Choosing a college major is one of the biggest financial decisions a young adult can make. While many students follow their passions, the reality of the job market often dictates the size of their future paycheck.
According to a February report from the **Federal Reserve Bank of New York**, graduates with degrees in liberal arts and education tend to earn some of the lowest salaries immediately after college.
Using the most recent 2024 U.S. Census data, analysts looked at full-time workers ages 22 to 27. The findings reveal a stark contrast between service-oriented degrees and technical fields. Here is a breakdown of the majors leading to the lowest median incomes, why the gap exists, and how earnings change over time.
The Early Career Reality Check (Ages 22–27)
For recent graduates entering the workforce, the national individual median income sits at **$45,140**. However, graduates in specific fields report median earnings at or below that threshold.
Generally, liberal arts and social service majors enter nonprofit, public-sector, or service-oriented roles. Historically, these sectors offer lower pay than technical fields tied to high-demand industries like engineering or computer science.
The 14 Majors with the Lowest Early-Career Median Incomes:**
* **Pharmacy:** $40,000*
* **Theology and Religion:** $41,600
* **Social Services:** $43,000
* **Performing Arts:** $44,000
* **General Education:** $45,000
* **Early Childhood Education:** $45,000
* **Elementary Education:** $45,000
* **Liberal Arts:** $45,000
* **Biology:** $45,000
* **Leisure and Hospitality:** $45,000
* **Psychology:** $45,000
* **Anthropology:** $45,000
* **Art History:** $45,000
* **Fine Arts:** $45,000
Important Note on Pharmacy
You might be surprised to see **Pharmacy** at the very bottom of the list. This figure reflects workers whose *highest* degree is a bachelor's. According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, a bachelor's degree alone does not qualify someone to practice as a licensed pharmacist.
Licensed pharmacists hold a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and earn a median of **$137,480** annually (per BLS data). Pharmacy majors who continue their education see their income more than double by mid-career, reaching a median of $85,000 between ages 35 and 45.
The Mid-Career Shift (Ages 35–45)
While some majors, like pharmacy, see significant salary growth as graduates gain experience or advanced degrees, others remain clustered near the bottom of the earnings scale a decade into a career.
Education fields, in particular, stay on the lower end of the income spectrum. Teachers and education professionals are typically paid by state and local governments. While these roles often offer job stability, defined pensions, and summer breaks, wage growth tends to lag behind the private sector. A 2025 report from the Economic Policy Institute confirms that teachers earn less than other college-educated workers with comparable levels of education and experience.
**The 15 Majors with the Lowest Mid-Career Median Incomes (All below $75,000):**
* **Early Childhood Education:** $52,000
* **Elementary Education:** $55,000
* **General Education:** $56,000
* **Special Education:** $56,000
* **Social Services:** $60,000
* **Miscellaneous Education:** $60,000
* **Secondary Education:** $62,000
* **Anthropology:** $65,000
* **Family and Consumer Sciences:** $65,000
* **Theology and Religion:** $66,000
* **Health Services:** $67,000
* **Nutrition Sciences:** $70,000
* **Treatment Therapy:** $70,000
* **Psychology:** $72,000
* **Fine Arts:** $72,000
The Other Side of the Coin: Engineering
To understand the full scope of the wage gap, it helps to look at the top earners. In contrast to the education and liberal arts fields, most engineering majors make **$75,000 or more** just five years after graduating.
By ages 35 to 45, median incomes for engineers rise to **$100,000 or more**. Chemical engineering majors top the chart, earning an annual median of **$135,000**.
Money Isn't Everything
These statistics provide a realistic look at the financial trajectories of different degrees, but they don't tell the whole story.
For many, a career in education, social services, or the arts is a calling rather than just a job. While the starting salaries are lower and wage growth is slower, these professions offer intrinsic rewards, community impact, and benefits like pension stability that are becoming rare in the private sector.
However, for students weighing their options, understanding the long-term earning potential of a major is a crucial part of the decision-making process. Whether you choose a path for passion or potential, knowing the data helps you plan your financial future accordingly.