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Creative Writing Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mtholyoke

Assistant Professor ofEnglish

South Hadley, MA · On-site

$90K/yr

Assistant Professor ofEnglish Work Type: Faculty Full time In-Person Start Date: 07/01/2027 The ... We seek a writer with a strong record of publication in creative nonfiction, including work in ...

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How much do creative writing professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative writing professor in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a creative writing professor?

Creative Writing Professors are educators who teach courses on creative writing, including fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and other literary forms, at colleges or universities. They help students develop their writing skills, provide feedback on creative work, and often advise on publication opportunities. Creative Writing Professors may also conduct their own research or publish their creative works, contributing to the literary community. Their role involves both teaching and mentoring students as well as participating in academic and creative activities within their institution.

What does a creative writing professor do?

As a creative writing professor, you teach college students how to write creative prose and poetry. The university for whom you teach may also require you to write articles, content, or stories for academic or literary publications. Your duties as a professor include creating a syllabus for each course and helping students develop their writing skills. You may advise students on the structure of a story or poem and offer commentary on a draft of their work. You might teach a general creative writing course or offer classes on specific topics, such as short fiction, creative nonfiction, or novels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a creative writing professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Writing Professor, you need an advanced degree in creative writing or a related field, a strong portfolio of published works, and experience in teaching or mentoring writers. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), workshop facilitation tools, and contemporary literary platforms is typically required. Outstanding communication, constructive feedback, and the ability to inspire creativity are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities foster an engaging learning environment that supports student growth, critical thinking, and creative expression.

What are some common challenges creative writing professors face in fostering student engagement and creativity?

Creative Writing Professors often encounter the challenge of encouraging students to take creative risks while also providing constructive feedback that nurtures their confidence. Balancing the diverse skill levels and backgrounds of students can require flexible teaching approaches and tailored assignments. Additionally, professors must create an inclusive, respectful environment that supports open sharing and critique, which is essential for students' growth as writers. Collaborating with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects or literary events can also help foster a dynamic learning atmosphere.

What is the difference between Creative Writing Professor vs Writing Instructor?

AspectCreative Writing ProfessorWriting Instructor
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Creative Writing, English, or related fieldVaries; often bachelor's degree, teaching certification, or specialized training
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsCommunity colleges, adult education, workshops, online platforms
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, universitiesEducational institutions, community programs, online education
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic roles, qualifications, and career pathsLearning to teach writing, certification, or part-time teaching

While both roles involve teaching writing skills, a Creative Writing Professor typically works in higher education with advanced degrees and focuses on academic research and curriculum development. A Writing Instructor may work in various educational settings, often with different certification requirements, and may focus more on teaching practical writing skills in community or online environments.

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Creative Writing Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Writing Professor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Assistant Professor in English - Creative Writing (Fiction)

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Carnegie Mellon University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Creative Writing Program in the Department of English at Carnegie Mellon University seeks an Assistant Professor (tenure track) specializing in Creative Writing (Fiction), to begin Fall 2027. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong track record of publication as well as the ability to teach a variety of courses in fiction at the undergraduate level, including an introduction to form and technique in short fiction, beginning and advanced fiction workshops, and fiction seminars. A secondary specialization in creative nonfiction or another creative genre is especially desirable. The successful candidate will be engaged in helping to sustain, and to continue to develop, a top-ranked writing program, including mentoring students and helping to curate events. We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, and excellence of the academic community.
Qualifications
The qualified applicant will have a terminal degree in Creative Writing (MFA or PhD), and a substantial publication record, including at least one book, as well as demonstrated excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level.
This position is for the rank of assistant professor. The teaching load is 2/2. The successful candidate will teach fiction (and possibly creative nonfiction) courses and workshops at multiple levels, mentor students, curate events, and contribute to the department's collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.
Application Instructions
Application Details:
Applications should be received by October 31, 2026, and should include the following:
--Academic C.V.
--Cover Letter detailing the candidate's qualifications and creative background
--Statement of Teaching Philosophy
--10-25 pages of creative work
The Search Committee may request additional material at a later date.

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