These 20 college majors lead to lowest salaries after graduation in US

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A recent analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, utilizing 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data, highlights a significant wage gap between various college majors. Graduates in liberal arts, theology, and education sectors consistently report some of the lowest median earnings within the first five years of their careers, often falling below the individual national median income of $45,140. In contrast, technical fields like engineering command much higher starting pay, with most graduates earning at least $75,000 early on.

The disparity is partly attributed to the sectors in which these graduates are employed. Education professionals often work for state and local governments, where salary growth typically trails behind the private sector. Similarly, many liberal arts and social service graduates enter non-profits or public institutions—industr ies that historically pay less than high-demand technical fields. While teaching and service roles offer benefits like job security and pensions, studies show these professionals generally earn less than peers with similar qualifications in other industries.

The data also reveals that while some majors start with low pay, they see significant growth over time, while others remain stagnant. For example, pharmacy graduates report the lowest early-career median salary at $40,000, but this figure more than doubles to $85,000 by mid-career. It is important to note that this specific dataset only tracks those with a bachelor's degree; licensed pharmacists, who require a doctoral degree, earn significantly more. Conversely, education-related majors remain at the bottom of the pay scale even for workers aged 35 to 45, with early childhood education reporting a mid-career median of just $52,000.

Engineering continues to be the most lucrative path for those prioritizing high earnings. By mid-career, most engineering professionals see their salaries exceed $100,000, with chemical engineering leading the group at a median of approximately $135,000 annually. This contrast underscores the long-term financial impact of major selection, particularly in fields where advanced degrees or private-sector demand drive substantial income growth over time.