SALARY GUIDE

Unlock the Earnings Potential of a Career in Philosophy

From academia to tech ethics, see how philosophers are compensated worldwide and how your path can evolve over time.

Salary Overview

Compare salaries across experience levels and countries

Entry Level
$45,000
0‑2 years experience
Mid‑Career
$70,000
5‑10 years experience
Senior
$95,000
15+ years experience
Top 10%
$130,000
High performers
Average Salary by Country
United States$70,000
Canada$65,000
United Kingdom£48,000
AustraliaA$68,000
Germany€55,000
India₹1,200,000

40‑Year Career Salary Projection

See how your earning potential grows throughout your career

0y10y20y30y40y$60k$80kYears of Experience

Top Paying Industries

Compare average salaries across sectors

Salary by Industry
Higher Education (Professorship)$80,000
Think Tanks & Research Institutes$85,000
Publishing & Media$68,000
Tech Ethics & AI Advisory$95,000
Consulting & Corporate Training$90,000

Salary by Specialization

Explore earning potential in different areas

Applied Ethics & AI Ethics
$100,000
Average annual salary
Logic & Formal Reasoning
$78,000
Average annual salary
Philosophy of Mind
$72,000
Average annual salary
Metaphysics & Ontology
$70,000
Average annual salary
Public Philosophy & Communication
$68,000
Average annual salary
Key Factors Affecting Salary
  • Highest degree earned (PhD vs. MA)
  • Number and impact of publications
  • Teaching and mentorship experience
  • Geographic location and cost of living
  • Sector (academia, private, nonprofit)
  • Professional network and reputation

Certification Impact

Boost your earning potential with professional certifications

PhD in Philosophy
+$15,000
Salary increase potential
Certificate in Applied Ethics
+$5,000
Salary increase potential
Teaching Credential (Higher Ed)
+$3,000
Salary increase potential

Global Market Insights

Understand the worldwide salary landscape

Highest Paying
United States
Fastest Growing
China (AI ethics and policy)
Most Stable
United Kingdom
Job Market Outlook

Demand for philosophers is expanding beyond traditional academia into technology, public policy, and corporate ethics. While tenure‑track positions remain competitive, roles in AI ethics, consulting, and content creation are growing at 6‑8% annually, offering diverse pathways for increased earnings and impact.

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