Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Foreign language and literature teachers at colleges and universities instruct students in languages other than English, including American Sign Language, and teach literature courses in those languages. They work in higher education settings, typically at four-year institutions, community colleges, and universities. Most positions combine classroom instruction with research and scholarly work.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes preparing lesson plans, leading classroom discussions and lectures on grammar, conversation, literature, and cultural topics, and grading student assignments and exams. Teachers hold office hours to meet with students, serve on departmental committees, and may conduct research in their field of expertise. Some time goes toward curriculum development, professional development, and potentially publishing scholarly work or presenting at conferences.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIA. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to excel in this role if you enjoy investigating language systems and literary texts deeply while also valuing meaningful interaction with students. You're drawn to social settings where you can lead discussions and guide learning, combined with the investigative work of analyzing language patterns and cultural meanings.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $81,260 | $101,750 | $127,940 | 150 |
| Delaware | $94,590 | $101,100 | $125,070 | 70 |
| California | $64,680 | $99,860 | $166,400 | 2,170 |
| Massachusetts | $81,480 | $98,750 | $127,190 | 960 |
| Maine | $62,030 | $96,970 | $131,250 | 70 |
| New York | $74,910 | $95,120 | $126,790 | 1,520 |
| Oregon | $76,170 | $91,670 | $124,910 | 510 |
| Maryland | $64,260 | $87,280 | $106,640 | 280 |
| Nevada | $68,920 | $84,980 | $89,940 | 90 |
| Michigan | $66,030 | $83,190 | $104,000 | 500 |
| Illinois | $64,780 | $81,530 | $99,650 | 690 |
| South Dakota | $67,220 | $81,080 | $88,390 | 40 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- National Board Certification - Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood - World Languages — National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
- Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) — Defense Language Institute
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-1124.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.