Expected Annual Pay (Texas)
$75,650
Average salary range
Job Title
Adjunct Professor / Instructor
Discover a rewarding career path dedicated to inspiring and educating the next generation of learners.
Job Outlook (Texas)
+9%
Employment growth
Level of Education Required
Minimum Master’s degree
Minimum requirement
Credentials or Licenses Required
Varies by college and field of study
Licenses / Certificates
Work Experience Typically Required
Typically, candidates have 5 or more years of relevant experience. A doctorate may be accepted in place of this experience.
Related experience needed
What is this role responsible for day to day?
As an adjunct professor, your day would focus on teaching college‑level courses, often on a part‑time or contract basis. You might work at a large university or a smaller community college. You typically support student learning while balancing flexible or variable schedules. You might:
- Teach one or more undergraduate or graduate courses
- Prepare lectures, assignments, and exams\
- Grade student work and provide feedback
- Hold office hours or meet with students as needed
- Follow department curriculum guidelines
- Coordinate with full‑time faculty or program staff
Career Snapshots
Explore different career paths within education and find the one that fits your passion
Alex
Alex started his career as a preschool teacher. She now teaches two evening courses as an adjunct while working full‑time as an instructional coach. She enjoys connecting real‑world experience to the courses she teaches.
Dr. Ahmed
Dr. Ahmed was a principal for several years and now works as an adjunct at a community college. She values the flexibility the role provides. She focuses on supporting adult learners returning to school.
Janie
Janie really wants to research how children best learn and development. She uses adjunct teaching as a pathway toward a full‑time research faculty role. She balances teaching while also working on her research interests and ongoing graduate study.
What are some skills or personal traits that people in this role typically have?
People in this role are adaptable, organized, and strong communicators. You are comfortable managing time independently and enjoy sharing expertise with adult learners.
What are some jobs that people had earlier in their careers?
People in this role often previously worked as:
People in this role often previously worked as:
- Classroom Educators
- Instructional Coordinators or Administrators
- Graduate Teaching Assistants
Often, adjunct faculty move into these positions after working in the field and attaining their master’s degrees.
What are some jobs that people in this role have later in their careers?
With experience, people in this role may move into:
With experience, people in this role may move into:
- Full‑Time Faculty Positions
- Program Coordination or Academic Leadership Roles
- Consulting, Training, or Curriculum Development Work