10 Best Philosophy Jobs
Philosophy majors explore intellectual, political, and social theories about human existence and interaction. Studying philosophy helps build critical thinking, writing, and communication skills, as well as deep empathy.
By learning to analyze and solve complex problems, philosophy majors can prepare for success in business, education, and law careers. Although some employers may prefer candidates with subject-specific degrees, the cross-functional curricula featured in philosophy programs can be applied to various roles, including teacher, policy analyst, and journalist.Read on to learn more about the best jobs for philosophy majors.
Featured Online Philosophy Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
10 Philosophy Jobs You Can Get
1. High School Teacher
- Additional Education Required: Master’s in education
- Median High School Teacher Salary: $65,220 (May 2023)
A high school teacher educates students aged 14-18, fostering their academic and personal growth through lesson planning, classroom management, and guidance for future college or workforce entry.
As a philosophy graduate, you can inspire young minds to think critically and explore ethical questions. Your role in education can shape students’ understanding of important social and moral issues. Essential skills include communication, empathy, and subject expertise. You can also pair your philosophy major with a second major in secondary education for more specialized knowledge of the profession.
2. Historian
- Additional Education Required: Master’s in history
- Median Historian Salary: $72,890 (May 2023)
Historians research, analyze, and interpret historical records to understand past events and their impact. Your ability to analyze and interpret complex ideas is invaluable in understanding historical contexts and narratives.
As a historian, you can contribute to preserving and understanding our past. You can work in academia, museums, or as a consultant, drawing on your research skills. You’ll need master’s degree and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
3. Human Resources Specialist
- Median Human Resources Specialist Salary: $67,650 (May 2023)
A human resources specialist focuses on recruitment, training, and employee relations. The ethical considerations and communication skills you develop in philosophy are assets in human resources. You can foster a fair and supportive work environment by applying philosophical principles to workplace policies and employee relations.
Essential skills include communication, empathy, and decision-making. Typically requiring a bachelor’s degree, you can double major in philosophy and human resources to prepare for a career in large organizations to ensure effective HR operations.
4. Journalist
- Median Journalist Salary: $57,500 (May 2023)
Your writing and analytical skills can be valuable to journalism. Journalism careers often require you to research, write, and report news. The role requires strong communication, research, and digital skills. Work environments vary from offices to field locations. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in communications or journalism is needed to work as a journalist, but having a good writing portfolio is more important than what you major in.
5. Lawyer
- Minimum Education Required: Juris doctor (JD) degree
- Median Lawyer Salary: $145,760 (May 2023)
Philosophy provides a strong foundation for a legal career, thanks to the critical thinking and argumentation skills you develop as a philosophy major. Your ability to analyze cases and construct clear, logical arguments is essential in practicing law.
Lawyers navigate complex legal processes, advocate and ensure justice for their clients. The role requires communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. After earning a law degree, you can work in a law firm, a business, or a government agency.
6. Mental Health Counselor
- Minimum Education Required: Master’s in mental health counseling
- Median Mental Health Counselor Salary: $53,710 (May 2023)
Mental health counselors use therapeutic techniques to help individuals manage emotional and psychological challenges. Your philosophical background helps develop the empathy and analytical skills necessary for mental health counseling.
You can help clients explore their thoughts and emotions, facilitating personal growth and well-being. Mental health counselors work in various settings, including clinics and private practices. The role requires a master’s degree and empathy, communication, analytical, and active listening skills.
7. Professor
- Minimum Education Required:Doctoral degree
- Median Professor Salary: $129,480 (May 2023)
Professors teach, research, mentor students, and engage in institutional service and work in universities, colleges, and online learning platforms. Pursuing a career as a professor allows you to delve deeper into philosophical questions and share your passion with students.
Your role would involve teaching, conducting research, and contributing to academic discourse, making it a fulfilling path for those dedicated to lifelong learning. You’ll need a Ph.D., subject expertise, communication, interpersonal, organizational, and mentoring skills.
8. Policy Analyst
- Minimum Education Required: Master’s in public policy
- Median Policy Analyst Salary: $132,350 (May 2023)
A policy analyst researches and evaluates policies, developing recommendations to enhance organizational efficiency. Philosophy graduates excel in policy analysis, thanks to their critical thinking and analytical skills.
Your ability to evaluate policies, consider ethical implications, and propose reasoned changes makes you a valuable asset in government and non-profit sectors. Policy analysts typically hold a degree in public policy or related fields and work in government, nonprofits, or consulting firms.
9. Public Relations Specialist
- Median/Average Public Relations Specialist Salary: $66,750 (May 2023)
A public relations specialist manages public perception, requiring skills in media relations, content creation, and crisis management. With your background in philosophy, you can bring strong communication and critical thinking skills to public relations roles.
You can effectively craft messages and manage communication strategies, helping organizations to build and maintain their public image. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or a related field is needed, which can pair well with a philosophy major. These professionals work in diverse environments, including offices and events.
10. Technical Writer
- Median/Average Technical Writer Salary: $80,050 (May 2023)
Technical writers simplify complex concepts into clear documents such as manuals and guides, needing strong writing, research, and communication skills. The precision and clarity in writing that you learn in philosophy can serve you well as a technical writer.
Your ability to distill complex ideas into clear, concise documentation is essential in creating user manuals, guides, and other technical content. Technical writers can major in a variety of subjects, including philosophy or writing. They work in various industries, often collaborating with technical experts.
Outlook for Philosophy Careers
The overall outlook for philosophy careers is mixed, as the degree can lead to a variety of different career paths.
According to BLS data, roles such as journalist and high school teacher are projected to decline. These negative growth rates stem from declining audiences for traditional news media and a teacher shortage caused by high stress and low pay.
Many growth rates are moderate, such as professors, public relations specialists, and technical writers.
Fastest-Growing Jobs in Philosophy
- Mental Health Counselor: 19%
- Human Resources Specialist: 8%
- Professor: 8%
The fastest-growing jobs in the philosophy domain — mental health counselor, human resources specialist, and professor — are in high demand due to an aging workforce, society’s increased focus on mental health, and growing enrollment in higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philosophy Jobs
Philosophy is a viable career option, especially if you’re passionate about exploring complex questions and developing skills that can be applied in various industries. While it may require additional education for certain paths, the foundational skills philosophy provides are respected and sought after in many fields.
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