According to the latest data from the New York Federal Reserve, liberal arts graduates have significantly lower starting salaries compared to other fields. Specifically, those majoring in foreign languages, social sciences, performing arts, and education typically earn median incomes in the early stages of their careers that fall below the national average.

The compensation statistics from 2023 reveal that the overall median salary in the U.S. is $48,060 (approximately NT$1.57 million), while those who graduate with a major in foreign languages earn a median starting salary of only about $40,000 (approximately NT$1.31 million). Median starting salaries for performing arts and social sciences graduates are $41,900 and $41,000, respectively (approximately NT$1.37 million and NT$1.34 million). In contrast, engineering graduates generally enjoy starting salaries exceeding $80,000 (approximately NT$2.62 million).

Despite the inherent value of foreign language skills, degrees in this field often do not lead to high-paying jobs, as such skills can be acquired through informal channels. Consequently, many liberal arts graduates find themselves entering lower-paying industries such as education, translation, or public service.

Moreover, as they age, the improvement in salary for liberal arts graduates is marginal. Among those aged 35 to 45, those who majored in early childhood education earn a median income of only $49,000 (approximately NT$1.6 million), while elementary education and social services graduates earn $53,000 and $54,000, respectively (approximately NT$1.73 million and NT$1.77 million). Meanwhile, engineering and mathematics graduates see their salaries significantly increase with age, with many surpassing the seven-figure mark, indicating the high demand and returns associated with professional and technical fields in the labor market.