English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary in California
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary in California earn a median of $130,490 a year, based on BLS data for 5,460 workers.
Pay ranges from $62,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $216,190 for the top 10%. That is 66% higher than the national median of $78,760. California ranks 1st of 49 states for english language and literature teachers, postsecondary pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.30 english language and literature teachers, postsecondary per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $134,950, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for english language and literature teachers, postsecondary in California
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $62,360 |
| 25th percentile | $95,900 |
| Median | $130,490 |
| 75th percentile | $167,640 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $216,190 |
| Average (mean) | $134,950 |
Half of english language and literature teachers, postsecondary earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $10,874.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,437.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,018.85 |
| Weekly | $2,509.42 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because english language and literature teachers, postsecondary are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $130,490 salary, see how much house you can afford in California at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $165,090 | 610 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $160,050 | 480 |
| Fresno, CA | $137,730 | 200 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $132,500 | 500 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $132,230 | 50 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $128,810 | 2,150 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $128,160 | 370 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $107,770 | 290 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $99,850 | 100 |
Highest-paying states for english language and literature teachers, postsecondary
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $130,490 |
| New Hampshire | $98,650 |
| Connecticut | $97,310 |
| Delaware | $97,100 |
| Oregon | $91,870 |
| Michigan | $90,240 |
| Vermont | $86,870 |
| Nevada | $85,830 |
| New York | $84,850 |
| Maine | $84,290 |
See English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $100,690 | — |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $165,110 | — |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $76,630 | $36.84 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,410 | — |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | $119,540 | — |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,960 | — |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $128,470 | — |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $107,340 | — |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $130,680 | — |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $129,150 | — |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $135,000 | — |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $111,850 | — |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | $132,920 | — |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,280 | — |
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-1123. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a english language and literature teachers, postsecondary make in California?
The median salary for english language and literature teachers, postsecondary in California is $130,490 a year. Pay ranges from $62,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $216,190 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid english language and literature teachers, postsecondary make in California?
The top 10% of english language and literature teachers, postsecondary in California earn at least $216,190 a year. The top 25% earn $167,640 or more.
What is the starting pay for english language and literature teachers, postsecondary in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $62,360 a year, and a quarter of english language and literature teachers, postsecondary earn $95,900 or less.
How many english language and literature teachers, postsecondary work in California?
About 5,460 english language and literature teachers, postsecondary are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.