by our College Data Analytics TeamHistory and Language/Literature (CIP 30.4501) is part of the Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies field of study, but no U.S. college reported history and language/literature graduates to IPEDS in the latest year. Its 13 related occupations pay an average median salary of $91,877 a year.
Studying History and Language/Literature covers A Program With A General Synthesis Of History And The Language And Literature Of One Or More Countries Or Regions Or A Specialization Which Draws From History And The Language And Literature Of One Or More Countries Or Regions. Includes Instruction In Historiography; Historical Research Methods; Linguistics; Literature, Philology; And Studies Of Specific Periods, Issues And Cultures.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
O*NET rates Speaking the most important skill for jobs related to history and language/literature, at 4.2 out of 5. The key knowledge areas are English Language, Education and Training and Law and Government. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Expression and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to history and language/literature, at 37.0%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 37.0% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 30.1% |
| Master’s degree | 20.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.5% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.2% |
| Some college courses | 1.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.2% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
13 occupations are related to History and Language/Literature, with an average median salary of $91,877; the strongest outlook belongs to Compliance Managers, at 13.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Associate Professor, Lecturer, College Professor and Professor.
The occupation related to history and language/literature with the most projected jobs is History Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,269,153.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| History Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,269,153 | 10.5% |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | 718,152 | 6.5% |
| Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 629,317 | 7.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Managers, All Other | 468,025 | 6.2% |
| Interpreters and Translators | 424,722 | 12.2% |
| Compliance Managers | 310,203 | 13.0% |
| Loss Prevention Managers | 265,210 | 2.2% |
The highest-paying occupation related to history and language/literature is Wind Energy Development Managers, with a median salary of $169,952.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $169,952 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | $122,567 |
| Compliance Managers | $117,178 |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | $99,321 |
| Managers, All Other | $95,684 |
| Historians | $89,780 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,927 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.