English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary Salary
The median english language and literature teachers, postsecondary salary in the United States is $78,760 per year. Salaries range from $48,270 at the entry level to $137,250+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 57,720 english language and literature teachers, postsecondary jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 0% through 2034.
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary
$78,760
per year
Employment
57,720
jobs in the U.S.
Salary Distribution
10th percentile
$48,270
25th percentile
$60,900
Median
$78,760
75th percentile
$103,130
90th percentile
$137,250
Job Growth (2024-2034)
+0%
Slower than average
Annual Openings
5,100
jobs/year (growth + replacements)
Education Required
Doctoral or professional degree
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary Salary by State
Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →Salary Map — Click a state for details
$53K$130K■ No data
Top Paying States
California
$130K
+66%
New Hampshire
$99K
+25%
Connecticut
$97K
+24%
Delaware
$97K
+23%
Oregon
$92K
+17%
Michigan
$90K
+15%
Vermont
$87K
+10%
Nevada
$86K
+9%
New York
$85K
+8%
Maine
$84K
+7%
Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.
| State | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $130,490 | +65.7% |
| New Hampshire | $98,650 | +25.3% |
| Connecticut | $97,310 | +23.6% |
| Delaware | $97,100 | +23.3% |
| Oregon | $91,870 | +16.6% |
| Michigan | $90,240 | +14.6% |
| Vermont | $86,870 | +10.3% |
| Nevada | $85,830 | +9.0% |
| New York | $84,850 | +7.7% |
| Maine | $84,290 | +7.0% |
Showing 1–10 of 49
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Median | vs. National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $165,090 | +109.6% |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $160,050 | +103.2% |
| Fresno, CA | $137,730 | +74.9% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $137,400 | +74.5% |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $132,500 | +68.2% |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $132,230 | +67.9% |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $128,810 | +63.5% |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $128,160 | +62.7% |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $114,010 | +44.8% |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $107,770 | +36.8% |
Showing 1–10 of 151
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.
How does this compare to pro athletes?
A english language and literature teachers, postsecondary earning $78,760/year would need 757 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 813 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.
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