English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary: Salary Guide 2025
The median annual salary for postsecondary English language and literature teachers is $78,760, according to the latest BLS data. Mean earnings reach $89,580, or about $38 per hour. The typical range spans from $48,270 at the 10th percentile to $137,250 at the 90th, so top earners pull in well above six figures. About 57,720 people hold this job nationwide.
How much English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn
Median pay hits $78,760, but salaries vary by experience, institution type, and location. The bottom 10% earn less than $48,270, while the highest-paid 10% take home over $137,250. Pay is generally higher at four-year universities than at community colleges, and tenure-track positions command a premium.
Mean hourly wage works out to about $38. Full-time professors often supplement income with summer teaching, research grants, or royalties from textbooks.
Pay by state
California leads the nation with an average salary of $130,490 for this occupation. Other high-paying states include New Hampshire ($98,650), Connecticut ($97,310), Delaware ($97,100), and Oregon ($91,870). On the lower end, Florida averages $59,740, Arkansas $56,520, and Oklahoma $53,200. Cost of living and institutional funding largely drive these differences.
How to become English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
The standard path requires a Ph.D. in English, literature, or a closely related field for tenure-track roles at four-year colleges and universities. A master's degree may suffice for jobs at community colleges or as adjunct instructors. Here are the typical steps:
- Earn a bachelor's degree in English, literature, or a humanities field.
- Complete a master's program (often 2 years) with a thesis or portfolio.
- Pursue a Ph.D. (4–7 years) involving coursework, qualifying exams, and a dissertation.
- Gain teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant or adjunct.
- Apply for open positions, usually via the Modern Language Association (MLA) job list or institutional websites.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to show little or no change from 2024 to 2034, with 0% growth—slower than the average for all occupations. Despite flat growth, about 5,100 openings are expected each year, mostly due to retirements and turnover. Competition for tenure-track jobs remains intense, while adjunct positions are more available but pay less.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying state for English professors?
California, with an average salary of $130,490.
Do I need a PhD to become an English professor?
For a tenure-track job at a four-year college, yes—a Ph.D. is typically required. Community colleges often accept a master's degree.
What is the job growth for English language and literature teachers?
The BLS projects 0% growth from 2024 to 2034, but about 5,100 openings per year are expected due to turnover and retirements.
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 English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary data.