As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Master of Arts in the United States is $77,240 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Master of Arts's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Master of Arts's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Master of Arts's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Master of Arts | $73,579 |
| Intermediate Level Master of Arts | $73,941 |
| Senior Level Master of Arts | $75,150 |
| Specialist Level Master of Arts | $77,240 |
| Expert Level Master of Arts | $79,154 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Master of Arts. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Master of Arts roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Internet, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Master of Arts positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Master of Arts as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $84,964 | $41.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $81,102 | $39.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Master of Arts enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Master of Arts with a Bachelor's Degree is between $75,926 and $83,264).
Master of Arts Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.4% |
| High School | 40.5% |
| Associates | 43.2% |
| Bachelors | 43.2% |
| Masters | 10.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Master of Arts's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Master of Arts can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $90,628 in 2023 to around $90,754 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Master of Arts salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $90,628 |
| 2024 | $91,461 |
| 2025 | $90,754 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Master of Arts roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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