Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary: Salary, Outlook, and How to Join (2025)
The median annual salary for postsecondary area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers is $85,020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean hourly wage works out to about $41, with the top 10% earning more than $160,420 and the bottom 10% below $52,070.
Roughly 11,300 people hold this occupation nationwide. The field covers professors who teach African American studies, Asian American studies, Latino studies, Native American studies, and other interdisciplinary ethnic and cultural subjects at colleges and universities.
How much Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The typical salary range spans from $52,070 (10th percentile) to $160,420 (90th percentile). Most positions are full-time academic roles, and pay often reflects rank — assistant professors earn less than tenured full professors.
Because many institutions use 9-month contracts, annual earnings may be adjusted for summer teaching or research grants. The mean salary across all workers is $98,330.
Pay by state
Where you teach heavily influences your paycheck. New Hampshire tops the state rankings at $125,450 average, followed by Kansas ($107,120), California ($105,220), Rhode Island ($104,460), and Maine ($103,060). At the lower end, North Carolina averages $66,470, South Carolina $64,500, and Alabama $63,090.
How to become Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
The standard path requires a doctoral degree — typically a Ph.D. — in ethnic studies, American studies, or a related humanities or social science discipline. Most tenure-track jobs expect a completed doctorate, a strong research record, and teaching experience.
For adjunct or part-time work, a master's degree may suffice, but competition is high. No state licensing or certification is required for postsecondary teaching.
Key steps: earn a bachelor's in a relevant field (e.g., history, sociology, ethnic studies); complete a master's while gaining teaching assistantships; pursue a Ph.D. with a dissertation on an area-studies topic; publish articles and present at conferences; apply for assistant professor roles.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in a related field
- Complete a master's program with teaching experience
- Obtain a Ph.D. in ethnic studies or a related discipline
- Build a publication and conference presentation record
- Apply for tenure-track or adjunct positions
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for these teachers will grow 2.4% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,100 openings per year, driven by retirements and faculty turnover. Competition for tenure-track jobs remains strong, especially at research universities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary?
The mean annual wage is $98,330, with a median of $85,020. Salaries range from $52,070 to $160,420 depending on experience, rank, and location.
Which states pay the most for this career?
New Hampshire ($125,450), Kansas ($107,120), California ($105,220), Rhode Island ($104,460), and Maine ($103,060) are the top-paying states.
What degree do I need to become a postsecondary area studies teacher?
Most tenure-track jobs require a Ph.D. in ethnic studies, American studies, or a related field. A master's degree may suffice for adjunct or community college roles.
How many jobs are there for Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers?
About 11,300 are employed nationwide. The field is expected to grow 2.4% over the next decade, with roughly 1,100 openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary data.