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Drama And Theater Arts

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Drama And Theater Arts.

Entry Level Salary
$30,364
Median Salary
$66,910
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
35.3%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $2,676,400
Entry (Early)
$30,364
Median (Prime)
$66,910
High (Prime)
$70,673

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 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
-184k
+139k
+170k
$25k / yr
-274k
+49k
+80k
$50k / yr
-364k
-41k
-10k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
30
29
$25k / yr
Never
44
39
$50k / yr
Never
Never
Never

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-252%
45%
73%
$50k / yr
-167%
-19%
-5%
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).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate25.5%
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
$41,175
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$74,115|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Elementary and middle school teachers

3.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$37,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$55,611|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Postsecondary teachers

3.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$18,218
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$61,763|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Producers and directors

3.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$51,448
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$59,704|$90,360
openings
12,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%

Secondary school teachers

2.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$23,171
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,311|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%

Actors

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$19,044
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$25,724|N/A
openings
6,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Customer service representatives

2.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$29,149
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$35,000|$44,770
openings
289,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5.3%

Waiters and waitresses

1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$25,734
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$33,500|$35,230
openings
423,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2%

Other teachers and instructors

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$22,476
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$27,806|$45,730
openings
168,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.4%

Retail salespersons

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$21,720
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$25,734|$35,410
openings
520,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

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 TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
drama/theatre arts and stagecraft.Undergrad Certificate35$26,274 - $35,889
drama/theatre arts and stagecraft.Associate's Degree139$27,161 - $30,729
drama/theatre arts and stagecraft.Bachelor's Degree777$20,673 - $64,880
drama/theatre arts and stagecraft.Master's Degree144$30,262 - $77,516
drama/theatre arts and stagecraft.Doctoral Degree31Data N/A
drama/theatre arts and stagecraft.Graduate Certificate8Data N/A