English majors score the highest on the LSAT of any major — about 161 median, vs. 152 for poli-sci. Writing and analytical skills transfer to every white-collar industry. Tech companies increasingly hire English majors for UX writing, content strategy, and documentation ($90–130k). The skills don't expire.

"English major" is a running joke because the direct-to-job path is narrow. Teaching and proofreading are the main "pure" English jobs. Most English grads end up in roles they have to talk their way into — "I can write" is less hireable than "I can code." Plan the first 2–3 career moves in advance.

Law school is the classic upgrade — $160–200k+ at top firms, $60–100k at regional firms. Tech content/UX writing pays well ($95k+ at major tech companies). Publishing is mission-driven but low-paying ($45–65k for most roles). Technical writing ($80–120k) is an underrated sweet spot — great for English majors who can learn a technical domain.

AI is rewriting the economics of writing work. Generic content, SEO articles, and basic marketing copy are exposed. What survives: writing that requires deep subject-matter expertise, voice, storytelling, legal writing, editorial judgment. UX writing and technical writing at tech companies are growing despite AI — the bar rises but so does the pay for the people who clear it.