Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary
SOC Code: 25-1124
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary carries a 32% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $77,010 and -0.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 26,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary (SOC 25-1124) carries an AI exposure score of 32%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 26,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -0.2% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $77,010, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 2. Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- 3. Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 4. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 5. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as how to speak and write a foreign language and the cultural aspects of areas where a particular language is used.
- 6. Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in scholarly journals, books, or electronic media.
- 7. Keep abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional organizations and activities.
- 8. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- 9. Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- 10. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Instructing
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Foreign Language
- English Language
- Education and Training
- History and Archeology
- Philosophy and Theology
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Administrative
- Geography
- Fine Arts
- Computers and Electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary?
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary has an AI exposure score of 32%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary is projected to decline by 0.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 26,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary?
Key skills for Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary include Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary earn?
The median annual wage for Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary is $77,010, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary?
The typical entry-level education for Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary?
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).