English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median pay: $78,760/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: 0% projected growth, 2024–2034 — slower than average.
About 5,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Teach writing or communication classes.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as poetry, novel structure, and translation and adaptation.
• Assist students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.
What's the median pay for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary?
The median pay for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary is $78,760 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary?
Employment for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary is projected to change 0% from 2024 to 2034 - slower than average.
What education is typically required for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary?
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
How many job openings are there each year for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary?
About 5,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.