What English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions"; "Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers"; "Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts"; "Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as poetry, novel structure, and translation and adaptation"; "Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is doctoral or professional degree.
Job outlook for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 69,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 69,300 in 2035, an increase of 0 jobs (0%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 4,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $78,760, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $91,804 in New York to $93,882 in New Jersey, a gap of $2,078 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $78,760 and 0 average at or below it.
New York employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 6,960, which is 50.2% of the 13,860 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 6,900.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($93,882) and New York ($91,804) lead the ranking, while New York ($91,804) and New Jersey ($93,882) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (25-1000) include Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Business Teachers, Postsecondary and Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary.
Frequently asked questions about English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
What is the national median wage for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $78,760. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $91,804 to $93,882.
Which state pays English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $93,882. New York is next at $91,804.
What is the job outlook for English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary?
BLS projects employment to stay flat by 0% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 4,500 openings a year.
What education do English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary need?
The typical entry-level education is doctoral or professional degree, according to BLS.