Having a master's doesn't always pay off.Joe Raedle/Getty Images
But while attending school for additional year or two after acquiring your bachelor's degree may qualify you for a particular job (and cost you a pretty penny), it doesn't always guarantee that you'll get paid the big bucks for it.
In fact, according to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a number of occupations that require a master's degree and pay less than the median annual salary of the average master's degree holder, which is around $70,000 a year.
Here are some of the lowest-paying:
13. Instructional coordinators
They oversee school curriculums and teaching standards and develop instructional material, coordinate its implementation with teachers and principals, and assess its effectiveness.
Median annual wage (2015): $62,270
Projected job openings (through 2024): 25,100
Work experience: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
12. Anthropologists and archaeologists
They study the origin, development, and behavior of humans and examine the cultures, languages, archaeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world.
Median annual wage (2015): $61,220
Projected job openings (through 2024): 1,200
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
11. Librarians
They help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use.
Median annual wage (2015): $56,880
Projected job openings (through 2024): 29,500
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
10. Historians
They research, analyze, interpret, and present the past by studying historical documents and sources.
Median annual wage (2015): $55,800
Projected job openings (through 2024): 500
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
9. Survey researchers
They design and conduct surveys used to collect factual data like employment and salary information or to understand people's opinions, preferences, beliefs, or desires, and analyze the data.
Median annual wage (2015): $53,920
Projected job openings (through 2024): 3,900
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
8. Educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors
These counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.
Median annual wage (2015): $53,660
Projected job openings (through 2024): 79,700
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
7. Healthcare social workers
They provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses.
Median annual wage (2015): $52,380
Projected job openings (through 2024): 69,500
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
6. Curators
They oversee collections of artwork and historic items, and may conduct public service activities for an institution.
Median annual wage (2015): $51,520
Projected job openings (through 2024): 5,100
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
5. Archivists
They appraise, process, catalog, and preserve permanent records and historically valuable documents.
Median annual wage (2015): $50,250
Projected job openings (through 2024): 2,600
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
4. Farm and home management advisors
They advise, instruct, and assist individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home economics activities.
Median annual wage (2015): $49,190
Projected job openings (through 2024): 2,200
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
3. Marriage and family therapists
They help people manage or overcome problems with their family and relationships.
Median annual wage (2015): $48,600
Projected job openings (through 2024): 12,100
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
2. Mental health counselors
They help people manage or overcome mental and emotional disorders.
Median annual wage (2015): $41,880
Projected job openings (through 2024): 54,500
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
1. Rehabilitation counselors
They work with people who have physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities to help them become more independent and employable.
Median annual wage (2015): $34,390
Projected job openings (through 2024): 36,000
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
