In 1891, Primer joined the faculty of the University of Texas at Austin, where he served for more than 20 years. He first served as adjunct professor of Teutonic languages, eventually becoming an associate professor. He became chairman of the School of Romance language and in time, chair of a separate German department established at the university. There had been strong German immigration to the state during the mid- and late 19th century. Primer died at his home in Austin on August 13, 1912, survived by his wife and son.