Arts, Communications, History, and Humanities Teachers, Postsecondary: Salary and Career Guide (2025)
The median annual salary for postsecondary teachers of arts, communications, history, and humanities is $79,150, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $38 an hour. The middle half of these professors earn between $48,000 (10th percentile) and $152,630 (90th percentile), so pay varies widely by institution, rank, and location.
Nationally, about 239,780 people work in this occupation. They teach everything from art history to journalism, speech, and philosophy at colleges, universities, and professional schools. The job typically requires at least a master’s degree, but a doctorate is common for tenure-track positions at four-year schools.
How much Arts, Communications, History, and Humanities Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median pay of $79,150 means half earn more and half less. The top 10% bring in over $152,630, while the bottom 10% earn below $48,000. That range reflects differences by institution type (research university vs. community college), rank (full professor vs. instructor), and discipline (e.g., economics vs. fine arts).
BLS figures include all postsecondary teachers in these subject areas—including part-time and adjunct faculty. Full-time tenured professors at major universities often earn well above $100,000; adjuncts may earn per-course pay that falls in the lower end of the range.
Pay by state
State-level pay figures for this specific occupation are not available from the BLS. However, in general, states with higher costs of living and larger research universities tend to offer higher salaries. The Northeast and West Coast often pay above the national median, while the South and Midwest may be below. For the most current state-specific data, check the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for "Postsecondary Teachers" by subject area.
Keep in mind that institutional budgets, union contracts, and state funding also heavily influence pay.
How to become Arts, Communications, History, and Humanities Teachers, Postsecondary
The standard path is a master's or doctoral degree in your teaching field. For community colleges, a master's is usually enough. Four-year universities and research institutions typically require a Ph.D. for tenure-track roles. Adjunct positions may accept a master's, but competition is high.
Most professors start as graduate teaching assistants, then become adjuncts or assistant professors. Publishing research, presenting at conferences, and networking are important for advancement. A teaching portfolio and experience with online instruction help. No state license is required, but some positions need certification for specialized fields like journalism or communication studies.
- Earn a master's or Ph.D. in your discipline (e.g., history, English, communications).
- Gain teaching experience as a TA or instructor during grad school.
- Build a research portfolio and network; for tenure-track, publish in academic journals.
- Apply for assistant professor positions or adjunct roles at colleges and universities.
Job outlook
Projected growth for 2024–2034 is not available from the BLS for this specific occupation. However, overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow about 8% over the next decade, driven by rising college enrollment. Competition for tenure-track jobs remains strong, especially in the humanities. But demand for adjunct faculty is steady.
Fields like communications and digital media may see faster growth than traditional humanities. Geographic mobility and willingness to teach online can improve your chances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for an arts and humanities professor?
The BLS reports a median annual salary of $79,150 for postsecondary teachers in arts, communications, history, and humanities. The mean wage is $92,420, or about $38 per hour.
What degree do you need to become a college professor in the humanities?
A master's degree is the minimum for community college teaching; a Ph.D. is typically required for tenure-track positions at four-year colleges and universities.
Is it hard to get a job as a professor?
Yes, competition for full-time tenure-track positions is high, especially in the humanities. Many start as adjuncts or visiting professors. The total employment was about 239,780 in 2024.
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 Arts, Communications, History, and Humanities Teachers, Postsecondary data.