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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.
Assistant Professor, English

Assistant Professor, English

High Point University

High Point, NC

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

High Point University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

482nd of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

High Point University invites applications for a 9-month, nontenure-track Assistant Professor of English. The position begins August 2026. All High Point University faculty at this rank teach a 3/3 load, maintain a robust research and/or creative publishing agenda, and enjoy professional development funding as well as service opportunities to make a significant impact on the institution's academic life. The HPU English Department comprises a collegial group of faculty representing Literature, Creative Writing, and Public and Professional Writing, who regularly teach general education courses as well as courses in their area of specialization.
The successful candidate will teach courses across our writing programs and will possess expertise and previous work experience in literary, creative, and/or professional publishing. Ideally, this will allow them to teach a range of courses, including creative writing, digital editing and publishing for professional publications and develop a vision for the public and professional writing minor. Candidates who have records of scholarship related to literary, creative, and/or professional publishing are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates should also demonstrate an understanding of GenAI's implications for writing, editing, and publishing as well as mindfulness and agility when orienting to its use instructionally.
The English Department is dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement. We welcome applications from scholars with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and academic interests.
At High Point University, the faculty and staff are devoted to ensuring every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people. High Point University is founded in the Methodist tradition and includes students, staff, and faculty of various backgrounds, beliefs, and traditions.
High Point University does not sponsor H1-B Visas.

Minimum Requirements: Terminal degree in Rhetoric and Composition, Writing Studies, Publishing Studies, or a closely related field in hand by August 2026.

Application instructions: Initial screening of applications will begin November 21, but the position will remain open until filled. We request that applicants submit a cover letter and CV. After initial review, selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. At which point, candidates may also be asked for additional documents such as a teaching portfolio (which may include recent syllabi, assignments, and course evaluations) as well as a research and/or creative publishing plan.

For additional information or questions regarding this position, please contact the chair of the search committee: Dr. Justin Cook at jcook3@highpoint.edu

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