If you think a humanities degree can’t lead to a high-paying job, it is time to think again. Nowadays, the humanities is a degree which is as in demand as any other one. Whether you’re passionate about media, politics, law, psychology, or history, they all come under humanities and have a well-paying role out there for you. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the highest-paying jobs in the humanities, which will help you understand your passion and move towards a meaningful career.
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Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Humanities
If you’ve chosen the humanities, you might be wondering whether you will get a high-paying job. The answer is yes! With the right degree and global opportunities, you can earn big in roles that value creativity, analysis, and communication. Let’s explore the highest-paying jobs in the humanities, from corporate law to international diplomacy.
1. Corporate Lawyer
Corporate lawyers advise businesses on legal rights, contracts, mergers, and compliance. With a background in the humanities and a law degree, you can thrive in corporate law firms or multinational companies. It’s intellectually challenging and comes with top-tier salaries, especially in financial hubs like New York and London.
| Details | Information |
| Average Salary | USD 90,000 – USD 200,000/year |
| Degree Needed | Law + Humanities (e.g. Political Science, History) |
| Key Skills | Legal writing, negotiation, and business law |
| Top Countries | USA, UK, Canada |
2. UX Researcher
UX Researchers combine social sciences with tech to improve user experiences. You’ll conduct interviews, run surveys, and analyse behaviour to help design user-friendly products. It’s a high-paying job in the humanities that blends empathy with research, especially valued in tech-driven countries.
| Details | Information |
| Average Salary | USD 85,000 – USD 160,000/year |
| Degree Needed | Psychology, Sociology, or Anthropology |
| Key Skills | Qualitative research, usability testing, and human behaviour |
| Top Countries | Germany, USA, Netherlands |
3. Economist
Economists study market trends, predict future outcomes, and advise policymakers. With a humanities background and a degree in economics, you can work for governments, banks, or global organisations. It’s one of the best-paying analytical jobs with a strong international scope.
| Details | Information |
| Average Salary | USD 80,000 – USD 150,000/year |
| Degree Needed | BA/MA in Economics |
| Key Skills | Data analysis, economic theory, forecasting |
| Top Countries | UK, Canada, Australia |
4. Political Analyst
Political analysts interpret global events, research policy impacts, and provide insights to media, think tanks, or governments. If you love international affairs and critical thinking, this role offers influence and strong pay. It’s among the most exciting and highest-paying jobs in the humanities.
| Details | Information |
| Average Salary | USD 70,000 – USD 130,000/year |
| Degree Needed | Political Science, International Relations |
| Key Skills | Policy research, writing, and critical analysis |
| Top Countries | USA, Switzerland, Belgium |
5. Content Director
Content directors oversee brand messaging, editorial strategy, and digital storytelling. If you’re a wordsmith with leadership skills, this is a fantastic, high-paying humanities job. You’ll shape brand voices, manage teams, and work across industries like tech, media, and fashion.
| Details | Information |
| Average Salary | USD 75,000 – USD 140,000/year |
| Degree Needed | English, Journalism, Media Studies |
| Key Skills | Content strategy, SEO, creative leadership |
| Top Countries | USA, UAE, Singapore |
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6. Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers represent their countries in embassies, consulates, and international organisations. This job is ideal for students who are passionate about diplomacy and international affairs. It’s one of the most prestigious and highest-paying jobs in the humanities globally.
| Details | Information |
| Average Salary | USD 70,000 – USD 120,000/year |
| Degree Needed | International Relations, Political Science |
| Key Skills | Communication, cross-cultural sensitivity, negotiation |
| Top Countries | USA, France, Canada |
7. Organisational Psychologist
Organisational psychologists help companies improve employee satisfaction, leadership, and performance. With a degree in psychology, you can work in HR, consulting, or corporate leadership roles. This job pays well and has a growing demand in global markets.
| Details | Information |
| Average Salary | USD 85,000 – USD 135,000/year |
| Degree Needed | Psychology (BA/MA/PhD) |
| Key Skills | Behavioural analysis, leadership development, and team dynamics |
| Top Countries | USA, UK, Australia |
8. Art Director
Art directors manage creative vision in advertising, publishing, and film. With a humanities or design background, you can lead visual campaigns and branding. It’s a top-paying job that rewards artistic talent and communication skills.
| Details | Information |
| Average Salary | USD 70,000 – USD 110,000/year |
| Degree Needed | Design, Fine Arts, Media |
| Key Skills | Visual storytelling, team management, and design tools |
| Top Countries | UK, Germany, USA |
9. Historian (with PhD)
Historians explore the past through research, writing, and teaching. With a PhD, you can work in universities, museums, or research institutions. It’s a meaningful and stable humanities career that offers competitive salaries, especially in academia-rich countries.
| Details | Information |
| Average Salary | USD 65,000 – USD 120,000/year |
| Degree Needed | BA/MA + PhD in History |
| Key Skills | Research, academic writing, and archival work |
| Top Countries | USA, Canada, Australia |
10. Public Relations Director
A PR Director manages a company’s image and handles communications during crises or campaigns. With excellent writing and networking skills, this is one of the highest-paying jobs in the humanities. It offers global opportunities in media, government, and corporate sectors.
| Details | Information |
| Average Salary | USD 80,000 – USD 140,000/year |
| Degree Needed | Communications, PR, Journalism |
| Key Skills | Crisis management, media relations, and public speaking |
| Top Countries | USA, UAE, UK |
What to Study for High-Paying Humanities Jobs?
If you’re aiming for one of the highest-paying jobs in the humanities, your degree choice really matters. The right course can open doors to global opportunities, top companies, and even government roles. But with so many options, how do you choose? Here’s a quick guide to popular degrees that can set you on a high-earning path in the humanities.
1. BA/MA in Political Science: Perfect for careers like political analyst, policy advisor, or diplomat. You’ll study government systems, international relations, and public policy, skills highly valued by think tanks, global organisations, and embassies.
2. BA/MA in Economics: Ideal if you’re leaning toward roles like economist or financial consultant. Even within the humanities, economics is data-driven and analytical, leading to high salaries in banks, research firms, and government bodies.
3. BA/MA in Psychology: This opens doors to roles like UX researcher, organisational psychologist, or counsellor. The degree builds your understanding of human behaviour, crucial for tech companies, HR departments, and healthcare systems.
4. BA in English or Communication: If you love writing, storytelling, or media, this one’s for you. It’s a great base for careers like content director, public relations officer, or communications specialist.
5. Bachelor of Laws (LLB): Want to become a corporate lawyer or legal advisor? An LLB is essential. Pairing law with a humanities subject (like philosophy or history) gives you an edge in critical thinking and argumentation.
6. BA/MA in International Relations: A solid choice for foreign service officers, political consultants, or international journalists. This degree prepares you to work on global issues like diplomacy, peacebuilding, and global governance.
7. Master’s in Public Policy: This advanced degree helps you lead policy-making, social innovation, and non-profit initiatives. It’s valued by government agencies, international NGOs, and the UN.
8. MA in Design, Media or Cultural Studies: If you’re interested in creative industries, media strategy, or branding, this is for you. Graduates often become art directors, creative strategists, or media analysts, well-paid and in-demand roles globally.
Best Universities for Humanities Degrees
Studying at a top-ranked university can open doors to high-paying roles in law, media, diplomacy, and more. Here are some of the best universities around the world for humanities programs:
| University Name | Country | Known For |
| Harvard University | USA | Law, Political Science, History |
| University of Oxford | UK | Philosophy, English Literature, International Relations |
| University of Toronto | Canada | Sociology, Psychology, Media Studies |
| Sciences Po | France | International Affairs, Political Science |
| University of Melbourne | Australia | Cultural Studies, Public Policy, Communications |
| Leiden University | Netherlands | Philosophy, History, International Law |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | Media, Communications, Global Affairs |
Tip: Apply early and check if these universities offer scholarships for international students. Many have specific support for humanities students.
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High-Demand Skills in Humanities
When it comes to landing the highest-paying jobs in the humanities, your degree is just the starting point. What really sets you apart are the practical skills you build along the way. Let’s look at some of the most valuable skills in demand:
- Critical thinking and research: Employers love people who can analyse information and solve real-world problems logically.
- Public speaking and communication: Whether you’re presenting ideas, negotiating deals, or leading a team, clear, confident communication is key.
- Data analysis and visualisation: Even in the humanities, understanding data trends helps in roles like policy-making, UX research, and economics.
- Digital media and storytelling: From content creation to public relations, knowing how to use social and digital platforms is a huge advantage.
- Negotiation and diplomacy: Especially useful in roles like international relations or political analysis, where conflict resolution is part of the job.
- Language proficiency (bonus for international roles): Speaking more than one language boosts your global job opportunities, especially in foreign services or global media.
Bonus tip: Learn tools like Google Analytics, SPSS, Canva, or even Python for data-focused roles. These small add-ons can boost your salary potential significantly.
Tips to Boost Your Salary After Graduation
You’ve worked hard to earn your degree, but what’s next? To land a high-paying job in the humanities, you’ll need more than a diploma. Here’s how to kickstart your career on the right note:
1. Pursue Internships Early
Internships help you gain real-world experience even while studying. Whether it’s in a newsroom, NGO, research lab, or law firm, internships show employers that you’re job-ready.
Tip: Apply for internships in your second year itself.
2. Get a Master’s Degree
In many humanities fields, a master’s degree like MA Economics, MA Psychology, or Masters in international Relations is almost essential. It helps you gain expertise and makes you eligible for senior or specialised roles.
Tip: A master’s from abroad often increases your salary prospects globally.
3. Learn a Second Language
Want to work in diplomacy, foreign media, or translation? Learning a second language can make your resume stand out. French, Spanish, German, or Mandarin are great choices.
Tip: Many universities abroad offer language electives too!
4. Build a Personal Brand
Don’t wait for someone to find you. Create a portfolio, write blogs, or keep an active LinkedIn profile. Show off your writing, research, or project work, this builds trust and visibility in your field.
Tip: Even a simple website or Medium blog helps!
5. Take Tech or Data Courses
Humanities + Tech is a powerful combination. Learning data visualisation, user research, or digital storytelling can land you higher-paying jobs like a UX researcher or content strategist.
Tip: Try free tools like Google Data Studio or Tableau to start.
6. Network, Network, Network
Make connections with professors, alumni, and professionals. Attend university events, global student meets, or seminars. These connections often lead to job opportunities you won’t find online.
Tip: Join alumni groups on LinkedIn; it’s a goldmine of job leads.
Humanities degrees can lead to fulfilling and high-paying careers if you choose the right path. With the right skills, degrees, and global exposure, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to make your mark in this field.
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FAQs
Corporate lawyers and UX researchers top the list of highest-paying jobs in the humanities, with salaries often exceeding USD 150,000 annually, especially in countries like the USA, UK, and Canada.
Art Directors are among the highest-paid arts jobs, earning up to USD 110,000 per year, especially in countries like the UK, Germany, and the USA.
In India, the highest salaries in humanities-related fields like corporate law or management roles vary widely but can reach six-figure incomes with experience and specialisation.
The best field depends on your interest, but areas like law, economics, political science, and UX research offer great salaries and global opportunities in the humanities.
Absolutely! Adding data analysis, digital storytelling, or UX research skills significantly boosts salary prospects in humanities fields.
Entry-level roles like research analyst, junior corporate lawyer, or content strategist offer competitive salaries and growth opportunities.
For many top jobs in the humanities, especially psychology, economics, or public policy, a master’s degree improves salary and job prospects.
The USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands are among the best countries offering high-paying humanities roles.
Employers value critical thinking, communication, research, data analysis, negotiation, and language proficiency.
Gain internships, build a personal brand, learn a second language, upskill in tech, and network extensively to boost career growth and salary.
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