Long-Term Prospects

Long-Term Prospects

Job Satisfaction

44%

General quality of life statement

Not that you're getting a philosophy degree solely for the money, but if you were, let's just say you certainly wouldn't starve. Although, considering the amount of education that's required in order to become qualified to teach or work as a government troll and actually use your philosophy degree, it's a pittance.

If you do choose teaching, you can hang on until you become tenured, which means the pay is much better (especially at private universities). Philosophy professors are some of the lowest paid postsecondary teachers, unfortunately. This is mainly because there aren't a lot of job opportunities for people who can list all of the famous philosophers (Socrates, Plato, Descartes, Hobbes, Calvin, and so on.)

How much you make depends on which field you go into, whether you're in a fairly urban area or not, and how advanced you are in your career. Some philosophy grads get paid only $32k or so. (And when you add it up, that's not much). Others who are more advanced can hit the $70k range, which will buy you a whole lot more of your favorite shoes. Jimmy Choos, please.
Hey, new shoes can be wonderfully satisfying.

25th Percentile Salary

$32,000

Median Salary

$48,000

75th Percentile Salary

$75,000

Stats obtained from this source.