What Do English Language and Literature Professor Do?
Job 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
- Teach writing classes.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Conduct staff performance evaluations.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
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English Language & Literature Professor Needed Skills
Below is a list of the skills most English Language and Literature Professors say are important on the job.
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
- Speech Instructor
- Reading Professor
- Adjunct English Instructor
- English Faculty Member
- Etymology 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. 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.
What is the Average Salary of an English Language & Literature Professor
The average yearly salary of an English Language & Literature Professor ranges between $37,180 and $135,020.

English Language and Literature Professors who work in California, District of Columbia, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for English Language and Literature Professors 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 |
What Tools do English Language and Literature Professors Use?
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
Becoming an English Language & Literature Professor
Individuals working as an English Language and Literature Professor have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

English Language and Literature Professors Sector

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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