How to become foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondaryeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Education Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$79,350

25th–75th pct. $62,510–$102,730

Top pay (est.)

$176,900

Top 10% $136,050

Pay in 5 years

$91,200est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$104,900est.

$90,200–$121,800

Outlook score

51/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

47%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+0.2%

1,600 openings / yr

How to become foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary

Typical education

Doctoral or professional degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.9

Speaking

4.8

Writing

4.8

Active Listening

4.6

Instructing

4.1

Active Learning

4.0

Learning Strategies

4.0

Critical Thinking

3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Foreign Language

6.6

Education and Training

5.3

English Language

5.2

History and Archeology

4.3

Philosophy and Theology

4.3

Sociology and Anthropology

4.2

Geography

3.8

Computers and Electronics

3.5

What the work involves

Training and Teaching OthersGetting InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkThinking CreativelyInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCoaching and Developing OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Important abilities

Speech ClarityOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionSpeech Recognition

Education of workers

Doctoral degree

73%

Master's degree

18%

Bachelor's degree

Training before entry

None / short demo

39%

2–4 years

23%

Up to 1 month

21%

4–10 years

14%

1–2 years

Related work experience

1–2 years

32%

2–4 years

21%

None

15%

6–8 years

15%

Over 10 years

14%

4–6 years

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.	$63,970	46/100	28%
2	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	$72,040	45/100	36%
3	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.	$64,370	40/100	45%
4	Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher's lesson plan.	$41,670	49/100	39%
5	Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.	$38,140	62/100	16%
6	Self-Enrichment Teachers Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.	$46,800	61/100	22%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.