Learning about the highest paying jobs in the field of communications can help shape your career goals after graduation. Communications is a vast, competitive field offering many lucrative job options for individuals interested in how people convey messages verbally or nonverbally. Earning an accredited associate’s or bachelor’s degree in communications is typically the first step to entering the field (please see: Top 10 Best Online Communications Degree Programs). Coursework will prepare you for diverse careers, including journalism, television, advertising, film, human resources, business, and even law. To maximize the return of investment for your communications degree, consider one of the following top-paying jobs.
Sales Manager
Communication is at the heart of an organization’s sales team. Graduates can use their bachelor’s degree in communications to become a sales manager, an upper-level business professional focused on meeting their company’s profit goals. Sales managers will recruit, hire, and train new sales representatives for handling customer service. Other typical tasks include resolving customer complaints, monitoring consumer preferences, and planning optimal pricing. On average, sales managers bring home an annual salary of $126,040, or $60.60 hourly.
Public Relations Manager
Public relations managers use their communications education to oversee the creation of materials that enhance an organization’s public image or brand awareness. Public relations managers make certain that advertisements and press releases are suitable for a targeted audience. Often, companies will designate their PR manager as a spokesperson for handling media inquiries and effectively communicating with the public. The BLS reports that public relations managers make an average yearly salary of $115,400, or $55.48 per hour.
Media Director
Communications majors with an interest in art could thrive as media directors. Media directors are responsible for creating the overall design and layout for magazines, newspapers, film productions, and more. Media directors identify the best way to represent concepts and express clear messages visually. Most are self-employed and consult with clients to develop an artistic project design that suits their unique style and goals. Media directors earn a mean annual wage of $97,850, or $47.05 each hour.
Producer or Director
Producers and directors can use their bachelor’s degree in communications to create films, TV shows, theatre productions, and commercials. After interpreting the writer’s script, producers assist in selecting the right cast, setting the budget, overseeing set design, and keeping the show on track. Directors handle the creative side by holding rehearsals, coaching actors, and giving directions to camera crews. Currently, producers and directors make an average salary of $90,300 each year, or $43.41 per hour.
Technical Writer
If you have a way with words, technical writer is another of the highest paying jobs in the field of communications. Technical writers prepare instruction manuals and how-to guides that convey complex information in easy-to-digest steps. Technical writers study product samples and speak with developers to become comfortable with the product. Then, they’ll write instructions and select photographs or diagrams to increase users’ understanding. Technical writers have a mean annual salary of $71,950, or hourly wage of $34.59.
Being able to clearly communicate and speak publicly is a trait that’s well-compensated by businesses. Communications majors can assume important leadership jobs in various media channels from magazines to the big screen. Although it’s never suggested to pick your career based on money alone, your future job must meet your financial needs. The five highest paying jobs in the field of communications offer above-average salary potential.