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Professor English Literature Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NCAT

Assistant Professor - English

Greensboro, NC

... Assistant Professor of English. The primary responsibilities for this position include teaching ... Masters in English and African American Literature, and a Graduate Certificate in Technical and ...

Salt Lake Community College

Assistant Professor, English

UT · On-site

$59K - $61K/yr

... professor position(s) in the English, Linguistics, and Writing Studies (ELWS) department for an ... All English faculty teach first-year writing and may teach classes such as literature and creative ...

Salt Lake Community College

Assistant Professor, English

UT · On-site

$59K - $61K/yr

... professor position(s) in the English, Linguistics, and Writing Studies (ELWS) department for an ... All English faculty teach first-year writing and may teach classes such as literature and creative ...

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$40K

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How much do professor english literature jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for professor english literature 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 is a professor English literature?

A Professor of English Literature is a university faculty member who specializes in teaching and researching literature written in the English language. Their responsibilities typically include conducting lectures and seminars, supervising student research, publishing scholarly work, and participating in academic conferences. Professors often focus on specific literary periods, genres, or authors and may also contribute to curriculum development. They play a vital role in advancing literary scholarship and fostering critical thinking among students.

How do professor English literature typically balance research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities?

English Literature professors often juggle multiple duties, including preparing and delivering lectures, conducting literary research, publishing scholarly work, and serving on departmental committees. Balancing these can be challenging, especially during busy periods such as exam seasons or when grant applications are due. Most institutions support professors by providing scheduled research time or sabbaticals, and collaboration with colleagues can help distribute administrative tasks. Effective time management and clear communication with department leadership are key to maintaining this balance while advancing in your academic career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professor English literature, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professor of English Literature, you need an advanced degree (typically a PhD) in English or a related field, with strong expertise in literary analysis, research, and academic writing. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), citation management tools, and digital library resources is commonly required. Excellent communication, mentorship abilities, and a passion for fostering critical thinking set outstanding professors apart. These skills ensure effective teaching, productive research, and meaningful student engagement in higher education.

What is the difference between Professor English Literature vs Lecturer English Literature?

AspectProfessor English LiteratureLecturer English Literature
Required CredentialsDoctorate in English Literature, extensive research experienceMaster's or Doctorate in English Literature, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, academic conferencesUniversities, colleges, classroom teaching
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research-focused rolesHigher education institutions, primarily teaching roles
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic career, research, university facultyTeaching, curriculum development, student engagement

While both Professor English Literature and Lecturer English Literature work in higher education, professors typically have more research responsibilities and advanced credentials, whereas lecturers focus more on teaching and classroom instruction. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in academia.

More about Professor English Literature jobs

What states have the most Professor English Literature jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professor English Literature jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Professor English Literature jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Professor English Literature jobs are:

Professor English Literature jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professor English Literature job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,447 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Teaching Professor, English

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA

$6.0K - $6.2K/mo

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

University Of San Diego rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

462nd of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Teaching Professor, English

Apply now Posting #: 5628
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time temporary
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences

Position Title & Department:

 Teaching Professor, English Posting #

5628

Department Description:

The Department of English at the University of San Diego, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, is a multidisciplinary Department that features courses in domestic and global literatures, literary cultures and theories, and creative writing. The Department also houses the university's First Year Writing Program.

The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:

The Department of English at the University of San Diego seeks a Teaching Professor to work within the curriculum of both the English Department and the University's Writing Program (housed in the English Department). The successful candidate will have demonstrated excellence in teaching at both the lower-division and upper-division levels, particularly: first-year writing, literary theory, genre literature, oral histories, preparatory college writing, English as a second language, and creative writing courses. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate excellence in teaching by remaining active in their fields, through publications.
This position is for one year, teaching four courses each per semester (a 4:4 load). Please note that positions will be hired at the Teaching Professor level.

This position is included in the Non-tenure Track Bargaining Unit, and the successful applicant employee, subject to the terms of the College's Collective Bargaining will be a bargaining unit member and will be subject to the University's Agreement with SEIU Local 721

This is a full-time, benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of May 31, 2027. The appointment is renewable at the discretion of the University and dependent upon performance and continued funding.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

The successful candidate will:

  • Hold an advanced degree, preferably a doctorate or other terminal degree. ABD candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Have a demonstrated history of excellence in teaching at both the lower-division and upper-division levels, particularly: first-year writing, literary theory, genre literature, oral histories, preparatory college writing, English as a second language, and creative writing courses.
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to teaching and research, mentoring undergraduates, and fostering a climate of inclusion and diversity.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate excellence in teaching by remaining active in their fields through publications.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Posting Salary:

$6,092 - $6,275/monthly; Excellent Benefits
This appointment is a full-time 9-month contract, benefits-eligible, non-tenure-track position at the rank of Teaching Professor, with a monthly salary range of $6,092-$6,275. Candidates with significant college-level teaching experience may negotiate for appointment at the Senior or Distinguished Teaching Professor rank.

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.  Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.  USD: Human Resources: Benefits

Special Application Instructions:
 

Application Process: Please note that positions will be hired at the Teaching Professor level. Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until positions are filled.

Applicants are asked to submit the following materials.

  1. A brief letter of application
  2. Curriculum vita
  3. Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters.

Candidates are asked to submit the following materials by July 15, 2026, for timely consideration. For questions, please contact the department/search chair, Brad Melekian, at melekian@sandiego.edu

Click Apply Now to complete our online application. If you have any technical difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.

Additional Details:

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

Advertised: July 02, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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