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Creative Writing Professor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hartnell College

English, Part-Time Professor

Salinas, CA · On-site

$60.19 - $71.29/hr

Main Campus 411 Central Avenue, Salinas Job Type: Part-Time Professor Job Number: 202300040 ... reading, creative writing, or journalism * OR the equivalent. The Equivalency Committee will ...

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All JobsCreative Writing Professor JobsCreative Writing Professor Jobs in California

Creative Writing Professor information

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$41.9K

$79K

$133.2K

How much do creative writing professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative writing professor in California is $79,008.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $90,300.00 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.
More about Creative Writing Professor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Writing Professor jobs in California? The most popular types of Creative Writing Professor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Creative Writing Professor jobs in California? For Creative Writing Professor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Creative Writing Professor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Writing Professor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Creative Writing Professor jobs? Cities in California with the most Creative Writing Professor job openings:
Creative Writing Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Writing Professor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,008 per year, or $38 per hour.
Associate Professor or Full Professor, Poetry

Associate Professor or Full Professor, Poetry

Stanford Energy

Stanford, CA

$128K - $159K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Stanford University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Associate Professor or Full Professor, Poetry

Apply now Work type: University Tenure Line
Location: Stanford University
Categories: School of Humanities & Sciences

Department of English/Creative Writing Program, Associate Professor or Full Professor, Poetry 

The Department of English and the Creative Writing Program at Stanford University seek applicants for a senior appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor specializing in Poetry. Candidates are expected to have a record of distinguished publication, including two published books of original poetry. All applicants should hold an MFA or its equivalent.

Candidates should have a strong commitment to teaching and be prepared to take an active part in Stanford's vibrant academic and creative writing communities. This position requires teaching courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels within both the English Department and the Creative Writing Program. A particular emphasis of the position is the mentoring and advising of students at all levels.  The term of appointment is expected to begin September 1, 2027. 


Candidates should submit the following:

  a cover letter.

  a curriculum vitae with a full list of publications including any publications in genres other than poetry.

  a teaching statement. This should include examples of how the candidate has applied their approach in the classroom. 

  contact information for three references. 

Further materials may be requested later.


All application materials must be submitted online.

For full consideration, materials must be received by September 15, 2026 at 11:55pm PST. 

The salary range for this position for the academic year 2026-2027 is: 

Associate Professor: $128,992 - $159,907
Professor: $149,247 - $255,852

Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.

Inquiries may be directed to Christina Ablaza, Administrative Director of Creative Writing, cablaza@stanford.edu. Further information about Stanford's Department of English and Creative Writing Program can be found at https://english.stanford.edu and https://creativewriting.stanford.edu/.

Review of applications will begin on September 16, 2026.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research, teaching, and clinical missions. 

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.

Advertised: 15 Jul 2026 3:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 15 Sep 2026 11:55 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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