Yahoo! HotJobs recently ran an article about the Worst-Paying College Degrees.  I was surprised at a couple of them, namely the education-related degrees, but overall, there weren’t many surprises.  Without further ado, here’s the list:

10. Drama - I guess those stories of actors paying the rent by waiting tables is true after all.  A future salary of $57K isn’t going to break any box office records.

9. Fine Arts - Remember the commercials for the Starving Artists Art Sale?  While you won’t starve on $56K a year, you won’t be able to visit the Louvre, either.

8. Hospitality and tourism - This one was a surprise.  All the free travel in the world won’t make up for a future salary of $54K per year.

7. Education - This shocked me.  Around here, teachers get great benefits, small class sizes, and a terrific pension.  I know this because my school tax bill is enormous.  The teachers in my district make more than $54K, too.  It’s public record.

6. Horticulture - Landscaping didn’t pay much when I did it back in college, and apparently things haven’t changed.  If you like puttering around in the dirt, do it on the weekends, unless you’re content with a $53K salary.

5. Spanish - A kid down the road is studying in Canada.  He wants to work at the U.N.  Making under $53K might change his mind, if this also translates to French.

4. Music - The reality of pulling down $52K is a cold slap in the face for any budding Eric Claptons.  A colleague has a son who majored in music education.  He’s got his degree, but no job prospects.  He mentioned joining the military.  At least he’ll get three square meals a day.

3. Theology - Good thing the clergy isn’t in it for the money.  The only dough they’ll get near is the consecrated host if the only make $51K.

2. Elementary education - Another shocker.  A fifth grade teacher in my district was pulling down over $75K after 20 years, close to double the article’s projection of $42K.  I guess it matters where you teach.

1. Social work - $42K for helping the underpriviledged.  How much does A-Rod pull down a game?  Five times that!

So while you follow your bliss, be sure that it will allow you to feed yourself.

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