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If you’re a Florida resident, you may wonder how your salary stacks up against the salaries in other states, or, if you live elsewhere, how much you’d earn if you moved to the Sunshine State.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s latest data reveals that the median household income per year in Florida is $77,735 compared to the U.S. household median income of $83,730. This article examines the median household salary in Florida in a few different ways: by age, city, and county. It also shares examples of some of the highest-paying jobs in the state.

Average Salary in Florida by Age in 2026

The table below shows the annual average income by age in Florida based on a 2025 Neilsberg analysis of publicly gathered data.

As you can see, a significant gap exists between the salaries of residents under 25 years of age (including high school and college-aged students) and those aged 25 to 44. Average salaries peak for workers aged 45 to 64 and decline after they reach the age of 65. These trends reflect the national trend for peak earning years, as reported in a study by ADP Research.

Whether you have a good salary for your age as a Florida resident depends on how your assets measure up against your financial obligations. You can use a net worth calculator by age to determine where your finances are today.

Median Salary in Florida by City in 2026

According to data from the Social Security Administration, the average salary in the U.S. is $69,846. This is almost $10,000 higher than the average salary in Florida, which is about $60,000. However, factors such as your education level, your profession, and the city or county you live in can influence how much you earn.

The table below shows the annual median household salary of various cities in Florida based on Census Bureau data. A median salary is the middle value in an ordered list of all salaries within a specific category, where 50% of people earn less and 50% earn more. It’s a more accurate indicator of typical pay than the average, as it is not skewed by extreme, high-income earners.

What’s considered a “good” salary in Florida — and the salary you need to earn to maintain a decent standard of living — varies by city. No matter where you live in the state, a budget planner app can help you make the most of every dollar you earn.

Recommended: What Is the Average Pay in the United States Per Year?

Median Salary in Florida by County in 2026

The median salary in Florida by county can depend on a wide range of factors, including an area’s need for skilled workers. For example, living in a large metropolitan area with a variety of jobs can draw residents and influence a county’s median salary.

The table below shows the median household income in select counties in different parts of Florida.

From March 2024 to March 2025, employment increased in 20 of Florida’s 25 largest counties, while the remaining counties, including Pinellas, Duval, and Seminole, experienced decreases.

Examples of the Highest-Paying Jobs in Florida

Some of the largest industries in Florida include management, construction and extraction, health care, information technology, life sciences, and logistics and distribution.

You might be curious about snagging one of the highest-paying jobs in Florida. Here’s a list of the average salaries for some professions in Florida that can earn you a six-figure salary:

•   Dentist: $196,320

•   Radiologist: $380,950

•   General internal medicine physician: $280,390

•   Nurse anaesthetist: $236,610

•   Chief executive: $248,690

•   Family medicine physician: $243,800

•   Database architect $138,280

•   Sales engineer: $151,380

Many high-paying jobs, such as those in medicine, require advanced degrees.

Therefore, you may also want to consider other in-demand jobs in Florida, including the following:

•   Mental health counselor: $60,480

•   Occupational therapist: $97,230

•   Management analyst: $98,630

•   HR manager: $139,050

•   Financial analyst: $100,630

If none of the above fit your credentials or interests, there are many other options, including jobs for introverts and for those just starting their careers.

Wherever you are in your professional journey, it’s a good idea to have some short- and long-term financial goals in mind. Tools like a money tracker app can help you keep tabs on where your money goes and provide valuable insights into your finances.

Recommended: What Is a Good Entry-Level Salary?

The Takeaway

Planning to relocate to the Sunshine State? The median annual salary by age ranges from about $44,000 to $85,000. Florida offers no shortage of opportunities for job seekers, no matter your field or area of interest. If you want to lock yourself into a certain salary, research job opportunities in your field, check out the educational requirements, and consider interviewing individuals in the professions you’re interested in to learn more about their path and trajectory.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

What is a good average salary in Florida?

In Florida, the median household income is $77,735. Whether this is sufficient for you depends on your lifestyle, and budgeting techniques can help you carve out money for fun and relaxation, no matter your income.

What is the average gross salary in Florida?

The average annual salary in Florida is about $60,000. However, many factors can impact your earning potential, including your location, the cost of living where you live, the job market, and the industry you work in.

What is the average income per person in Florida?

According to Census Bureau data, the per capita annual income in Florida is $42,609. However, this number takes into account all individuals in the Sunshine State, regardless of working age, career, and employment status. How much you earn can depend on several factors.

What is a livable wage in Florida?

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a livable salary in Florida for a person with no children is $24.09 per hour. For a family with two children and two working adults, this increases to $26.85 per hour for each adult.

What is considered a high salary in Florida?

Some of the high-paying jobs in Florida are in the health care, information technology, and management fields. Those who work in these fields can earn well above $100,000, which is a high salary in this state.

Photo credit: iStock/franckreporter

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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If you’re single and you only have to worry about taking care of yourself financially, you may be able to live pretty comfortably on a salary of $65,000.

According to the Social Security Administration, the average annual wage in the U.S. was $69,846.57 as of 2024. This means that at $65,000 per year, you’re earning slightly below the national average, though it can still provide a comfortable lifestyle depending on where you live and how you manage your money. But if the cost of living is higher where you live or if you’re carrying significant debt, stretching your paycheck from month to month could be a challenge.

Read on to learn how a $65,000 salary stacks up depending on location and other factors.

Is $65K a Good Salary?

If you’re single and child-free, you may be able to get by fairly well on a $65,000 income. But the amount you pay — all on your own — for housing, utility bills, groceries, and other basic costs could be a major factor in how well you’re able to manage. Tools such as a money tracker can help you monitor your spending and spot upcoming bills.

Of course, day-to-day expenses can vary widely depending on where you live. To get an idea of where you stand and whether $65,000 a year is a good salary for you, it can help to look at the cost of living, the state where you live, and how your earnings stack up against the average salary in the U.S.

Median Household Income in the US by State

When we talk about median household income, we’re dividing the income distribution of all U.S. households into two halves — meaning half of households earn more than that amount, and half earn less. As of 2024 — the most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau — the median annual household income in the U.S. was $81,604. Individuals may make more or less depending on where they live, their age, the type of work they do, and other factors. Here’s a summary of the median household income in each state:

Recommended: Highest Paying Jobs by State

Average Cost of Living in the US by State

If you live in one of the more expensive states in the U.S., you already know how the high cost of housing, utilities, and other basics can affect your budget. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of living in the U.S. by state, based on U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data.

How to Budget for a $65,000 Salary

Even if you’re earning a six-figure salary, creating a realistic budget can help you stay on course when it comes to managing your money.

One popular budgeting method that can give you an idea of how to divide up your wages every month is the 50/30/20 rule, which allocates after-tax income to three basic categories:

•   50% to “needs.” This includes essentials such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, insurance payments, and debt payments.

•   30% to “wants,” which encompasses everything from dining out to vacations to shopping.

•   20% to savings for future goals. This category could include extra payments to help pay off loans sooner, savings for a down payment on a home, an IRA or other retirement contributions, or an emergency fund.

Using this method, a $65,000 salary, which comes to about $55,600 a year after federal taxes, or $4,637 each month, might look like this:

•   $2,318 spent each month on needs

•   $1,391 spent each month on wants

•   $927 put toward savings and/or paying down debt each month

While this approach leaves a little left over for entertainment, it may not work for everyone. If you find you need to make some adjustments to fit your circumstances, financial trackers and budget calculators may make it easier to track your spending so you can decide where to cut back.

How to Maximize a $65,000 Salary

Besides thoughtful budgeting, there are several other things you might be able to do to help maximize your $65,000 salary. Here are some strategies to consider.

Make the Most of Employee Perks

Good benefits can sometimes make up for a smaller paycheck or add value to an already solid salary. If your employer’s 401(k) plan offers a matching contribution, it could help you save more for retirement. And if you’re able to work remotely, you might be able to spend less each month on transportation costs or your work wardrobe.

Avoid Account Fees

Small monthly fees can sometimes go unnoticed when you’re worrying about bigger bills, such as your rent or car payment. But with a little research and comparison shopping, you may be able to avoid the common bank fees, credit card fees, and investment fees that can slowly eat away at your hard-earned income.

Pay Bills on Time

Besides the penalty fees you might face if you push your bill-paying limits too far, late payments can take a toll on your credit score, which could affect the interest rate you might pay on a loan or credit card.

Build an Emergency Fund

An unexpected circumstance, such as a costly car repair or a temporary pay cut, can quickly blow up a budget. Setting aside money in an emergency fund could help keep you from falling behind on your regular obligations.

What Quality of Life Can You Expect With a $65,000 Salary?

Everyone has a different idea of contentment, and the amount of money you need to live comfortably may look different from someone else’s. When you’re deciding whether $65,000 is a good salary for you, factors to consider might include:

•   Do you want to live in a big city, or is life in the suburbs or a small town more of your thing?

•   How much do you like to go out to eat, attend concerts, and travel? Are you willing to sacrifice other things so you can have these experiences?

•   If you’re new to your career, is $65,000 a good entry-level salary for the type of job you have? Do you expect to make more later?

•   How much are you hoping to save for short- and long-term goals, such as having a wedding, buying a home, or retiring?

•   Is a 50/30/20 budget doable on your salary?

Is $65,000 a Year Considered Rich?

“Rich” is a subjective term. If your definition of rich is what the top earners in the U.S. make, $65,000 falls short. According to Internal Revenue Service tax return data summarized by the Tax Foundation, the top 10% of earners made $178,611 or more in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available. The top 5% earned $261,591 or more, and those who made it into the top 1% earned at least $663,164.

But wealth isn’t necessarily determined by the number on a paycheck. If you own much more than you owe, you may still have a high net worth. And if you can live comfortably on $65,000, you may feel richer than someone who earns a six-figure salary but can’t manage to make ends meet.

Recommended: Net Worth Calculator By Age

Is $65,000 a Year Considered Middle Class?

Generally speaking, yes. Pew Research defines “middle-income” Americans as those whose annual income is two-thirds to double the median household income, adjusted for household size. With the latest median income figure of $81,604, a $65,000 annual salary falls easily within this range.

What Kinds of Jobs Pay a $65,000 Salary?

If you’re looking for work, you’ll likely find there’s a wide range of jobs that offer a $65,000 salary, including entry-level positions for new grads, jobs for introverts, and high-paying vocational jobs that don’t necessarily require a degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for surgical assistants and technologists, flight attendants, fundraisers, and many more fall within this pay range, although salaries can vary significantly depending on where you live.

Tips for Living on a $65,000 Salary

Proactive planning can play an important role in living well on a $65,000 salary. Here are a few steps that could help make your money go further month to month and year to year.

Live Within Your Means

Before you make a major purchase, consider crunching the numbers again to make sure the costs will work with your budget.

Pay Down Debt

If you’re carrying a balance on your credit cards and paying anywhere near the average interest rate (currently 19.6%), a big chunk of your paycheck could end up going just toward interest each month. If you’re struggling with high-interest debt, you may want to look into debt consolidation or a repayment plan such as the snowball method to help you get back on track.

Save and Invest

Finding a way to save for retirement and other long-term goals can seem like a big ask if you’re struggling to make ends meet. But the sooner you can start stashing away money, the more your savings can grow.

Keep an Eye on Costs

Tracking your spending with an app can help you see where your money is going in real time, which could make it easier to stick to your budget. It can also be a good idea to check your online credit card and bank statements weekly or monthly.

The Takeaway

Is $65K a year a good salary? Though it may not qualify as “rich,” given the average pay in the United States, in many parts of the country, it’s better than the average. And it can provide a comfortable lifestyle — especially if you’re single. The idea of living day to day within your means on $65,000 while also working toward your long-term goals may seem challenging. But having the right attitude, discipline, and financial tools can improve your chances of success. Creating a budget that you can stick to can be an important first step.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can I live comfortably making $65,000 a year?

You may be able to live comfortably with $65,000 a year in many areas of the country. This will also depend on how you spend your money.

What can I afford with a $65,000 salary?

If you’re single, you can decide your own spending priorities. The 50/30/20 budget rule — which breaks down your costs and how much you may want to put toward your wants, needs, and savings each month — can be a useful tool for deciding what you can afford on a $65,000 salary.

How much does a $65,000 a year salary come out to hourly?

A $65,000 annual salary comes out to about $31.25 per hour if you’re working a 40-hour work week. Your exact rate may differ depending on your hours.

If you make $65,000 a year, how much does that come out to monthly?

If you’re earning $65,000 a year, that comes to about $5,417 per month before taxes. That’s your gross income.

How much does a $65,000 annual salary come out to per day?

If you’re earning $65,000 a year, your pay is about $1,250 for a 40-hour work week, or $250 for an eight-hour workday. That’s assuming you work from Monday to Friday.

Photo credit: iStock/mixetto

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Rising prices are driving worries that money doesn’t go as far as it used to. But rest assured, $120,000 is considered a good salary, especially if you’re single and have no dependents. And by developing sound money habits now, you can help make the most of your income.

Here’s a closer look at what an annual salary of $120,000 means.

Is $120K a Good Salary?

A salary of $120,000 is nearly double the national average, which is about $70,000 based on the latest data from the Social Security Administration. The average salary by state. also varies. Whether you can live comfortably on $120K a year depends on a number of factors, including how much debt you have, your family size, and how much your lifestyle costs in the area you live in.

A money tracker can help you with budgeting, monitoring spending, and keeping tabs on your credit score.

Average Median Income in the US by State

Median household income is arrived at by dividing the income distribution of all U.S. households into two halves — meaning half of households earn more than that amount, and half earn less. As of 2024 — the most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau — the median annual household income in the U.S. was $81,604. Individuals may make more or less depending on where they live, their age, the type of work they do, and other factors.

For reference, here’s a chart of the median household income in each state, based on U.S. Census Bureau data.

Related: Highest Paying Jobs by State

Average Cost of Living in the US by State

The average cost of living where you live will affect how you feel about your $120,000 salary. Similar to salaries, it varies by state. Here’s a look at what a typical resident in each state spends per year on basic necessities, such as housing, food, and transportation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

How to Live on a $120K Salary

Chances are that $120,000 can easily cover your basic expenses, leaving you with money for entertainment and savings. But if you live in a pricey area or are trying to pay down debt, you may need to be more mindful of how you manage your money. The following tips can help.

Live Below Your Means

You‘ve heard it before, but the most important part of living well on your salary is to make sure your expenses are less than your salary. Try to find housing and transportation that fit within your budget, put together a plan for expenses, and manage lifestyle creep as much as you can.

Have a Contingency Fund

Be sure you’re planning for the unexpected. Building an emergency fund can go a long way toward preserving your finances when the going gets tough.

Make a Plan for Your Money

Making a budget — yes, even on a $120,000 annual salary — can help you use your money more effectively and make progress toward financial goals.

How to Budget for a $120K Salary

There are a number of budgeting methods you may want to try:

•   50/30/20 method: With a 50/30/20 budget, 50% of your money should go toward needs (housing, transportation, food, etc.); 30% to wants (spending money, self-care, eating out, and vacations); and 20% to savings and debt payments.

•   Zero-based budgeting: In this type of budgeting, you give a job to every dollar you earn so that your income minus your expenses leaves you with zero.

•   Envelope method: You specify how much money is allotted to a specific category. For example, $300 for gas for the month. You can spend the designated funds until they’re gone. If you’re really disciplined, you won’t spend in that category again until the next month, when the money in the envelope is refreshed.

Of course, the optimal budget is the one you should follow. A budget planner app can help you stay on track and reach your goals.

Maximizing a $120K Salary

Making the most of a $120,000 salary depends on what your financial goals are and your stage of life. Do you want to:

•   Save more money?

•   Grow your net worth?

•   Provide for a family?

•   Enjoy eating out and/or nightlife?

•   Afford a nice car and house?

To maximize a $120,000 salary, invest in the areas of your life that are important to you. Make a plan to spend money according to your values and be more frugal in the areas that are not as important to you.

Quality of Life With a $120K Salary

According to the World Health Organization, quality of life is about a person’s perception of their culture and value systems in relation to their goals, concerns, expectations, or standards. Your quality of life on a $120,000 salary may depend, in large part, on your perception of how good it is. If you feel optimistic about the amount of money you’re making, you’ll likely have a good quality of life.

Is $120,000 a Year Considered Rich?

A $120,000 annual income is a six-figure salary — and a good one for a single person — but is it enough to qualify you as “rich”? The truth is, rich is a relative term. Living well depends on how satisfied you are with your lifestyle and how much you’re able to save for your future.

Recommended: How to Calculate Your Net Worth and Wealth

Is $120K a Year Considered Middle Class?

Middle-class status is determined by incomes that range from two-thirds to double the median income. It’s also adjusted for family size. In the U.S., the median income is $81,604, which puts the range for the middle class between $54,403 and $163,208.

However, when adjusting for family size, a $120,000 salary for a single person typically puts you in the upper-middle class in several metro areas in the United States.

Example Jobs That Make About $120,000 a Year Salary

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a number of occupations that pay $120,000 or more — some of which could be a good fit for introverts.

Some examples include:

•   Software Developer: $131,450

•   Physician Assistant: $133,260

•   Nurse Practitioner: $132,050

•   Information Security Analyst: $124,910

•   Actuary: $125,770

Recommended: What Is a Good Entry-Level Salary?

The Takeaway

Is $120,000 a good salary for a single person? Generally speaking, yes. It’s more than what a typical American worker earns and, depending on where you live, can provide you with a comfortable life. But even with a six-figure salary, you may want to consider ways to maximize your money. Sound financial habits like building up an emergency fund, saving for short- and long-term goals, and creating a budget are all good places to start.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Can I live comfortably making 120K a year?

Living comfortably on $120K a year depends on various factors, such as where you live, how much debt you have, your family size, and how you live. Many singles will find $120K enough to live on in many areas of the country, but they may need to be more mindful about their spending if they live in pricier areas such as Los Angeles or New York City.

What can I afford with a $120K salary?

If you’re looking to buy a home with a $120K salary, consider talking to a lender and running some numbers. Many lenders use the 28/36 rule to help borrowers understand how much to use to repay a mortgage and other debts. Experts suggest spending no more than 28% of your income on housing expenses and no more than 36% on total debt payments. Consider using this rule as you make decisions about how large a house to purchase or how much debt you’re willing to take on.

How much is $120K a year hourly?

A $120K salary comes out to approximately $57.69 per hour. This assumes a 40-hour work week.

How much is $120K a year monthly?

A salary of $120,000 per year works out to roughly $7,770 per month. This is the net amount after deducting federal income taxes.

How much is $120K a year daily?

If you earn $120,000 per year, you would be paid around $462 per day. This assumes you work five days a week.

Photo credit: iStock/Delmaine Donson

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SORL-Q126-032

Every college major requires work, but some fields of study are more rigorous than others. For instance, you won’t find many people who think that pre-med is a snap. While earning your undergrad degree won’t be effortless, there are definitely some college majors that won’t be as difficult.

Choosing a less challenging major doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a low-paying job for life. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. Read on to learn about 12 relatively easy college majors that can lead to jobs that pay well.

What Makes a Major “Easy”?

The workload for an easier major, such as creative writing, probably won’t be as intensive as, say, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or applied mathematics. You likely won’t have long lab sessions, lengthy problem sets, and other arduous assignments.

This could make achieving higher grades a simpler proposition, and your good grades could give you an advantage after graduation. You might be able to step into a higher-paying job more easily, which could in turn help you pay off any private school loans for college you might have.

A college major can also feel easier if it’s a field you’re interested in and passionate about. Your excitement about a major will likely make going to class something you’ll look forward to, and the work required seem like less of a drag.

Recommended: A Guide to Choosing the Right College Major

12 Easy College Majors That Ultimately Pay Well

While getting an entry-level job paying a six-figure salary isn’t the norm for these easy college majors, you could still earn big bucks down the road.

Here, you’ll learn about 12 easy majors, along with some average entry-level salaries and mid-career pay for positions within each field, according to Salary.com.

1. Marketing

A marketing degree opens up many career possibilities. People who major in marketing can find positions in all types of companies, industries, institutions, and nonprofits. Jobs in marketing include positions focusing on a business’s or brand’s strategy, sales techniques, advertising, communications, or public relations.

Marketing careers that can pay off over time:

•   Average entry-level salary: $35,220 for a marketing assistant

•   Average mid-career salary: $121,658 for a marketing manager

As you see from that mid-career pay grade, a six-figure salary could be right around the corner.

2. Human Resources

With a college degree in human resources (HR), you can work in many different roles, including talent recruitment, benefits administration, payroll management, and workplace development training.

In terms of landing a well-paying job, here are some salaries to note:

•   Average entry-level salary: $43,211 for an HR assistant

•   Average mid-career salary: $123,167 for an HR manager

3. Hospitality

Do you love looking at fabulous resorts and restaurants in your social media feeds? This major might be a perfect fit for you. With a degree in this field (which likely doesn’t involve any science labs), you might work in an array of positions. Some examples: hotel, resort, or restaurant management; event planning; or travel booking and tourism, among others.

Some salaries to note for this college major:

•   Average entry-level salary: $58,787 for an event planner

•   Average mid-career salary: $95,667 for a hotel manager

These figures are notably higher than $48,403, which Indeed cites as the current average starting salary for new graduates in the U.S.

Recommended: How Do You Change Your Major?

4. Communications

As one of the most popular college majors, a communications degree can prepare you for many different career paths. Marketing (mentioned previously) can fall under the umbrella of communications. Other areas for employment with this degree include public relations, advertising, journalism, writing, broadcasting, publishing, and social and digital media development.

A sample of the salaries you might expect at different points in your career:

•   Average entry-level salary: $97,018 for a corporate communications assistant or $60,439 for a social media assistant

•   Average mid-career salary: $122,341 for a corporate communications manager and $112,746 for a social media manager

5. Public Relations

Public relations (PR) has a broad reach. If you’re looking to capitalize on a degree in public relations, you might find a job in a small or large PR agency, a corporate PR department, or as an independent consultant to various clients. Since PR often involves frequent communication with clients and the public, this field can offer some of the best jobs for extroverts.

•   Average entry-level salary: $62,703 for a public relations specialist

•   Average mid-career salary: $133,149 for a public relations manager

6. Liberal Studies

A liberal studies or liberal arts major provides great flexibility and variety when it comes to job prospects. Students majoring in liberal arts or studies participate in a multi-disciplinary program, often including courses in humanities, history, art, literature, science, and philosophy. Earning a liberal studies degree can offer students a chance to develop many important “soft skills,” including problem solving, communication, and analytical and critical thinking.

Someone with a liberal arts degree may be drawn toward work in libraries, arts administration, government, education, or academia.

•   Average entry-level salary: $89,771 for a public policy analyst

•   Average mid-career salary: $150,417 for a public policy manager

7. Anthropology

Anthropology focuses on the study of humans in different cultures and societies, spanning various time periods and locations. It may not involve the same kind of coursework that studying law does, but it can be a fascinating field.

An anthropologist can work for ethnic or cultural organizations, museums, historical sites, research firms, or as a social or community services manager.

•   Average entry-level salary: $59,847 for a museum curator

•   Average mid-career salary: $86,261 for a museum director

8. History

Knowledge of the past can be a powerful career springboard. Besides becoming a historian, history majors may find work in journalism, teaching, and politics. People with history degrees can also possibly find work at historical societies, museums, and libraries.

•   Average entry-level salary: $72,600 for a library archivist

•   Average mid-career salary: $86,139 for a senior librarian

9. Advertising

Advertising often taps a student’s interest in sales and contemporary consumer culture. Careers for advertising majors range from creative pursuits (copywriting or art direction, for instance) to more business-driven ones, such as being an account coordinator or a sales rep.

•   Average entry-level salary: $63,382 for a junior copywriter, $60,323 for a junior graphic designer, or $61,325 for a junior sales rep

•   Average mid-career salary: $123,448 for a copywriting manager, $180,849 for a graphic design director, or $99,390 for a senior advertising account executive, all of which can be a good salary for a single person

10. English/Creative Writing

Many people may consider an English or creative writing major easy. Depending on the path you take, it could lead to a high-paying job. People who choose this field may pursue a job as a proofreader, copy editor, technical writer, book editor, author, or editor at a publishing company or magazine. These may all be lower-stress jobs that are good for introverts.

•   Average entry-level salary: $62,287 for an entry-level proofreader

•   Average mid-career salary: $96,100 for a senior editor

11. Sports Management

Anyone who loves sports (whether participating, watching, or both) may be attracted to a major in sports management. Sports management encompasses a wide array of jobs, including becoming a sports agent, an athletic director, or a sports facility manager.

•   Average entry-level salary: $109,812for an athletics director

•   Average mid-career salary: $116,629 for a sports facility manager

12. Criminal Justice

If you’re always watching true crime dramas on TV, you might be interested in majoring in criminal justice. While this field of study may be considered easy compared to a mathematics major, that doesn’t mean a career in criminal justice isn’t going to be challenging and rewarding.

Jobs for criminal justice majors can include working in the areas of law enforcement, forensics, investigations, and crime prevention.

•   Average entry-level salary: $67,770 for a fraud investigation officer or $63,966 for a police officer (plus, you might eventually qualify for federal student loan forgiveness programs)

•   Average mid-career salary: $124,496 for a fraud manager or $155,933 for a director of investigations

Factors Besides Difficulty

Now you know 12 relatively easy majors that can lead to jobs with high salaries. But it’s worthwhile to consider some other factors when choosing a college major.

Job Outlook

Some fields are growing faster than others. As you think about your major, it can be a good idea to make sure the one you choose will lead to a field that is growing and will have plentiful job opportunities after college. For instance, if you have a criminal justice degree and want to work in fraud investigations, you might find that there’s considerable growth in digital fraud and focus your education to prepare you for that kind of work.

Passion/Interest

Sometimes what makes coursework in college seem easy is that you love it. Ask any astrophysics major. They may think what they are studying is hard, but because they love it, the pursuit feels engaging and worthwhile.

In other words, if you are passionate about a subject, that can be a good reason to major in it, even if it has a reputation for being hard.

School Prestige

When it comes to getting a high-paying job after graduation, it can help if you pursue a program that your school is known for. For instance, some universities are renowned for having great journalism programs, and that reputation could give graduates an advantage in the job market.

The Takeaway

Getting an undergraduate degree, no matter what the major, requires hard work and dedication. However, there are some majors that fall into the “easier” category, such as communications, anthropology, and history. These majors may not require as intensive a curriculum as others (say, chemical engineering), but grads can still go on to earn high salaries.

Regardless of whether your major is considered hard or easy, you may need some help paying for your education.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Is an “easy” major looked down on?

There may be some people who think certain majors are easy, but virtually all college majors require hard work. After graduation, hiring managers are likely looking for someone who performed well in school, is enthusiastic about their studies, and wants to apply their skills to their chosen career.

Do easy majors require less study time?

The amount of time and effort a college major requires can depend on the school, the curriculum, the student’s approach to their studies, and their aptitude. It’s not possible to say that all easy majors require less study time.

What are the highest-paying majors overall?

According to a 2026 report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the highest-paying majors are those in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) category. The three highest paying majors are computer science, engineering, and math and sciences.

Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic

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