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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Median Salary
78,130
Job Outlook
-8%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 118,900 openings for postsecondary teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$50,950

10%

$78,130

Median

$111,200

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Doctoral degree

    58%

  • Master's degree

    30%

  • Less than high school

    9%

  • Post-master's certificate

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Writing, General
  • Creative Writing
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, Other
  • English/Language Arts Teacher Education
  • Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing
  • Rhetoric and Composition
  • Comparative Literature
  • General Literature
  • English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
  • American Literature (United States)
  • Digital Humanities
  • Linguistics and Anthropology
  • English Literature (British and Commonwealth)
  • Children's and Adolescent Literature
  • Literature, Other
  • Linguistics and Computer Science
  • Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Philosophy and Theology
  • Communications and Media
  • History and Archeology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Artistic

You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.