Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 11,430 area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondarys, and they earn a median of $84,290/year. The range runs from $51K to $165K. California pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondarys start around $51K. The gap between that and the median ($84K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $165K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| California | $113K | 1,030 |
| Vermont | $107K | 90 |
| Kansas | $103K | 90 |
| Rhode Island | $101K | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $100K | 610 |
| Connecticut | $99K | 240 |
| District of Columbia | $99K | 240 |
| New York | $97K | 1,740 |
| Illinois | $97K | 150 |
| Michigan | $96K | 370 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary make?▼
The median area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary salary in the United States is $84,290 per year ($0/hour). Entry-level positions start around $51,130, while experienced professionals earn up to $164,650.
What education do you need to become a area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondarys?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondarys.
What are the highest paying states for area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondarys?▼
The highest paying states for area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondarys are California ($113,070), Vermont ($107,220), Kansas ($102,800), Rhode Island ($100,680), Massachusetts ($99,630). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.