English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary Salary
In District of Columbia, english language and literature teachers, postsecondaries earn $82,300 at the median. The range runs from $63K at the entry level to $138K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $75,588 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,146/month, about 41.5% of take-home, which is tight.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across District of Columbia. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $82K get you in District of Columbia?
About english language and literature teachers, postsecondaries
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What this looks like in District of Columbia
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary pay in District of Columbia tracks closely to the national median, $82K locally vs. $79K nationwide, a 4% difference. The catch: housing math doesn't keep up. A 2-bedroom at the HUD median rents for $2,146/month, which is 41.5% of the median worker's take-home, past the 30% guideline most planners use. Cost-of-living overall is 9% above the national average (BEA RPP 108.88), so groceries and services cost more too. Use the affordability calculator above to model your specific situation.
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, District of Columbia
Entry-level english language and literature teachers, postsecondaries (10th percentile) start around $63K. Mid-career wages sit at $82K. Top earners bring in $138K or more, a $76K spread from bottom to top.
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary by metro in District of Columbia
1 metro area with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | $82K | -0% | 1,030 |
Compare to other states
Track english language and literature teachers, postsecondary salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
Can a english language and literature teachers, postsecondary afford a 2BR apartment alone in District of Columbia?
It’s a stretch — at the median salary of $82K, rent takes 41.5% of take-home pay. A 2-bedroom at the HUD Fair Market Rent runs $2,146/month. The 30% guideline puts the comfortable ceiling at roughly $1,600/month in rent — so roommates or a 1-bedroom would ease the math significantly.
What’s the entry-level salary for english language and literature teachers, postsecondaries in District of Columbia?
The 10th-percentile wage — what new english language and literature teachers, postsecondaries typically earn — is $63K/year. Take-home on that works out to about $3,755/month. At HUD’s $2,146/month FMR, rent would take 57% of that take-home — above the 30% guideline, so a 1-bedroom or shared housing is likely necessary starting out.
Is english language and literature teachers, postsecondary a high-paying job in District of Columbia?
Pay here is roughly in line with the national average — $82K locally vs. $79K nationally, a 4% difference.
How does District of Columbia compare to the national average for english language and literature teachers, postsecondaries?
District of Columbia pays $82K median vs. the U.S. average of $79K — that’s +4%. After adjusting for local cost of living (RPP 108.88), the purchasing-power equivalent is $76K — below the national median.
How much do english language and literature teachers, postsecondaries make in District of Columbia?
The median is $82,300 a year. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $62,590, and experienced english language and literature teachers, postsecondaries can clear $138,270. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $82K enough to live in District of Columbia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,177/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,146/month, which eats 41.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a english language and literature teachers, postsecondary salary go in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median english language and literature teachers, postsecondary salary is worth about $75,588 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do english language and literature teachers, postsecondaries get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.