General
Communication Technologies
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Communication Technologies.
Entry Level Salary
$35,397
Median Salary
$75,000
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
32.1%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,000,000
Entry (Early)
$35,397
Median (Prime)
$75,000
High (Prime)
$76,011
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-137k
+203k
+211k
$25k / yr
-227k
+113k
+121k
$50k / yr
-317k
+23k
+31k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
28
28
$25k / yr
Never
36
36
$50k / yr
Never
54
52
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-209%
104%
111%
$50k / yr
-146%
11%
14%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate11%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Artists and related workers
5.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$41,650
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,104|$99,060
openings
21,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.7%
Graphic designers
5.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,856
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,994|$61,300
openings
20,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%
Management occupations
4.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$23,800
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,232|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Media and communication equipment workers
3.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$36,107
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$61,903|$56,480
openings
31,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.7%
Software developers
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$93,713
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$111,189|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Art and design workers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$76,534
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$74,970|$53,180
openings
84,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.3%
Producers and directors
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$39,454
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$81,218|$83,480
openings
12,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Television, video, and film camera operators and editors
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,691
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,994|$70,570
openings
6,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.7%
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$26,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$38,006|$47,320
openings
125,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5%
Customer service representatives
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$45,020|$42,830
openings
341,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5.5%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.