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Adjunct Engineering Professor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Adjunct Engineering Professor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29

$69

$81

How much do adjunct engineering professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for adjunct engineering professor in Chicago, IL is $69.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68.85 and $72.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an adjunct engineering professor?

An Adjunct Engineering Professor is a part-time faculty member who teaches engineering courses at a college or university. Unlike full-time professors, adjuncts are usually hired on a contractual basis for specific courses or semesters. They may also work in industry or other fields in addition to teaching. Adjunct professors are responsible for delivering lectures, assessing student work, and contributing to the academic development of their students. Their real-world experience often enriches the learning environment for engineering students.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an adjunct engineering professor?

To thrive as an Adjunct Engineering Professor, you need advanced knowledge in your engineering discipline, typically supported by a master’s or doctoral degree and relevant industry or teaching experience. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard, as well as engineering software such as MATLAB or AutoCAD, is often required. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and mentorship abilities help engage students and foster a positive learning environment. These skills ensure effective teaching, student success, and the ability to bridge academic concepts with real-world engineering practices.

What are the typical challenges faced by an adjunct engineering professor balancing teaching with other professional commitments?

Adjunct Engineering Professors often juggle teaching responsibilities with other professional roles, such as industry positions or consulting work. This can make time management and workload balancing a challenge, especially during grading periods or when preparing new course materials. Additionally, adjuncts may need to adapt quickly to different institutional cultures and student needs, often with limited access to campus resources. Building relationships with full-time faculty and staying engaged with departmental initiatives can also require extra effort, but these connections are valuable for professional growth and networking.

What is the difference between Adjunct Engineering Professor vs Part-Time Engineering Instructor?

AspectAdjunct Engineering ProfessorPart-Time Engineering Instructor
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or doctoral degree in engineering or related fieldUsually requires a bachelor's degree; advanced degrees preferred
Work EnvironmentUniversity or college classrooms, labs, and lecture hallsCommunity colleges, technical schools, or training centers
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, academiaVocational schools, community colleges, technical institutes
Work FocusTeaching courses, research, academic responsibilitiesTeaching practical engineering courses, skill development

In summary, an Adjunct Engineering Professor typically holds advanced degrees and teaches at universities, focusing on academic instruction and research. A Part-Time Engineering Instructor often has a bachelor's degree and teaches practical engineering courses at technical or community colleges. Both roles involve teaching but differ mainly in educational level, credentials, and work environment.

Infographic showing various Adjunct Engineering Professor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $144,761 per year, or $69.6 per hour.

Industrial Electricity Adjunct Professor

Prairie State College

Chicago Heights, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Number Fac0445P Classification Adjunct Position Number Position Title Industrial Electricity Adjunct Professor Position Type Adjunct Faculty Status of Position Adjunct Faculty Union Adjunct Position Summary
Prairie State College seeks experienced adjunct faculty to teach electricity courses starting Fall 2026. Successful candidates will have a desire to engage a diverse student population in various levels of electrical studies.  Successful candidate will have flexible teaching schedule. Classes meet one day a week for eight or 16 weeks. Day classes meet 10:00 AM - 1:40 PM. Evening classes meet 6:00 PM - 9:40 PM.
 
Several courses available include: 
Fundamentals of Electricity 
Electronics and Digital Electronics
AC/DC Motors and Controls
Programmable Logic Controls (Siemens preferred)
 More information about these courses can be found on the Industrial Electricity website @ http://www.prairiestate.edu/industrialTech/industrialelectricity/index.html
Reporting Relationship Essential Responsibilities Other Duties and Responsibilities Working Conditions/Physical Requirements Minimum Qualifications
A.A. degree and four years relevant work experience.
Or Journeyperson and six years of relevant work experience
Preferred Qualifications Anticipated Work Hours and Days Salary Commiserate with PSC Adjunct scale Benefits
N/A
Posting Date 04/07/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
All applications must be submitted electronically.