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Literature 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 ... literary journalism, and hybrid forms. Additional interests in fiction, translation, graphic ...

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How much do literature professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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?

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 do you become a literature professor?

To become a literature professor, you typically need to earn a bachelor's degree in literature or a related field, followed by a master's degree and a Ph.D. in literature or a similar discipline. Academic positions often require research, publishing, and teaching experience, along with strong analytical and communication skills.

Are literature professors in demand?

Literature professors are employed primarily in higher education institutions, and demand varies by region and institution type. While the overall job market is competitive, positions are available for those with advanced degrees, research experience, and strong teaching skills, especially at research universities and colleges with active humanities programs.

How much do literature professors get paid?

Literature professors' salaries vary based on experience, education level, and institution type, but the average annual salary in many regions ranges from $50,000 to $100,000. Faculty at research universities or with tenure tend to earn higher salaries, and additional income may come from research grants or consulting.

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.

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What cities are hiring for Literature Professor jobs? Cities with the most Literature Professor job openings:
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Literature Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Literature Professor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,447 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Assistant Professor of English in Anglophone African Literature

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN • On-site

$77K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description


The Department of English at St. Olaf College invites applications for a full-time, tenure track position in Anglophone African Literature at the Assistant Professor level to begin August 2027.
The successful candidate will be able to teach widely in global Anglophone literature, such as South Asian literature and/or Global Indigenous literature. The successful applicant will teach five undergraduate courses per year at all levels with a regular commitment of three courses in the English Department and two sections of Writing and Rhetoric (first-year writing). The position will contribute to the Africa and the African Diaspora program, and, if relevant, other interdisciplinary programs such as Environmental Studies; Film and Media Studies; and Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality Studies. We especially welcome candidates interested in involving undergraduates in research and teaching courses in St. Olaf's study abroad/away programs.
Salary: $77,200 - $82,000
Qualifications
We invite applicants who will hold a Ph.D. in literature by Fall 2027.
About the Department
The new hire will join a vibrant department with three major tracks (English, Creative Writing, and English with teaching licensure) and colleagues who frequently participate in or lead interdisciplinary programs, such as Africa and the African Diaspora, Film & Media Studies, and Race & Ethnic Studies. Our English majors present papers at national conferences and often take on leadership roles with campus publications. The English Department is a vital part of the college's First-Year Experience, with English faculty teaching first-year writing and courses within the St. Olaf's unique learning communities, which bring together incoming students and a faculty cohort through a sequence of themed courses. For more information about the department, visit wp.stolaf.edu/english.
We strive to be a campus of welcome where students, faculty, and staff thrive by bringing their full humanity-gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic class, disability, religion, spirituality, and age-to St. Olaf each day. Our goal is to generate conversations and processes that over time create greater clarity, transparency, trust, cooperation, consensus, respect, and measurable outcomes. Practices that support this goal include listening, cultivating a growth mindset, respecting those with different views, being informed by data, and understanding that the work is ongoing, collaborative, organic, and ever evolving. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Community and Belonging website to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.
How to Apply
Throughout your materials, include how you would contribute to the development of a diverse and inclusive learning community at our college through your teaching, research, and/or service. A complete application includes the following:
References: Provide contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in teaching and scholarship. Letters will be solicited from references by the search committee for candidates who advance to the interview stage.
Supporting Documents and URLS:
  1. Cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are interested in this particular position
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Graduate transcripts (unofficial)
  4. Teaching Statement: Please provide a one-page statement describing your approaches to teaching literature and writing, with examples of your most successful class activities or assignments, keeping in mind our focus on undergraduates.
  5. Professional Statement: Please provide a one-page statement describing your current and future research program.

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by that date will receive fullest consideration. Finalist interviews are expected in Nov/Dec 2026. Questions about the position, department, or College may be directed to Colin Wells,, Search Committee Chair, at tt2026english@stolaf.edu.
About Us
Join Our Community - Work at St. Olaf!
Founded in 1874, St. Olaf College is a residential, coeducational liberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students and 800 faculty and staff. The college is located on a picturesque 300-acre campus in Northfield, Minnesota, a vibrant, historic river town of 20,000 located 45 minutes south of culturally rich and diverse Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The college offers an academically rigorous, nationally ranked liberal arts education that fosters the development of the whole person in mind, body, and spirit and emphasizes learning in an inclusive and globally engaged community. We encourage applications from candidates committed to multicultural understanding and the enrichment of our diverse community.
The college offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 9% retirement match, contributions to eligible employees' health savings accounts, a significant tuition discount (up to a 90% reduction) at ACM, GLCA, and ELCA colleges and universities for employees' children, and generous paid time off. For a full review of the college's benefits, please see the summary of our benefits here: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/benefits/
To provide a safe and secure educational environment, St. Olaf College verifies the accuracy of all credentials presented by applicants and conducts a criminal background check on every new hire.
A summary of the Flexible Work Policy for staff: https://wp.stolaf.edu/hr/flexible-work-policy/
A link to our Community and Belonging page: https://wp.stolaf.edu/equity-inclusion/
A virtual campus tour: https://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia/play/?p=483
An overview of Northfield: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/northfield/
An overview of the Twin Cities: https://wp.stolaf.edu/admissions/visit/twincities/
For Staff Application Assistance:
hrstaff@stolaf.edu
507-786-3068
For Faculty Application Assistance:
facultysearch@stolaf.edu
507-786-3356
Nondiscrimination Policy
St. Olaf College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance. St. Olaf College prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon these and any other legally protected status in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admissions and employment.
Inquiries about this nondiscrimination policy may be referred to St. Olaf College's Director of Equal Opportunity, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both. St. Olaf's Director of Equal Opportunity (who serves as the College's Title IX, Title VI, and Section 504 Coordinator) is Pamela McDowell, Tomson Hall, mcdowell@stolaf.edu, (507) 786-3465.

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