General
Drama And Theater Arts
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Drama And Theater Arts.
Entry Level Salary
$28,317
Median Salary
$64,894
Unemployment Rate
6.5%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
35.5%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $2,595,760
Entry (Early)
$28,317
Median (Prime)
$64,894
High (Prime)
$69,781
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
-202k
+121k
+160k
$25k / yr
-292k
+31k
+70k
$50k / yr
-382k
-59k
-19k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
31
29
$25k / yr
Never
48
41
$50k / yr
Never
Never
Never
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-269%
28%
65%
$50k / yr
-176%
-27%
-9%
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 Rate25.9%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Management occupations
4.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$70,907|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Elementary and middle school teachers
3.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$44,100
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,455|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Postsecondary teachers
3.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$17,698
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,393|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Producers and directors
3.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$56,275
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,170|$83,480
openings
12,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Actors
2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$20,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$29,155|N/A
openings
6,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.3%
Secondary school teachers
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$20,825
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,714|$64,530
openings
72,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%
Waiters and waitresses
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$22,890
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$31,238|$33,760
openings
456,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.7%
Customer service representatives
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$28,317
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$35,867|$42,830
openings
341,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5.5%
Other teachers and instructors
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$21,835
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$28,114|$44,220
openings
171,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.4%
Retail salespersons
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$21,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$23,314|$34,580
openings
555,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.5%
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.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| drama/theatre arts and stagecraft. | Undergrad Certificate | 37 | $26,274 - $35,889 |
| drama/theatre arts and stagecraft. | Associate's Degree | 146 | $27,161 - $30,729 |
| drama/theatre arts and stagecraft. | Bachelor's Degree | 795 | $20,673 - $64,880 |
| drama/theatre arts and stagecraft. | Master's Degree | 146 | $30,262 - $77,516 |
| drama/theatre arts and stagecraft. | Doctoral Degree | 32 | Data N/A |
| drama/theatre arts and stagecraft. | Graduate Certificate | 8 | Data N/A |