Foreign Language and Literature Teacher Salary in 2026
How Much Do Foreign Language and Literature Teachers Make?
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers earn a median annual salary of $77,010 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $47,090 at the 10th percentile to $134,960 at the 90th percentile — a range of $87,870. The highest-paying state is Connecticut at $106,430.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,090 |
| 25th percentile | $59,790 |
| Median (50th) | $77,010 |
| 75th percentile | $101,680 |
| 90th percentile | $134,960 |
Foreign Language and Literature Teacher Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticuttop | $106,430 |
| California | $106,330 |
| Massachusetts | $95,730 |
| New York | $94,280 |
| Rhode Island | $88,340 |
| Oregon | $83,870 |
| District of Columbia | $81,620 |
| Nevada | $81,550 |
| New Hampshire | $80,880 |
| Maryland | $79,860 |
| Michigan | $79,830 |
| Montana | $78,770 |
| New Jersey | $78,340 |
| Minnesota | $78,280 |
| Texas | $77,340 |
| Illinois | $77,100 |
| Iowa | $76,270 |
| Pennsylvania | $75,980 |
| Washington | $75,890 |
| New Mexico | $72,670 |
| South Carolina | $70,460 |
| Kentucky | $70,150 |
| Colorado | $68,610 |
| Arizona | $68,350 |
| South Dakota | $67,940 |
| Wisconsin | $67,320 |
| Indiana | $66,920 |
| Missouri | $66,450 |
| Alabama | $65,810 |
| Utah | $65,040 |
| Tennessee | $64,570 |
| Georgia | $64,420 |
| Arkansas | $63,460 |
| Virginia | $63,450 |
| Kansas | $63,230 |
| Florida | $63,160 |
| West Virginia | $63,090 |
| Delaware | $63,010 |
| Oklahoma | $61,520 |
| Ohio | $61,460 |
| North Carolina | $60,760 |
| Nebraska | $60,570 |
| Mississippi | $52,320 |
| Idaho | $50,520 |
| Alaska | $46,320 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers
Foreign 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) | ~$47,090 – $59,790 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$77,010 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$101,680 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $134,960+ |
How to Earn More as a Foreign Language and Literature Teacher
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Foreign Language and Literature Teachers in Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA earn $185,030 — $108,020 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 ($101,680) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Foreign Language and Literature Teacher Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Foreign Language and Literature Teacherthis career | $77,010 |
| Anthropology and Archeology Teacher | $95,770 |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teacher | $84,290 |
| Geography Teacher | $86,730 |
| Political Science Teacher | $94,680 |
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SOC: 25-1124.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.