What Do English Language and Literature Professor Do?
Career Description 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.
Daily Life Of an English Language & Literature Professor
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Conduct staff performance evaluations.
Featured schools near , edit
What an English Language & Literature Professor Should Know
These are the skills English Language and Literature Professors say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Other English Language & Literature Professor Job Titles
- General Education Professor
- Developmental Writing Instructor
- College Professor
- English Composition Teacher
- Language and Literature Division Chair
English Language & Literature Professor Employment Estimates
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. The BLS estimates 7,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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 Average 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 each U.S. state?
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
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many English Language and Literature Professors:
- 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?
What education or degrees do I need to become an English Language and Literature Professor?

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

Where English Language and Literature Professors Are Employed

The table below shows the approximate number of English Language and Literature Professors employed by various industries.

References:
Image Credit: Pancoast, Henry Spackman via No known copyright restrictions
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |