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Literature Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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Literature Professor information

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$40K

$81.4K

$158.5K

How much do literature professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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, publications, or administrative roles.

What is a literature professor?

A literature professor is an academic professional who teaches and researches literature at colleges or universities. They typically hold advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. in literature or related fields and are responsible for developing curricula, delivering lectures, and guiding student research in literary analysis and criticism.
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:

Infographic showing various Literature Professor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,447 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Dramatic Literature and History

College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA โ€ข On-site

$112K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Summary

Assistant Professor of Theatre (Dramatic Literature and History)

Description

The Department of Theatre and Dance at the College of the Holy Cross invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor or an untenured Associate Professor specializing in Theatre History and Dramatic Literature to begin in August 2027.The candidate should also have a specialization in an area of Theatre dealing with non-Western, diasporic or underrepresented cultures.The candidate will offer our standard major courses in Theatre History and Modern Drama, along with courses in their area(s) of specialization; and will also direct productions as part of our mainstage season in lieu of one of their course slots.The candidate should have prior experience in both teaching and directing; we welcome applications from candidates at all stages in their teaching careers.The candidate will have the opportunity to teach interdisciplinary courses, seminars for our first-year program,Montserrat,and courses in Holy Cross'College Scholars Program.Candidates are encouraged to highlight innovative pedagogies, new disciplinary advances, and artistic work in their application materials. The Department of Theatre and Dance is a NAST-accredited institution that offers Theatre majors the opportunity to emphasize performance or design and technology.For more information about our program, please visitour website.

This position carries a 3-2 teaching load, and Holy Cross offers generous sabbatical and fellowship leaves for tenured faculty. To enable a smooth transition to Holy Cross, new full-time tenure-track faculty receive start-up funding to support their research and professional development and have a one-course reduction in their first year of teaching (i.e., 2-2). Faculty who enter Holy Cross as an assistant professor and who claim less than three years of credit toward their tenure clock also have a research leave prior to tenure review of either a full year at 80% salary or a semester at full salary. This leave is not available to faculty who enter as an untenured associate professor or who enter as an assistant professor and claim three years of credit toward their tenure clock.

This position offers full benefits.Starting salaries are $102,500 for an assistant professor with no prior tenure-track experience or one year of prior tenure-track experience at another institution; $106,500-$109,500 for an assistant professor with two or more years of prior tenure-track experience; and $112,000-$114,500 for faculty entering Holy Cross as untenured associate professors. Salary within the applicable range will be based on qualifications and experience.

In alignment with the strategic plans for Holy Cross and the division of Academic Affairs, we view academic excellence and inclusive excellence as inextricably linked. Our faculty combine high-impact scholarship and outstanding teaching with a deep commitment to inclusive excellence. They generate new knowledge in their fields while utilizing evidence-based teaching strategies and course designs to create classroom environments where all students have a sense of belonging, are valued, and can flourish to reach their full potential. Academic freedom is a cornerstone of our intellectual and moral community; the College is committed to supporting faculty and students as they work to advance our educational mission and serve the common good.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must demonstrate excellence in scholarship and undergraduate teaching as well as a commitment to inclusive pedagogies. A Ph.D. is required by the beginning of the appointment.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit

A cover letter addressing the position requirements listed above as well as the ways you might contribute to and further the College's mission as a Jesuit, undergraduate liberal arts college and its core commitment to creating a community where every individual feels empowered to contribute their talents and perspectives. A curriculum vitae. Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts. A statement of your teaching philosophy and interests, with particular emphasis on how you utilize evidence-based teaching strategies to foster inclusive, high-belonging classroom environments. Three confidential letters of recommendation and unofficial transcripts

The College of the Holy Cross uses Interfolio to collect all faculty job applications. Please submit all materials to .

For full consideration, please apply by October 15, 2026. We will hold two rounds of interviews on Zoom prior to inviting the finalists to campus. Initial interviews via Zoom will take place starting November 9, 2026 and a second round of Zoom interviews will start on November 17, 2026. Campus visits for finalists will take place in late November to early December, 2026. Questions about this search may be directed to Lynn Kremer: lkremer@holycross.edu

The Provost's Office supports the Association of American Universities' principles on preventing sexual harassment in academia. Accordingly, all finalists will be asked to attest that they are not currently under investigation for sexual misconduct and that there are no substantiated findings of sexual misconduct against them in any previous position-or, if such findings exist, to provide a full explanation. The candidate selected for an offer will also be asked to provide written consent for the release of personnel information from their prior employer.

For applicants who may require visa sponsorship: The College supports new faculty in pursuing an appropriate visa or other immigration status consistent with their qualifications and the responsibilities of the position. Because several pathways may be available, the College works with candidates who are offered positions to determine the most appropriate option. Please note, however, the College does not support H1-B visa petitions that are subject to the payment of an additional $100,000 fee. The College, where appropriate, will support H-1B petitions that are not subject to the $100,000 fee.

COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS

The College of the Holy Cross is a highly selective Catholic liberal arts college in the Jesuit tradition. It enrolls about 3,200 students and is located in Worcester, Massachusetts-New England's second-largest city.

The College seeks faculty members who demonstrate an enduring commitment to academic excellence and inclusive excellence and who embrace the educational benefits of a richly diverse community. To learn more about faculty life at the College and in the Worcester area, applicants are encouraged to visit our Office of the Provost page and our Faculty Openings page.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts laws concerning equal opportunity in the workplace.


The College also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring process in compliance with law. Please contact Human Resources for questions or to request an accommodation via email at hr@holycross.edu, or by calling 508-793-3391.