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Foreign Language Professor
Also called: Spanish Professor · French Professor · Modern Languages Professor · Language and Literature Professor
What foreign language 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 foreign language professor do?
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary, teach languages and the literature and culture of other countries. The median pay is $79,350 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–8 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +0.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$79,350Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+0.2%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year1,600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train6–8 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs24,600Employment, 2025
What foreign language professors do
Foreign language professors teach languages and cultures. They teach beginning through advanced language courses, literature and film, run conversation hours and study abroad programs, and research literature, linguistics or teaching methods.
Most hold a Ph.D. in the language or literature; community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s. Native or near-native fluency is expected.
Typical duties
- Teach language courses
- Teach literature and culture
- Lead study abroad programs
- Run conversation hours
- Conduct research
- Mentor students
- Develop courses
Work environment and schedule
Faculty work in classrooms, language labs and abroad on study programs.
Schedule: Teaching and research with flexible hours and optional summer travel.
A day in the life
- Teach beginning Spanish.
- Teach intermediate conversation.
- Hold office hours.
- Teach a Latin American film course.
See a full day in the life of a foreign language professor →
Foreign Language Professor salary
Half of foreign language professors earned more than $79,350 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $49,060 for the lowest 10% to $136,050 for the top 10%.
Full foreign language professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a foreign language professor
- Study the language
- Live or study abroad
- Earn a master’s
- Earn a Ph.D.
- Get hired
A Ph.D. in a language, literature or linguistics is typical; community colleges often accept a master’s.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a foreign language professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Language fluency
- Language teaching methods
- Literary analysis
- Cultural knowledge
- Research
People skills
- Patience
- Cultural awareness
- Enthusiasm
- Communication
All foreign language professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Share a language you love
- Study abroad travel
- Cultural exchange
- Flexible schedule
Cons
- Competitive job market
- Programs face cuts
- Heavy grading
- Many adjunct roles
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D. in the language: Doctoral degree.
- ACTFL OPI tester certification: Proficiency rating.
- Study abroad leadership training: Program safety.
- Advanced proficiency: Near-native fluency.
Career path
- Teaching Assistant: Teach intro courses.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Associate Professor: Tenure.
- Professor or Chair: Lead departments.
Learn the job before day one
Our Foreign Language Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as teach a class mostly in the target language and plan a faculty-led study abroad trip, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Foreign Language Professor vs. Interpreter · Foreign Language Professor vs. High School Teacher · Foreign Language Professor vs. English Professor · Foreign Language Professor vs. History Professor
Foreign Language Professor FAQ
Do language professors need to be native speakers?
No, but they need advanced, near-native fluency.
What degree do they need?
Usually a Ph.D. for universities.
Do they travel?
Many lead study abroad programs.
How much does a foreign language professor make?
The median annual wage for foreign language professors was $79,350 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,060 and the highest 10% earned more than $136,050.
How long does it take to become a foreign language professor?
Most people need about 6–8 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in a language, literature or linguistics is typical; community colleges often accept a master’s.
Do you need a degree to be a foreign language 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 foreign language professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1124 (Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Foreign 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.