Philosopher
Also known as: philosophy scholar, moralist, philosophy student, philosophers, philosophy expert
About this occupation
Philosophers study and argument over general and structural problems pertaining to society, humans and individuals. They have well-developed rational and argumentative abilities to engage in discussion related to existence, value systems, knowledge, or reality. They recur to logic in discussion which lead to levels of deepness and abstraction.
Essential skills and knowledge
- logic
- perform scientific research
- rhetoric
- use logical reasoning
- philosophical schools of thought
- morality
- apply scientific methods
- scientific research methodology
- ethics
- philosophy
- history of philosophy
- present arguments persuasively
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary (O*NET 25-1126.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students and the community on topics such as ethics, logic, and contemporary religious thought.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Investigative, Artistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Instructing, Writing, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$80,260 a year (2025), 20,460 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyExtremely important (4.8)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.6)
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyImportant (3.5)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.1)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- History Teachers, Postsecondary
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.