As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Instructor - English in the United States is $61,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a College Instructor - English's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A College Instructor - English's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a College Instructor - English's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| College Instructor - English | 0-0 years | $61,437 |
| College Assistant Professor - English | 0-0 years | $69,298 |
| College Associate Professor - English | 0-0 years | $80,411 |
| College Professor - English | 0-0 years | $101,973 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract College Instructor - Englishes. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 11.66% |
| Microsoft Office | 2% |
| Law Enforcement | 1.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Team Management
|
$73,800 |
20%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$69,495 |
13%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$67,035 |
9%
|
|
Safety Standards
|
$64,575 |
5%
|
|
Programming
|
$63,960 |
4%
|
|
Coaching
|
$63,960 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Instructor - Englishes enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a College Instructor - English with a Bachelor's Degree is between $48,612 and $55,430).
College Instructor - English Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 0.4% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 23.4% |
| Masters | 68.1% |
| Doctorate | 6.8% |
Understanding how a College Instructor - English's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a College Instructor - English, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| College Assistant Professor - Architecture | $72,300 | 18% |
| College Assistant Professor - Biology | $71,100 | 16% |
| College Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering | $96,100 | 56% |
| College Assistant Professor - Civil Engineering | $90,300 | 47% |
Salaries for a College Instructor - English can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,867 in 2023 to around $53,962 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of College Instructor - English salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest paying jobs for English majors include roles such as Lawyer, Technical Writer, and Corporate Communications Director. While salaries can vary, College Instructors in English typically earn between $43,500 and $73,500, with a median salary of $52,900. Other lucrative positions may offer even higher compensation depending on experience and specialization.
The highest salary for a College Instructor in English is $73,500. Salaries can vary significantly based on location and experience, with many instructors earning between $43,500 and $52,900. In some countries, such as the UAE and Japan, English teachers can also earn competitive salaries, but they may not reach the maximum for college instructors.
An English PhD typically earns between $43,500 and $73,500, with a median salary of around $52,900. This is significantly higher than the stipends offered by some institutions, such as the University of Southern California at $34,000 and Southern Methodist University at $32,160.
Yes, an English teacher can teach in America, provided they obtain a work visa. The requirements and costs vary by nationality. A J1 visa allows qualified foreign teachers to work in public and private K-12 schools for up to 3 years. Salaries for college instructors in English range from $43,500 to $73,500, with a median salary of $52,900.
Many four-year colleges and universities typically require a doctorate to qualify for an adjunct professor role. However, two-year community colleges often accept candidates with a master's degree. Salaries for college instructors in English range from $43,500 to $73,500, with a median salary of $52,900, depending on qualifications and experience.
Generally, some of the higher-paying states for ESL teachers include New York, California, and Massachusetts. The salary range for college instructors in English typically falls between $43,500 and $73,500, with a median salary of around $52,900. This range reflects the competitive compensation for ESL educators in these states.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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