Salary is a big factor when choosing a career. It is important for graduates to know the amount of money they can expect to earn after graduation — and as their careers progress. The salary of a communication major depends on factors like the area of communications and the particular industry.
Many Industries Need Communication Majors
Communications majors can expect to find work in almost any industry once they complete their degree programs. Some industries, such as advertising, marketing and public relations, focus entirely on communications. Other industries, such as insurance, hospitality or healthcare, need communications professionals to oversee social media management, marketing and other forms of communication.
Salaries Are on the Rise
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the salary of a communication major rose 10 percent from 2013 to 2014. In 2013, the average starting salary was $43,835. One year later, it was $48,253. This was the largest increase of all the disciplines listed in the report.
Pay Varies by Field
The salary of a communication major will vary based on the field. Public relations specialist positions will likely grow about 12 percent from 2012 to 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The primary responsibility of a PR specialist is to shape public perception, and as of May 2014, the average salary was $55,680.
Another communications career is a technical writer, whose responsibility is to write manuals or articles that clearly convey technical information. The BLS predicts 15 percent growth for this field from 2012 to 2022. The average salary of a technical writer was $69,030 in 2014.
Communications Degree Programs Cover Many Aspects of Communications
People who earn an online communication degree will learn an abundance of topics from a communications perspective. Students will take classes such as political communication, pop culture theories, public speaking or media writing. Online programs are also convenient and flexible for adults who have work and family obligation and do not have the freedom to attend classes on specific days at specific times.
A Bachelor’s Degree Is the Minimum Requirement for Communications Positions
Most careers in communications require at least a bachelor’s degree. Communications programs prepare career-focused people to enter a variety of fields as knowledgeable and valued employees. The longer a communications graduate stays in their respective field, the more likely they are to see salary increases and opportunities for advancement.
Learn more about the Lamar University online BS in Communication program.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages: Public Relations Specialists
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages: Technical Writers
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Public Relations Specialists
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Technical Writers
