General
English Language And Literature
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for English Language And Literature.
Entry Level Salary
$36,027
Median Salary
$78,094
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
24.2%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,123,760
Entry (Early)
$36,027
Median (Prime)
$78,094
High (Prime)
$82,259
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
-131k
+228k
+262k
$25k / yr
-221k
+138k
+172k
$50k / yr
-311k
+48k
+82k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
27
$25k / yr
Never
35
33
$50k / yr
Never
48
43
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-203%
127%
158%
$50k / yr
-143%
22%
38%
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 Rate44.9%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Elementary and middle school teachers
6.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$42,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,975|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Lawyers, judges, and related workers
5.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$64,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$141,586|$144,040
openings
34,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%
Postsecondary teachers
5.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$21,520
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$67,530|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Secondary school teachers
4.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$46,015
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$65,757|$64,530
openings
72,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%
Management occupations
3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,432
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,170|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Education and childcare administrators
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,296
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,000|$100,650
openings
45,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.3%
Writers and authors
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$39,454
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,000|$72,270
openings
13,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%
Top executives
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$146,315
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$176,983|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Librarians and media collections specialists
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$32,640
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$61,903|$64,320
openings
13,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.7%
Editors
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,628
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$67,530|$75,260
openings
9,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.6%
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.