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English Professor
Also called: English Literature Professor · Writing Professor · Composition Instructor · Creative Writing Professor
What english 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 an english professor do?
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in English language, literature, composition and creative writing. The median pay is $78,760 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–8 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow 0.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$78,760Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth0.0%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year4,500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train6–8 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs69,300Employment, 2025
What english professors do
English professors teach reading and writing. They teach first-year composition, literature surveys, creative writing and linguistics, give detailed feedback on essays, research authors, periods and theories, and publish articles, books or creative work.
Most hold a Ph.D. or an MFA for creative writing; community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s to teach composition. The academic job market is very competitive.
Typical duties
- Teach composition and literature
- Give feedback on student writing
- Research and publish
- Mentor students
- Advise literary magazines
- Develop courses
- Serve on committees
Work environment and schedule
Faculty work in classrooms, offices and libraries.
Schedule: Teaching, grading and research with flexible hours.
A day in the life
- Teach first-year composition.
- Hold writing conferences.
- Read for a book project.
- Teach a Shakespeare seminar.
See a full day in the life of an english professor →
English Professor salary
Half of english professors earned more than $78,760 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $48,270 for the lowest 10% to $137,250 for the top 10%.
Full english professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an english professor
- Earn an English bachelor’s
- Write a strong thesis
- Earn an MA, Ph.D. or MFA
- Publish
- Get hired
A Ph.D. in English or an MFA in creative writing is typical; composition instructors at community colleges often have a master’s.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an english professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Literary analysis
- Writing instruction
- Research
- Editing
- Curriculum design
People skills
- Patience
- Feedback
- Curiosity
- Communication
All english professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Teach what you love
- Writing and reading as work
- Flexible schedule
- Help students find their voice
Cons
- Very competitive job market
- Heavy grading
- Many adjunct roles
- Slow publishing
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D. in English: Doctoral degree.
- MFA in creative writing: Terminal creative degree.
- Composition teaching training: Graduate programs.
- Publications: Articles or books.
Career path
- Teaching Assistant: Teach composition.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Associate Professor: Tenure.
- Professor or Chair: Lead departments.
Learn the job before day one
Our English Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as comment on a student essay and teach close reading of a poem, safety and how to land your first job.
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English Professor FAQ
Is it hard to become an English professor?
Yes, tenure-track jobs are very competitive.
Do community colleges hire English instructors with a master’s?
Often, especially for composition.
Do creative writing professors need a Ph.D.?
Usually an MFA plus published work.
How much does an english professor make?
The median annual wage for english professors was $78,760 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,270 and the highest 10% earned more than $137,250.
How long does it take to become an english professor?
Most people need about 6–8 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in English or an MFA in creative writing is typical; composition instructors at community colleges often have a master’s.
Do you need a degree to be an english professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a doctorate, while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree.
More english professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1123 (English language and literature teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for English language and literature 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.