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How much do creative writing professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 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 are Creative Writing Professors?

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 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 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 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.

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.
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Creative Writing Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Writing Professor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing - Fiction

Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing - Fiction

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

University Of Central Arkansas rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

453rd of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Posting Number
F0212026
Working Title
Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing - Fiction
Department Org
333000 - Film, Theatre and Creative Writing
Why should you work at UCA?
We are excited that you are considering joining the UCA Family-the faculty, staff, students and alumni-who make the University of Central Arkansas a great place to work!
At the University of Central Arkansas, we value our employees striving to maintain a work-life balance. We realize that this affects the overall well-being of employees while learning to prioritize challenging work and the ability to make a difference. Participation in university-wide flexible work schedules may be available for certain positions. Training is provided on systems or job-specific software, and tools are available supporting professional and personal development. The benefits package allows you to customize your benefits to meet your current needs, with the ability to adjust them as your priorities change. This includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, 80% tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a retirement program with university contributions of 10% of employee salary. Also available are health and wellness incentives, as well as access to sports and cultural activities on campus for the family, free gym membership and equipment rentals.
Position Summary
The University of Central Arkansas faculty is responsible for teaching, research/creative works, and service. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.
The University of Central Arkansas's Department of Film, Theatre, and Creative Writing invites applications for a one-year, nine-month, Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (Fiction/YA Literature), beginning August 16, 2026. The successful candidate will have a terminal degree in Creative Writing or closely related field, publications in national literary magazines and/or peer-reviewed journals, experience teaching at the university level, and a commitment to supporting the university's initiatives in serving a regional 4-year institution's student body. This position requires teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, pursuing creative work, and programmatic service with a reliable campus presence.
The position is non-tenure track.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The UCA Creative Writing Program offers a BA in Creative Writing and an MFA in Creative Writing, supporting an undergraduate literary magazine, a graduate-run national literary magazine, an on-campus literary festival, and multiple nationally recognized visiting writers each year. The program is committed to supporting and enhancing an environment that values all perspectives and cultural backgrounds. Its mission is to develop creative writers, editors, and publishers through the combination of storytelling, community engagement, and critical thinking.
The ideal candidate will:
  • Support the creative writing program's mission;
  • Demonstrate excellent teaching skills at the university level with an innovative and responsive approach to the ever-changing and varied needs of our student body;
  • Serve the program and participate in robust literary activities on campus;
  • Create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with an energetic faculty representing various perspectives;
  • Show productivity in one's artistic and scholarly life.

The position carries a 4-4 annual course load.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate will teach fiction and writing for children and YA readers. The candidate will teach multi-genre introductory courses, as well as genre-specific upper-division and graduate-level courses. They may also serve on MFA thesis committees. Candidates must be able to work in a wide variety of computer software applications, including Google Docs, Gmail, classroom management systems, collaboration applications, and university specific applications.
Skills Considered Essential for Success
-Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
-Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
-Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
-Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
-Ability to make sound judgments.
-Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
-Civility in all interactions.
-Demonstrate effective follow-up.
Required Education and/or Experience
MFA and/or PhD in creative writing or closely related field; university teaching experience; and publication in national literary journals.
Preferred Education and/or Experience
Demonstrated ability to teach writing for children and YA audiences.
License(s)/Certifications (Required or Preferred)
University, Campus, and Community Description
Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas.
Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities.
Desired start date
08/16/2026
Will this position be Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid?
Onsite
Posting Detail Information
Background Check Statement
This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
UCA EEO Statement
The University of Central Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. In keeping with its nondiscrimination policy in employment, admissions and other functions and programs, the university considers employees and students on the basis of individual merit and will not discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs.
Open Date
04/30/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please provide 2 letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant's teaching abilities. Review of applications will begin on 5/15/2026.

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