The average starting salary for a new college graduate earning a bachelor’s degree is $44,928—up 5 percent over the average starting salary earned by members of the Class of 2012, according to a new study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Generally, however, for humanities and social science majors, the average salary is $37,058.

Here’s how that plays out for some graduates with a humanities degree:



Source: April 2013 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder. 

Where are liberal arts majors finding jobs?

If you’re a new English or history graduate—or you majored in one of the other humanities—you may be headed for the work force. Below are the top five industries taking entry-level hires from the Class of 2013, the majors they are hiring from, and the average salary new hires are being paid.

Top-Hiring Industries and Top Majors Hired

Industry 

2013 Average Salary 

Educational Services   
English $39,200
History $40,300
Liberal Arts $42,000
Healthcare and Social Assistance   
English $35,200
Sociology $33,600
Federal, State, and Local Governments   
English $44,000
History $55,100
Psychology $41,300

 

Source: April 2013 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder. 

Courtesy of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.