English Language and Literature Teacher Salary in 2026
How Much Do English Language and Literature Teachers Make?
English Language and Literature Teachers earn a median annual salary of $78,270 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $47,540 at the 10th percentile to $154,800 at the 90th percentile — a range of $107,260. The highest-paying state is California at $130,580.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,540 |
| 25th percentile | $59,780 |
| Median (50th) | $78,270 |
| 75th percentile | $103,730 |
| 90th percentile | $154,800 |
English Language and Literature Teacher Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $130,580 |
| New Jersey | $98,820 |
| New York | $96,940 |
| Connecticut | $87,570 |
| Michigan | $85,340 |
| Vermont | $83,350 |
| Oregon | $83,120 |
| Maine | $82,210 |
| Massachusetts | $82,030 |
| New Hampshire | $81,880 |
| Texas | $81,190 |
| Minnesota | $80,480 |
| Maryland | $80,060 |
| Alaska | $79,820 |
| District of Columbia | $79,360 |
| Nevada | $78,210 |
| Wisconsin | $77,480 |
| Washington | $77,010 |
| Rhode Island | $76,260 |
| Illinois | $76,120 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,960 |
| Virginia | $74,310 |
| Indiana | $73,630 |
| Iowa | $72,330 |
| Nebraska | $72,160 |
| Arizona | $68,370 |
| Missouri | $66,970 |
| New Mexico | $66,830 |
| Idaho | $65,840 |
| Colorado | $65,180 |
| Delaware | $64,690 |
| Florida | $64,580 |
| Ohio | $64,530 |
| Wyoming | $64,130 |
| South Carolina | $63,860 |
| West Virginia | $63,570 |
| Georgia | $63,200 |
| Montana | $63,000 |
| Utah | $62,780 |
| Kansas | $62,770 |
| Kentucky | $62,640 |
| North Carolina | $62,190 |
| South Dakota | $62,150 |
| Arkansas | $62,070 |
| Alabama | $61,990 |
| Mississippi | $61,920 |
| North Dakota | $61,820 |
| Tennessee | $61,820 |
| Louisiana | $57,850 |
| Oklahoma | $50,180 |
| Hawaii | $48,260 |
Highest-Paying Metros for English Language and Literature Teachers
English Language and Literature Teacher Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$47,540 – $59,780 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$78,270 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$103,730 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $154,800+ |
How to Earn More as an English Language and Literature Teacher
Location is the single biggest salary lever: English Language and Literature Teachers in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA earn $168,240 — $89,970 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($103,730) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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English Language and Literature Teacher Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| English Language and Literature Teacherthis career | $78,270 |
| Anthropology and Archeology Teacher | $95,770 |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teacher | $84,290 |
| Psychology Teacher | $80,330 |
| Sociology Teacher | $82,540 |
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SOC: 25-1123.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.