You don’t need a brutal STEM degree to land a six-figure career. In fact, these 9 surprisingly manageable degrees combine light coursework, strong job placement, and salaries ranging from $50,000 to over $120,000 per year.
Below is the complete list – complete with real salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and a clear breakdown of why each degree is considered “easy.”
1. Business Administration – Up to $120k, Minimal Math Required
Business Administration is one of the most popular and versatile degrees out there. Instead of grinding through advanced calculus, you’ll explore broad concepts like management, finance, marketing, and human resources.
Potential careers:
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Business Manager
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Marketing Manager
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Human Resources Manager
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Financial Analyst
Median salary: $60,000 – $120,000 per year
Why it’s easy: The focus is on business concepts and communication skills, not advanced math or science.
Source: BLS – Business and Financial Occupations
2. Communications – $95k Without the Hard Sciences
Communications offers a relatively stress-free path compared to engineering or pre-med, yet it opens doors to solid earnings in media, marketing, and corporate communications.
Potential careers:
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Public Relations Specialist
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Marketing Coordinator
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Social Media Manager
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Content Strategist
Median salary: $50,000 – $95,000 per year
Why it’s easy: Very few math or science requirements. The emphasis is on writing, speaking, and media analysis.
Source: BLS – Public Relations Specialists
3. Human Resources (HR) – $120k Working With People
HR programs teach practical skills like recruitment, employee relations, and organizational behavior – things you can actually use right after graduation.
Potential careers:
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Human Resources Manager
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Recruiter
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Training and Development Manager
Median salary: $60,000 – $120,000 per year
Why it’s easy: It’s built around interpersonal and management skills, not technical knowledge.
Source: BLS – Human Resources Managers
4. Psychology – $100k Understanding Human Behavior
A Psychology degree opens up opportunities in counseling, human resources, marketing, and social work. The coursework focuses on theory and human behavior rather than complex formulas.
Potential careers:
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Human Resources Specialist
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Market Research Analyst
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Counselor (with further certification)
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Social Worker
Median salary: $50,000 – $100,000 per year
Why it’s easy: The focus stays on theory and social sciences, with less emphasis on advanced math.
Source: BLS – Psychologists
5. Education – $90k Shaping Future Generations
While teaching requires real dedication, the coursework is generally far less intense than STEM degrees. Education programs concentrate on teaching methods, child development, and classroom management.
Potential careers:
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Teacher
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Educational Administrator
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Curriculum Developer
Median salary: $50,000 – $90,000 per year (varies by location)
Why it’s easy: Practical focus on teaching methods and child development, not technical subjects.
Source: BLS – Teachers and Instructors
6. Marketing – $130k Mixing Creativity & Strategy
Marketing blends creative and analytical tasks without forcing you into advanced math or coding. You’ll learn campaign development, consumer behavior, and brand strategy.
Potential careers:
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Marketing Manager
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Sales Manager
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Advertising Executive
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Brand Manager
Median salary: $60,000 – $130,000 per year
Why it’s easy: It emphasizes creativity, communication, and consumer psychology – not hard technical skills.
Source: BLS – Marketing Managers
7. Health and Safety Management – $110k Protecting Workers
This degree combines organizational, safety, and regulatory knowledge. Coursework is hands-on and focused on real-world workplace safety compliance.
Potential careers:
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Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
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Safety Manager
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Compliance Officer
Median salary: $60,000 – $110,000 per year
Why it’s easy: You apply safety regulations and standards rather than mastering complex scientific concepts.
Source: BLS – Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
8. Graphic Design – $100k Turning Creativity Into Cash
If you have a creative eye, Graphic Design can turn your passion into profit. Programs focus on visual communication using tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and UX/UI platforms.
Potential careers:
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Graphic Designer
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Art Director
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Web Designer
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UX/UI Designer
Median salary: $50,000 – $100,000 per year
Why it’s easy: It focuses on creativity and software skills, not intensive academic subjects.
Source: BLS – Graphic Designers
9. Supply Chain Management – $120k Logistics Without the Stress
Supply Chain Management covers inventory management, transportation, and operations. Job prospects are strong, and the technical requirements are minimal.
Potential careers:
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Supply Chain Manager
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Logistics Manager
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Operations Manager
Median salary: $65,000 – $120,000 per year
Why it’s easy: Focuses on practical logistics and operational efficiency, not coding or engineering.
Source: BLS – Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Which Degree Is Right For You?
| If you are… | Choose this degree |
|---|---|
| A people person | Human Resources or Communications |
| Creative | Marketing or Graphic Design |
| Organized & logical | Supply Chain Management |
| Passionate about helping others | Psychology or Education |
The “easiest” degree is the one that fits your natural strengths. Pick the match, not just the money.
General Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the absolute easiest degree that pays well?
A: Business Administration is widely considered the easiest because it teaches broad concepts rather than technical skills. According to BLS data, business and financial occupations have a median annual wage of $71,000 .
Q: Can I get a high-paying job without a four-year degree?
A: Yes. Trade jobs like Wind Turbine Technician ($61k) and HVAC Technician ($57k) pay well without a degree. Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more trade career information.
Q: Which easy degree has the highest earning potential?
A: Marketing and Supply Chain Management both reach $120k+ at senior levels. According to BLS data, Marketing Managers earn a median annual wage of $152,990 .
Q: Do these degrees require graduate school?
A: No. All listed careers are achievable with a bachelor’s degree. Psychology and Education offer higher pay with additional certifications, but entry-level roles exist with just a bachelor’s.
Q: Are online degrees accepted for these fields?
A: Yes. Employers accept online degrees from accredited universities. According to BLS, what matters most is that your degree comes from an accredited institution .
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to suffer through organic chemistry or advanced calculus to earn a great living. These 9 degrees prove that manageable coursework and high salaries can go hand in hand.
Your next step: Choose the degree that matches your personality, enroll in an accredited program, and start your career without the burnout.