Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median pay: $79,350/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: -0.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 1,900 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.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as how to speak and write a foreign language and the cultural aspects of areas where a particular language is used.
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in scholarly journals, books, or electronic media.
• Keep abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional organizations and activities.
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
What's the median pay for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary?
The median pay for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary is $79,350 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary?
Employment for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary is projected to change -0.2% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary?
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary?
About 1,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.