ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Literature Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Troy University

Assistant Professor

Troy, AL · On-site

Posting Details Position Information Posting Number F1064P Position Title Assistant Professor ... D. in English or related discipline Preferred Qualifications Publications in literary studies. Will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLiterature Professor Jobs

Literature Professor information

See salary details

$40K

$81.4K

$158.5K

How much do literature professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for literature professor in the United States is $81,447.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Literature Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Literature Professor, you need advanced knowledge of literary theory, critical analysis, and a graduate degree (usually a Ph.D.) in literature or a related field. Familiarity with digital learning platforms, academic databases, and research citation tools is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship, and public speaking skills help foster student engagement and collaboration. These skills and qualities enable effective teaching, scholarship, and the ability to inspire and guide students within an academic environment.

How much money does a literature professor make?

A literature professor's salary varies based on experience, education level, and institution type, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. Professors at research universities or with tenure tend to earn higher salaries, and additional income may come from research grants or publishing.

How do I become a literature professor?

To become a literature professor, you typically need to earn a master's degree in literature or a related field, followed by a Ph.D. in literature or a similar discipline. Academic positions often require strong research, teaching experience, and publication of scholarly work, with proficiency in literary analysis and critical thinking skills.

What is the highest paying job in literature?

The highest paying jobs in literature often include roles such as literary agents, publishing executives, or authors with successful book sales and royalties. These positions typically require advanced degrees, industry experience, and strong negotiation skills, with salaries varying based on success and industry demand.

Are literature professors in demand?

Literature professors are in moderate demand, primarily in higher education institutions such as colleges and universities. Employment growth is expected to be steady, with competition for tenure-track positions remaining high and opportunities often requiring advanced degrees and research experience.

What does a Literature Professor do?

A Literature Professor teaches courses on various literary works, genres, and critical theories at a college or university level. They design syllabi, lead discussions, evaluate student work, and mentor students in their academic growth. In addition to teaching, literature professors often conduct research, publish scholarly articles or books, and participate in academic conferences. Many also serve on university committees and contribute to curriculum development. Their role helps students develop critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills through an exploration of literature.

What are some of the most common challenges Literature Professors face when developing course curricula?

Literature Professors often encounter the challenge of balancing classic texts with contemporary works to ensure their courses remain both relevant and comprehensive. They must also consider the diverse backgrounds and academic levels of their students, adapting materials to engage everyone meaningfully. Additionally, staying updated on current literary criticism and pedagogical approaches requires ongoing research and collaboration with colleagues. These challenges make curriculum development both intellectually stimulating and demanding.

What is the difference between Literature Professor vs Literature Lecturer?

AspectLiterature ProfessorLiterature Lecturer
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Literature or related fieldMaster's degree or higher in Literature or related field
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsUniversities, colleges, sometimes community colleges
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academic institutions, research-focusedAcademic institutions, teaching-focused
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic roles, career pathsJob responsibilities, qualifications, differences

Literature Professors typically hold a doctorate and focus on research and teaching at universities, often involved in academic publishing. Literature Lecturers usually have a master's degree or higher and primarily focus on teaching undergraduate courses. Both roles are found in academic settings, but Professors often engage in research, while Lecturers focus on instruction.

More about Literature Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for Literature Professor jobs? Cities with the most Literature Professor job openings:
What states have the most Literature Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Literature Professor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Literature Professor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Literature Professor jobs are:
Literature Professor jobs near you
TENURED PROFESSOR IN YIDDISH LITERATURE AND CULTURE

TENURED PROFESSOR IN YIDDISH LITERATURE AND CULTURE

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$170K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Harvard University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 555 rated colleges and universities

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

What Harvard University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply