or you can help them decide by making suggestions and recommendations. You will need to have caterers on standby, musicians or DJ's to provide entertainment, decorations/decorators, and more. The average salary for meeting, convention, and event planners is around $56,900 annually.

Architect

When you think of an architect you might think about someone who designs things by drawing pictures, but that’s only a part of the job. A typical day of a practicing architect may consist of construction drawings, attending meetings, invoicing clients, checking staff’s work, reviewing and approving contractor work, handling issues with clients or employees, and anything else related to business and ongoing projects.

When studying to become an architect, you'll develop problem-solving skills while focusing on construction, materials, design, and history. Architects learn to creatively solve problems, balancing budgets, building codes, schedules, and client expectations. Throughout their careers, architects continue to find solutions that align with their design vision, while managing time and resources effectively.

The industry is constantly growing, especially with the increasing use of computers and new ways of accessing information. The average salary for this profession is $93,310.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual digital displays which are then seen across the globe. These designers develop media for advertising, entertainment, and news in all forms such as print publications (newspapers, magazines, brochures, etc.) and digital broadcast media, including television, game machines, social platforms, web browsers, and portable devices.

Professional graphic designers may work for design firms or be self-employed. They may work alone or as part of a team, using complex graphics tools to manipulate images, animations, text, and color. Most work full-time, often putting in overtime to meet deadlines, while self-employed designers enjoy more flexibility, including evenings and weekends. Client satisfaction is key to success in this field.

Training may include learning how to use certain software and programs, learning how to bid on contracts, developing a client base, and marketing services. As technology continues to develop, so does the demand for graphic designers. The average salary for this profession is around $58,910 annually.

Interior Designer

Interior designers specialize in designing interiors, often collaborating with architects to plan room layouts before construction begins. They may also work with prebuilt spaces, making architectural changes to create a fresh feel. Many interior designers are employed by architectural firms, contributing their expertise to various projects. The industry is projected to grow by 4% between 2023 and 2033.

When studying for a degree, students will learn all about color-matching, design, drafting, space planning, 3D imaging, and more while also achieving practical skills such as marketing, project management, business development, sales, etc. Those who graduate with a four-year degree can apply for an entry-level position at design firms. The average salary for this profession is around $62,510 annually.

Fashion Designer

Fashion design is an exciting and competitive career for those passionate about setting trends. To break into the industry, designers must hone their skills and earn a degree. Students can pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree, with courses covering topics like fashion history, computer-aided design, textiles, pattern making, and figure drawing.

Fashion designers can also pursue degree programs in fashion merchandising, which cover retail sales, merchandise planning, management, consumer behavior, and product development. Internships are highly recommended, as they provide valuable experience and networking opportunities with top designers. The average annual salary for fashion designers is $79,290.

Photographer

A career in photography is ideal for those with a great eye for composition who want to capture stunning shots and gain recognition for their work. Whether you're interested in landscapes or model shoots, you'll work with diverse people, but photography is a highly technical and demanding job. It often requires early mornings and a deep commitment to learning the craft.

There are many different types of photography including aerial photography, scientific, and various types of settings that range from newspaper publishing companies to photographic studios. Moreover, some photographers may work in the field full-time, part-time, or whenever they choose to.

Many photographers get into the industry working as an assistant photographer and, while you really don’t have to have a degree to become a photographer, it is highly recommended. A degree or certificate will help you learn a lot of valuable skills and many employers prefer formal training over amateurs. You can also go a step further and become certified in photography, which will give you a more competitive edge. The average salary for this profession is around $45,700 annually.

Art Director

There are different types of art directors working for various kinds of organizations. However, this job typically involves managing a team of designers who are working on a creative project together, but the responsibility can vary. Art directors are leaders who guide and inspire the design team’s visions. You should be able to recognize talent and learn how to bring out the best in artists in order to hold this position.

Many creative fields include an art director. It's a job title that exists within advertising, graphic design, publishing, marketing, TV and film, video games, and web design. There are a number of character traits and so-called soft skills that are necessary to obtain this role, especially skills in dealing with people, understanding aesthetics and how they change, and even being efficient and dedicated in order to meet deadlines.

Many photographers start as assistant photographers, and while a degree isn't required, it's highly recommended. Formal training helps you develop valuable skills, and many employers prefer it over amateur work. You can also become certified in photography to gain a competitive edge. The average salary for photographers is around $40,760 annually.

Historian

Becoming a historian requires a difficult academic foundation. Archivists who work at libraries and professors at universities all studied history in a complex academic capacity and now are dedicated to understanding things of the past better, as well as improving preservation and how we understand and relate to the past.

Beyond positions directly and actively related to an academic discipline, a degree in history provides a dynamic range of career opportunities. Research, reading, and writing skills are honed, making those who graduate with a degree in history particularly suited for a range of careers. The skills obtained by historians span industries beyond the archivist or educator roles. Individuals that hold this degree are in demand within fields such as law, politics, and libraries. With these essential skills working together, the career possibilities are many.

A bachelor’s in history is the most common history degree earned; it opens the door to becoming an educator while also preparing you to work in historical museums and archives. The average salary for this profession is around $72,890 annually.

Journalist

Journalism informs the public of various news and information. Journalists may work for magazines, large or small newspapers, broadcast networks, or write for publications on the internet. Their work can come from information gathered from direct or indirect sources or they may gather their information on location, spending time where the events are taking place to make sure they have their facts straight. This means that you could do the job from your own quiet office or you may actually put yourself in harm’s way by working out in the field, near a dangerous storm, shooter, or even in a war zone. However, before you’ll be able to enter the field, journalists require formal education.

Journalists are often responsible for every step of a story. They either choose a lead based on information they’ve heard or are given one by an editor, then they investigate that lead until it turns up something interesting. After they do their due diligence and make sure their sources are legitimate, they share the story they’ve put together with the world; that’s the part we see in newspapers and on TV. Doing this job may require you to ask questions, check official documents, conduct interviews, make sure everything you’re doing follows strict ethical guidelines, and then pass your findings on to your editor and the public.

Journalists usually work with other journalists, writers, and/or editors to fill in missing details, verify facts, and put together all the information to turn it into a story. While studying for this position, students will learn how to do all of this and use headlines and photos to create a story that can easily be understood by the general public. The average salary for news analysts, reporters, and journalists is around $57,500 annually.

Minister

Becoming a minister is something you should think about long and hard before you make the decision. Most people who consider becoming a minister think of it as a calling. It can certainly be a rewarding career, but it can also be difficult and demanding. You may be able to celebrate many milestones with those you work with, but you will also be their rock in some of their hardest times. People often turn to their minister when they have no one else to turn to – when they suffer a loss, are diagnosed with an illness, or face other unimaginable hardships.

Depending on the denomination you lean toward you may need a degree, a specialized training program run by the church, or even to be sworn into a more structured life than most people live. You no doubt already have a denomination in mind, so you can check with the denomination that fits your personal beliefs to learn everything you’ll need to do before you can become a minister.

Beside formal learning, you should also work on your soft skills. You’ll need to be patient, kind, and willing to listen to others if you want to be a minister. You’ll likely need to work with a board when making decisions about the running of the church among other things and you’ll certainly be expected to live up to certain standards as set by your denomination. These are all things you should be prepared for, though your training will cover these topics as well. The most important thing to know is that being a minister is a position in which you serve others.

The average salary for clergy is about $63,720 annually, though this will vary based on denomination, region, if you’re somewhere urban or rural, and the size of the church, among other things.

Editor

An editor can find work in a variety of industries and formats. Most people make think of newspaper editors when they hear the title – the person who hands out assignments and makes sure stories are ready to run. While that’s definitely an option, editors can work in other formats as well. Writers need editors for articles, fiction and non-fiction books, subtitle transcripts, marketing copy, alternate text for the blind, and much more.

In each of these positions the editor reads what’s been written, ensure that it is grammatically correct and understandable to the target audience. They may also make sure it fits a style guide provided by their employer or a specific style manual, of which there are several. Lastly, they may request rewrites or rewrite some sections themselves to make sure it follows all guidelines and is the best it can be before it is published. Some editors also assist with manuscript selection, design or layout, and other aspects of publication.

Editors typically work with authors throughout the publishing process. While an editors' job can be quite rewarding in seeing their work reach final publication, there are still some stress points to be aware of such as long or odd hours when working with authors from around the world and publication deadlines. In addition, those who work as freelancers will have to continually seek more work and will have to adjust to new settings and environments regularly.

The pay for editors can vary drastically to where some jobs may pay just pennies per word and others may pay a flat rate per item. The average salary for this profession is around $75,020 annually.

Archivist, Curator, Museum Technician

These historical item specialists generally all work in museums. These museums may be run by a college or university, corporation, or the government, or they may be owned by foundations that care for a historical site. Archivists oversee collections of artwork or historic items. They may also prepare for display or restore museum items. Curators generally make decisions about which items or parts of a collection should be shown. They may make this decision based on a special item currently on loan to the museum or the best looking, best looking items out of a group; they may even choose items with the hopes of telling a specific story. Museum technicians may help restore or maintain museum items or help in the sorting and identification of fossils and other hard-to-classify pieces.

These occupations typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree and some experience. Experience can be gained by volunteering in museums or archives, interning, or working in a museum at an entry-level position such as a tour guide. Overall, employment within these positions is expected to grow by 9% between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. An ongoing interest in storing and preserving art, fossils, and other historical items has created this increase in positions. However, that does not mean that there are many open positions in the field. In fact, the competition for these positions is very high and some cannot find entry-level employment without at least a master’s degree, much higher than the usual required degree for an entry-level position.

The average annual salary for archivists, curators, and museum technicians is $57,120.

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are in charge of controlling how the public views their client, company, brand, or product. They can be called upon to develop a positive view from the ground up, either when a company starts or when they launch a new product, or they can be required to pull a flagging company reputation back up out of the muck. They may do this by creating media releases or shifting the discussion to a company’s positive affect on society at large. They may even do so by simply creating an amusing interactive social media interface, of which the public can have a positive view.

In order to maintain a public image public relations specialists may do the following:

The average salary for this profession is around $47,900 annually.