Philosophy and Religion Teachers
O*NET title: Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
Also called: Philosophy and Religion Teachers
Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Also called: Adjunct Faculty Member, Adjunct Instructor, Adjunct Philosophy Professor, Adjunct Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor
Median pay
$80,260
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$49,140 – $139,580
People employed
20,460
Holland code
SIA
Social · Investigative · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 2.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 3.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 6.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 7.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Philosophy and Religion Teachers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (42 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What philosophy and religion teachers do
- 01Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 02Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 03Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students and the community on topics such as ethics, logic, and contemporary religious thought.
- 04Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- 05Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 06Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- Philosophy and Theology
- English Language
- Education and Training
- History and Archeology
- Sociology and Anthropology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Cooperation
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from philosophy and religion teachers
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education81% · −10%
- Sociologists79% · +32%
- Instructional Coordinators78% · −4%
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education76% · −20%
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School75% · −7%
Change into philosophy and religion teachers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Clergy78% · $60,810
- Instructional Coordinators78% · $77,440
- Anthropologists and Archeologists76% · $70,770
- Marriage and Family Therapists76% · $66,940
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education76% · $64,370
Majors that lead here
- Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, General
- Philosophy
- Ethics
- Applied and Professional Ethics
- Philosophy, Other
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Buddhist Studies
- Christian Studies
- Hindu Studies
- Talmudic Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.