Some communications
majors work in marketing and public relations.
Communications degree-holders find work in a number of fields---marketing, advertising, public relations, media and even technical writing---so a single number for average salary doesn't fully represent a given communications major's earning potential. According to PayScale information from 2010 to 2011, communications majors have a median starting salary of $38,200, and a mid-career salary of $72,200. To arrive at a more accurate estimate of what you'll earn, consider your specific career plans.
Market Research
Market and survey researchers design surveys and collect data to help companies understand what products customers are looking for and at what price. Although a bachelor's degree is the minimum entry-level requirement for researchers, many have more advanced credentials, and some have graduate-level education in communications. According to 2009 information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, market research analysts make a mean annual salary of $67,500. Pay starts at around $34,000, with top-earners taking home over $100,000.
Advertising and Public Relations
Public relations professionals maintain a company's public image, while advertising professionals design product messaging to make offerings attractive to customers. Some communications grads work as copywriters, crafting the words spoken in commercials or splashed across magazine ads. Others work as public relations specialists, drafting press releases and organizing functions. According to 2010 information from the Bureau, writers earn $65,960 per year on average, although pay can be as low as $28,610 and as high as $109,440. In comparison, public relations specialists make $59,150 on average according to 2010 numbers, with salaries ranging between $30,560 and $95,200.
Media Careers
Some communications majors find work onscreen as broadcasters or off-screen as news researchers, correspondents, writers and reporters. The Bureau advises preparing for this highly-competitive career with extra-curricular journalism work beyond your undergraduate assignments. Look for work at smaller news outlets for your best shot at breaking into the industry. On-air broadcasters earn a mean annual salary of $72,710 according to 2010 data, with pay falling anywhere between $27,560 and $146,230. Reporters and correspondents make less, earning $43,780 on average. Pay starts as low as $20,000 annually, but can hit the $75,000 mark with experience.
Technical Writing
Some communications majors take advantage of the booming tech industry to pursue careers in technical writing. These professionals design and write online help systems, user manuals and assembly instructions. Computer skills are important, since technical writers not only write about technology -- they also use desktop publication and image editing software every day on the job. 2010 information from the Bureau shows that technical writers earn $66,240 annually on average, buy salaries range anywhere between $37,160 and $100,910.
Management
Work in advertising and public relations long enough and you may get offered a position in advertising, public relations, promotions or marketing management. These experienced professionals coordinate the efforts of public relations and marketing professionals at lower levels and are responsible for developing high-level strategies. According to 2010 information, advertising managers earn $98,720 per year. Those in marketing make $122,720, while public relations managers fall in the middle, taking home $104,390.
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