All About English Language and Literature Professors
Job Description & Duties 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.
List of English Language & Literature Professor Job Duties
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as poetry, novel structure, and translation and adaptation.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Assist students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.
- Participate in campus and community events.
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What Every English Language & Literature Professor Should Know
When polled, English Language and Literature Professors say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Medieval English Literature Professor
- Developmental Writing Instructor
- Creative Writing Professor
- Academic Support Center Director
- ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language Teacher)
Is There Job Demand for English Language and Literature Professors?
There were about 84,600 jobs for English Language and Literature Professor in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,300 new jobs for English Language and Literature Professor by 2026. There will be an estimated 7,500 positions for English Language & Literature Professor per year.

The states with the most job growth for English Language & Literature Professor are Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Wyoming, or Montana. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
English Language & Literature Professor Salary
The typical yearly salary for English Language and Literature Professors is somewhere between $37,180 and $135,020.

English Language and Literature Professors who work in California, District of Columbia, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do English Language and Literature Professors make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $58,690 |
Arizona | $76,610 |
Arkansas | $56,320 |
California | $114,110 |
Colorado | $60,440 |
Connecticut | $84,330 |
Delaware | $71,480 |
District of Columbia | $115,590 |
Florida | $66,720 |
Georgia | $71,190 |
Hawaii | $64,740 |
Idaho | $76,770 |
Illinois | $65,860 |
Iowa | $84,130 |
Kansas | $61,740 |
Kentucky | $66,030 |
Maine | $68,840 |
Maryland | $73,490 |
Massachusetts | $80,450 |
Michigan | $76,340 |
Minnesota | $66,150 |
Mississippi | $57,250 |
Missouri | $80,380 |
Montana | $54,680 |
Nebraska | $71,610 |
Nevada | $58,200 |
New Hampshire | $85,140 |
New Jersey | $86,360 |
New Mexico | $56,750 |
New York | $92,170 |
North Carolina | $64,080 |
North Dakota | $62,240 |
Ohio | $84,970 |
Oklahoma | $51,870 |
Oregon | $76,450 |
Pennsylvania | $75,970 |
Rhode Island | $93,470 |
South Carolina | $70,130 |
South Dakota | $59,930 |
Tennessee | $57,740 |
Texas | $75,720 |
Utah | $75,410 |
Virginia | $61,690 |
Washington | $61,580 |
West Virginia | $53,790 |
Wisconsin | $76,340 |
Wyoming | $61,140 |
Tools & Technologies Used by English Language and Literature Professors
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that English Language and Literature Professors may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Google Docs
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Blackboard
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Blackboard Learn
- Learning management system LMS
- Desire2Learn
- DOC Cop
- Sakai CLE
- Course management system software
- iParadigms Turnitin
How do I Become an English Language & Literature Professor?
Learn what English Language and Literature Professor education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become an English Language & Literature Professor?

Where English Language and Literature Professors Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
Image Credit: Pancoast, Henry Spackman via No known copyright restrictions
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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