Earn a degree, land a job, live the dream — right?
Maybe not.
Recently published data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY) shows that starting salaries barely crack $40,000 for graduates in some fields, which is less than many jobs requiring only a high school diploma.
With student loan payments looming and living costs soaring, these low-paying majors can make it harder to get ahead financially.
FRBNY lists labor market outcomes for college graduates by major. If you want to earn more than $45,000 early in your career, you may want to avoid these majors.
1. Anthropology
Anthropology might expand your worldview, but it could shrink your bank account. Anthropology majors see median starting salaries of $42,000, but nearly one in ten graduates are unemployed. That’s significantly higher than the overall college graduate unemployment rate.
Moneywise reports that anthropology’s limited private sector applications contribute to job market challenges. Most field-specific jobs exist in non-profit academia, government, or museums, where positions are scarce and competition is fierce.
Converting an anthropology degree into a decent salary might require graduate school or strategic skill-building.
According to the American Anthropological Association, many successful anthropology graduates pursue careers in data analysis, user experience research, or corporate diversity consulting. These fields value research skills and cultural understanding.
2. Foreign languages
Landing at the bottom of the salary scale, FRBNY labor market data shows foreign language majors typically earn around $40,000 in their first jobs after graduation. Even more concerning? Over half of these graduates end up in positions that do not require a college degree.
The disconnect between classroom learning and workplace needs hits language majors particularly hard.
While fluency in multiple languages sounds impressive, employers often want additional skills like business acumen or technical expertise, Indeed reports. Pure language skills without specialized applications can leave graduates competing for administrative or customer service roles.
If you’re passionate about languages, consider double majoring or adding certifications in fields like international business, translation technology, or diplomatic studies. Indeed suggests that your language skills may become much more valuable when paired with another specialty.
3. Performing arts
Theater, dance, and music majors know they’re not choosing their path for money, but the reality can still sting.
With median salaries hovering around $41,900, performing arts graduates face one of the highest underemployment rates of any major. FRBNY data indicates that nearly two-thirds work in jobs that don’t require their degree.
The gig economy dominates this field, meaning inconsistent income and limited benefits. Many performers juggle multiple part-time jobs, from teaching private lessons to waiting tables, while auditioning for their big break.
Building financial stability in the arts requires thinking beyond creative expression. Successful performers can develop complementary income streams like teaching at local colleges, offering online courses, or pivoting into arts administration roles that provide steadier paychecks.
4. Early childhood education
Teaching preschoolers might fill your heart, but it won’t fill your wallet. Early childhood education majors typically start at $42,000 annually, averaging just $17 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. That’s particularly tough considering the student loans many teachers carry.
We trust these professionals with our children’s crucial developmental years, yet pay them less than retail managers. State funding limitations and the private daycare industry’s thin profit margins keep salaries depressed.
Smart early childhood educators may look for positions in public school systems where union contracts provide better pay scales and benefits. Some pursue additional special education or administration certifications, which can boost earning potential.
5. Hospitality management
A degree in hospitality management may conjure images of luxury hotels and international travel, but the entry-level reality is often far less glamorous. Graduates in this field typically start around $44,000 per year, according to FRBNY data.
The industry is fast-paced and customer-facing, but wages remain low compared to the long hours and high stress. Advancement can be slow, and Cornell’s Center for Hospitality Research finds tips add only about 5–7 percent to annual compensation.
LinkedIn reports that graduates who do well shift into corporate roles with hotel chains, specialize in revenue management, or pivot to related industries like logistics or corporate event planning, where hospitality skills translate into higher-paying, behind-the-scenes work.
Navigating a career with a not-so-lucrative degree
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s analysis of college majors’ earnings makes one thing clear: choosing a major isn’t just about passion. It’s a financial decision that can shape your future for decades. If you are drawn to a low-paying field, you don’t have to give it up, but you need a strategy.
Consider double majoring to boost marketability, pursuing internships to build your network, and developing income streams before graduation. Think of your degree as a launchpad, not a finish line.
Most importantly, be clear-eyed about the numbers. Compare the true cost of your education to realistic salary expectations. Choosing a more affordable school, living at home, or starting at a community college can help you stay in control when loan payments kick in.
And if you’re curious, the major with the highest median starting salary is computer engineering, at $80,000. A stark reminder of how dramatically financial outcomes can vary depending on your field of study.
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