Best Jobs for Communication Majors: Top Paths and Salaries in 2025
A communication degree gives you versatile skills--public speaking, strategic messaging, media strategy--that open doors in PR, marketing, digital media, and corporate communications across nearly every industry. This guide is for recent or prospective undergrad and grad students, career changers holding comm degrees, and entry-level job seekers targeting media, PR, marketing, or corporate paths. Fair warning: if you lean toward quantitative or tech-heavy work, communication may not fit well since it centers on interpersonal and creative skills.
Top high-paying jobs include VP of Communications ($124,500-$202,500, ZipRecruiter 2025 via Belmont), Marketing Managers ($156,580-$161,030 median, BLS 2023-2024 via SNHU), and PR Specialists ($66,750 median, BLS 2023 via SNHU; $134,591 median, Lightcast via Cal Lutheran 2024). Entry-level options like social media coordination or editorial assistance show strong growth projections (BLS via multiple sources). You'll find detailed breakdowns, skills mapping, and a comparison table below.
Core Skills from a Communication Degree That Unlock Opportunities
Communication programs build transferable skills--public speaking, interpersonal relations, media studies, strategic messaging--that fit outgoing networkers, creative writers, and team collaborators. A study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) found that public speaking and presentation are critical to work success for 70% of regular presenters (AAC&U via UC). Surveys by Cengage via Inside Higher Ed rank listening and effective communication as top in-demand skills among hiring managers, HR professionals, and graduates (SNHU).
These skills shine in many settings, from Purdue's emphasis on marketing soft skills in interviews (Purdue Online) to UTSA's training in public speaking and social interaction theory (UTSA). Alumni like Rachel Bishop transitioned to content marketing using these strengths (SNHU). Resume tip: Quantify your soft skills--for example, "Led presentations reaching 200+ audience members," per Purdue and Forbes advice. Skip this path if you dislike people-facing roles; consider data analytics instead.
Top High-Paying Careers for Communications Graduates
High-paying roles lean on communication skills for leadership in strategy and messaging, usually requiring 5+ years of experience. VP of Communications tops the list at $124,500-$202,500 (ZipRecruiter 2025 via Belmont). Marketing Managers earn a median of $156,580-$161,030 with 8% growth projected to 2033 (BLS 2023-2024 via SNHU; SNHU). PR Specialists range from $66,750 median (BLS 2023, 6% growth, SNHU/PBA) to $134,591 (Lightcast, Cal Lutheran 2024)--Lightcast tends to run higher since it pulls from job postings instead of BLS labor stats.
HR Specialists hit $67,650 median with 8% growth (BLS 2023). Other solid options include Internal Comms Directors ($70,257 Lightcast, Cal Lutheran 2024) and Media Strategy roles ($152,822 Lightcast). Don't chase VP positions early without experience--start in PR or social media for a realistic path up.
Entry-Level Jobs to Start Your Communication Career
New grads do well in starter roles that build portfolios. Digital media coordinators manage online content and multimedia (Belmont). Editorial assistants craft narratives (PBA). Social media managers grow online presence (UTEP; Pitt State). Copywriters develop targeted messages, and public affairs coordinators handle relations (WVU).
Checklist: Build a portfolio with press releases and internships; network through LinkedIn; tailor applications to highlight interpersonal skills (Purdue; PBA).
These roles let you build a portfolio quickly--target them with internships for a 6-month entry timeline (Purdue).
Entry-Level vs. Advanced Roles: Pros, Cons, and When to Choose Each
Entry-level offers quick access and flexibility; advanced provides leadership and higher pay but demands experience. Entry pros: Low barriers (like social media coordinator, UTEP); cons: Lower pay and high competition. Advanced roles like Internal Comms Director ($70k+ Lightcast 2024, Cal Lutheran) or media leads show 6-13% growth (BLS/UC).
| Aspect | Entry-Level (e.g., Social Media Coordinator) | Advanced (e.g., Internal Comms Director) |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Fast start, skill-building, remote potential | Higher salary ($70k+), leadership, impact |
| Cons | Lower pay, routine tasks | Needs 3-5 years exp/Master's |
| Choose If | No experience, seeking quick income | Post-internships, strategic focus (SNHU) |
Choose entry-level without experience; move to advanced after 3-5 years or a Master's (SNHU).
Best Industries and Job Outlook for Communication Graduates
Media, corporate, marketing, nonprofits, and government suit comm grads, with around 109k yearly openings (BLS via UTEP). Marketing managers show 8% growth projected to 2033; PR shows 6% (BLS via SNHU/PBA; PBA). Trends for 2024-2025 mirror 2023 BLS baselines of 6-8% amid digital shifts. Remote work is viable in digital and PR (Pitt State; DBU).
Alumni like Jay Winuk (PR agency founder, SUNY Oneonta) and Broadway producers highlight the degree's versatility.
Evidence Pack: Career Comparison Matrix for Communication Majors
| Job Title | Median Salary (Source/Year) | Projected Growth (%) | Entry Requirements | Key Skills Match | Best For | Remote Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR Specialist | $66,750 (BLS 2023); $134k (Lightcast 2024) | 6 (BLS) | Bachelor's, internship | Messaging, crisis mgmt | Strategic networkers | High |
| Marketing Manager | $156k-$161k (BLS 2023-24) | 8 (BLS to 2033) | Bachelor's + exp | Strategy, trends | Analytical creatives | Medium-High |
| Social Media Manager | $66k-$70k (Lightcast 2024) | 6-13 (BLS trends) | Bachelor's | Content, engagement | Digital natives | High |
| Digital Media Coord. | $67k (Lightcast 2024) | 13.5 CAGR (UC) | Bachelor's | Multimedia, storytelling | Tech-savvy creators | High |
| HR Specialist | $67,650 (BLS 2023) | 8 (BLS) | Bachelor's | Interpersonal, listening | People-focused | Medium |
| VP Communications | $124k-$202k (ZipRecruiter 2025) | N/A (senior) | Master's + 10yr exp | Leadership, strategy | Executives | Medium |
| Internal Comms Dir. | $70k (Lightcast 2024) | 6-8 (BLS) | Bachelor's + exp | Employee engagement | Organizational leaders | High |
| Copywriter | $66k (Lightcast/PBA) | 6 (BLS trends) | Bachelor's, portfolio | Writing, persuasion | Creative writers | High |
Note: Lightcast reflects job postings (often higher); BLS uses labor surveys. Skills transfer across industries (Purdue; Pitt State).
How to Market Your Communication Skills and Land These Jobs
Tailor your resume to spotlight projects and public speaking; build a portfolio of press releases and media work (Purdue; PBA; Nexford). Concentrations in PR or strategic comms boost your odds (Purdue/UTSA).
Checklist:
- Highlight quantifiable skills (e.g., "Grew audience 30% via campaigns").
- Network through alumni events and LinkedIn.
- Gain internships and certs; pair with AI ethics tools (IE University). Don't lean only on your degree--add digital tools.
Real Alumni Success in Communication Careers
Rachel Bishop (SNHU Master's '20G) used comm skills for content marketing success (SNHU). Ebonique Edwards (Fordham '20) advanced to brand strategy, crediting audience insight training (Fordham). Jay Winuk (SUNY Oneonta '83) founded Winuk Communications PR agency (SUNY Oneonta). Bryan Womack (SNHU '15G) shifted from news to comms, emphasizing versatile skills (SNHU).
FAQ
Is a master's in communication worth it for higher-paying jobs?
Yes, for a competitive edge in advanced roles--only 13% of U.S. adults 25+ have one, per Census via SNHU. It helps with leadership positions like marketing managers ($161k median, BLS 2024), as seen with alumni like Rachel Bishop (SNHU).
What are typical entry-level salaries for communication majors?
Industry averages around $66k in media and comm (PBA); varies by role and location. Build up through internships for quicker raises.
Which communication careers offer remote work?
High potential in social media, digital media coordination, copywriting, PR (digital focus), and internal comms--their digital nature supports it (UTEP; Pitt State).
How do PR and marketing roles differ for comm grads?
PR manages reputation and crisis through press and media (PBA); marketing drives sales and trends (SNHU). Both use messaging, but PR is more reactive.
What skills should I highlight on my resume as a communication major?
Public speaking, listening, writing, interpersonal skills, media strategy--quantify them (e.g., "Managed campaigns for 50k audience") per Purdue, AAC&U.
To apply this: Do you prefer creative writing or strategic networking? Have 3+ years of experience? Match yourself to the table for your path.
Next steps: Update your resume with 2-3 quantified projects today; apply to 5 entry roles on LinkedIn this week.