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Comparative Literature Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Terminal degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or composition * Extensive experience in higher education, plus a Master's degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or ...

English Faculty

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Terminal degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or composition * Extensive experience in higher education, plus a Master's degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or ...

Terminal degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or composition * Extensive experience in higher education, plus a Master's degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or ...

English Faculty

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Terminal degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or composition * Extensive experience in higher education, plus a Master's degree in English, literature, comparative literature, or ...

English Faculty

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

D., or equivalent) in English, Literature, Composition, Comparative Literature, Rhetoric, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. * A Master's Degree (M.A., M.F.A., M.Ed., etc.) in ...

English Faculty

New York, NY · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

D., or equivalent) in English, Literature, Composition, Comparative Literature, Rhetoric, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. * A Master's Degree (M.A., M.F.A., M.Ed., etc.) in ...

English Faculty

New York, NY · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

D., or equivalent) in English, Literature, Composition, Comparative Literature, Rhetoric, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. * A Master's Degree (M.A., M.F.A., M.Ed., etc.) in ...

D., or equivalent) in English, Literature, Composition, Comparative Literature, Rhetoric, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. * A Master's Degree (M.A., M.F.A., M.Ed., etc.) in ...

English Faculty

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

D., or equivalent) in English, Literature, Composition, Comparative Literature, Rhetoric, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. * A Master's Degree (M.A., M.F.A., M.Ed., etc.) in ...

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Comparative Literature information

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$34

$54

How much do comparative literature jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for comparative literature in the United States is $34.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.68 and $38.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a comparative literature?

A Comparative Literature job typically involves analyzing and teaching literature across different languages, cultures, and historical periods. Professionals in this field work as professors, researchers, editors, or translators, comparing texts and exploring themes, genres, and literary traditions. They may also contribute to publishing, journalism, or cultural institutions by applying critical thinking and language skills to various forms of media and communication.

What are typical daily tasks for someone working in comparative literature?

Professionals in Comparative Literature spend much of their time reading texts in various languages, conducting literary analysis, and preparing scholarly articles or lectures for students and colleagues. The role often involves engaging in discussions with other faculty members, collaborating on interdisciplinary research, and attending academic conferences. Teaching responsibilities may include designing curriculum, grading assignments, and mentoring students. Collaboration and ongoing scholarly engagement are key parts of the work, offering opportunities to contribute to academic publications and build a robust professional network.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in comparative literature, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Comparative Literature role, you need strong analytical and research skills, advanced reading proficiency in multiple languages, and at least a master's degree in comparative literature or a related field. Familiarity with academic databases, citation management tools, and possibly text analysis software is often important. Exceptional written and verbal communication, open-mindedness, and cultural sensitivity are key soft skills that distinguish top candidates. These abilities are vital for effectively interpreting, teaching, and connecting literary works across different cultures and historical periods.

Is comparative literature a good major?

Comparative literature is a humanities major that develops skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication, which are valuable in fields such as education, publishing, and cultural analysis. However, it may have limited direct career pathways and often requires additional training or experience for specific jobs. Graduates should consider their career goals and supplement their studies with internships or language skills to enhance employability.

What do you do in comparative literature?

A comparative literature professional analyzes and interprets literature from different cultures, languages, and time periods to identify common themes, differences, and cultural influences. The work often involves research, critical analysis, and writing, using tools like literary theory and translation skills. It is typically conducted in academic or research settings, requiring strong reading, writing, and analytical skills.

What jobs can you get with comparative literature?

Graduates with a degree in comparative literature can pursue careers in fields such as publishing, editing, writing, translation, and academia. They often work as editors, literary agents, content creators, cultural analysts, or educators, utilizing skills in critical thinking, research, and language proficiency.
More about Comparative Literature jobs

What cities are hiring for Comparative Literature jobs?

Cities with the most Comparative Literature job openings:

What states have the most Comparative Literature jobs?

States with the most job openings for Comparative Literature jobs include:

Infographic showing various Comparative Literature job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $71,711 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

TENURED PROFESSOR IN YIDDISH LITERATURE AND CULTURE

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Harvard University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees

$170K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students in Yiddish literature and culture.

  • Bring Yiddish literature into conversation with broader literary and cultural studies.

  • Contribute to the department, university, and scholarly community through research and intellectual leadership.


Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position
Details
Title
TENURED PROFESSOR IN YIDDISH LITERATURE AND CULTURE
School
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area
Comparative Literature
Position Description
The Department of Comparative Literature seeks to appoint a tenured professor in Yiddish literature and culture. The appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2027. The professor will teach and advise at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate will be a scholar and teacher who brings Yiddish literature into conversation with literary and cultural studies broadly understood at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Knowledge of other forms of modern Jewish literature, including modern Hebrew literature, is a plus.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates are required to have a doctorate.
Additional Qualifications
Demonstrated strong commitment to teaching, advising, and research is desired. Candidates should also evince intellectual leadership and impact on the field and potential for significant contributions to the department, University, and wider scholarly community.
Special Instructions
Please submit the following materials through the ARIeS portal (https://academicpositions.harvard.edu). Candidates are encouraged to apply by September 15, 2026; applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Research Statement
3. Authorization form
Harvard University is committed to fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive and experience a sense of inclusion and belonging. Community members are encouraged to model our values of integrity, responsible mentorship, equity, and excellence no matter where they are.
To support this commitment to our values of inclusion and excellence, the external finalist for this position will be required to complete a conduct questionnaire- specifically regarding findings of violation, on-going formal complaint investigations, or formal complaint investigations that did not conclude due to the external finalist's departure concerning: harassment or discrimination, retaliation, sexual misconduct, bullying or intimidating/abusive behavior, unprofessional relationship, or misconduct related to scholarship, research, teaching, service, or clinical/patient care.
Harvard will also make conduct inquiries to current and former employers of the external finalist regarding such misconduct. To facilitate these inquiries, Harvard requires all external applicants for this position to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled "Authorization to release information for external applicants" as part of their application. If an external applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and, as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.
Download "Authorization to Release Information"
Contact Information
Faton Limani, Department Administrator, Department of Comparative Literature, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Dana Palmer House, 16 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Contact Email
faton_limani@fas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$170,000-$300,000
Minimum Number of References Required
Maximum Number of References Allowed
Keywords
faculty, instructor, tenure, professor, senior
Boston, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA, Northeast, New England

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