Anthropology Professor
Teach how humans and cultures have developed across time and place.
- $99,650
- 6–8 years after a bachelor’s
Education & Childcare career
Cultural Studies Professor
Also called: Ethnic Studies Professor · Area Studies Professor · Gender Studies Professor · American Studies Professor
What cultural studies professors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a cultural studies professor do?
Area, ethnic and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary, teach courses about the culture and development of an area or group, such as Latin American, African American, Asian or women’s and gender studies. The median pay is $85,020 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–8 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +2.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$85,020Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+2.7%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year1,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train6–8 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs14,300Employment, 2025
What cultural studies professors do
Cultural studies professors teach about peoples and regions. They teach interdisciplinary courses combining history, literature, politics and sociology, mentor students, research topics such as migration, identity and social movements, and engage with communities.
Most hold a Ph.D. in an interdisciplinary field or a related discipline.
Typical duties
- Teach interdisciplinary courses
- Develop curricula
- Mentor students
- Conduct research
- Publish articles and books
- Engage communities
- Serve on committees
Work environment and schedule
Faculty work in classrooms, offices, archives and communities.
Schedule: Teaching, research and service with flexible hours.
A day in the life
- Teach a Latin American history seminar.
- Hold office hours.
- Plan a community speaker event.
- Write a book chapter.
See a full day in the life of a cultural studies professor →
Cultural Studies Professor salary
Half of cultural studies professors earned more than $85,020 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $52,070 for the lowest 10% to $160,420 for the top 10%.
Full cultural studies professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a cultural studies professor
- Earn a bachelor’s
- Learn languages
- Complete a Ph.D.
- Publish
- Get hired
A Ph.D. in area, ethnic or cultural studies, or a related discipline, is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a cultural studies professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Interdisciplinary research
- Historical analysis
- Qualitative methods
- Writing
- Curriculum design
People skills
- Cultural sensitivity
- Facilitation
- Communication
- Empathy
All cultural studies professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Meaningful subjects
- Interdisciplinary work
- Community engagement
- Research freedom
Cons
- Few positions
- Funding challenges
- Political pressures
- Long training
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D.: Doctoral degree.
- Language proficiency: For area studies.
- Teaching certificate: Optional.
- Research fellowships: Funding.
Career path
- Graduate Instructor: Train.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Associate Professor: Tenure.
- Professor or Program Director: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Cultural Studies Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as lead a discussion seminar and teach with primary sources, safety and how to land your first job.
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Sociology Professor
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Foreign Language Professor
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Compare: Cultural Studies Professor vs. Anthropology Professor · Cultural Studies Professor vs. History Professor · Cultural Studies Professor vs. Sociology Professor · Cultural Studies Professor vs. Foreign Language Professor
Cultural Studies Professor FAQ
What do cultural studies professors teach?
The history, culture and politics of regions and communities.
Is it interdisciplinary?
Yes, combining history, literature, sociology and more.
Do they need a Ph.D.?
Usually.
How much does a cultural studies professor make?
The median annual wage for cultural studies professors was $85,020 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $52,070 and the highest 10% earned more than $160,420.
How long does it take to become a cultural studies professor?
Most people need about 6–8 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in area, ethnic or cultural studies, or a related discipline, is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a cultural studies professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a Ph.D., while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree.
More cultural studies professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1062 (Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.