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Adjunct Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$89.24/hr

When no review date is listed for an Adjunct Instructor position, the position is open until filled. Your application will not be considered until all required documents have been received. Service

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Adjunct Instructor information

See California salary details

$18

$39

$72

How much do adjunct instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for adjunct instructor in California is $39.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $56.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become an adjunct instructor?

To become an adjunct instructor, typically you need a relevant master's degree or higher in the subject area and professional experience. Many institutions also require a teaching certification or prior teaching experience, and candidates often apply through the college or university's hiring portal. Flexibility in scheduling and strong communication skills are also beneficial.

What do adjunct professors get paid?

Adjunct instructors are typically paid per course or credit hour, with salaries ranging from approximately $1,500 to $3,000 per course, depending on the institution and subject area. Pay rates can vary based on experience, education level, and geographic location, and adjuncts often work part-time with no benefits.

What is an Adjunct Instructor?

An Adjunct Instructor is a part-time faculty member at a college or university who teaches courses but is not on the tenure track. They are typically hired on a contractual basis, often for a single semester or academic year, and may teach one or more classes. Adjunct Instructors often have other primary careers outside of academia and bring practical, real-world experience to their teaching. Their responsibilities usually focus on classroom instruction, grading, and providing support to students, rather than research or administrative duties.

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

AspectAdjunct InstructorPart-Time Lecturer
CredentialsMaster's degree or higher, teaching experience often preferredMaster's degree or higher, teaching experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentColleges and universities, primarily classroom-basedColleges and universities, primarily classroom-based
Employer & Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in higher education institutionsUsed interchangeably in higher education institutions
Workload & CompensationPart-time, per-course pay, limited benefitsPart-time, per-course pay, limited benefits

Both Adjunct Instructors and Part-Time Lecturers typically hold similar credentials and work in higher education settings on a part-time basis. They often perform similar teaching duties with limited benefits, making the terms largely interchangeable depending on the institution's terminology.

Are adjunct professors in demand?

Adjunct instructor positions are generally in demand due to ongoing needs for part-time faculty in higher education institutions. Demand can vary by region and subject area, with growth driven by increasing student enrollment and budget constraints leading institutions to hire more adjuncts to supplement full-time faculty. Strong teaching skills and relevant subject expertise are important for securing these roles.

What Is an Adjunct Instructor?

The job of an adjunct instructor is to teach college students. Unlike an assistant professor, who is typically in a tenure-track faculty position, an adjunct instructor is a non exempt worker who works on contract with limited benefits. It is common for an adjunct instructor to work part-time or at multiple universities in a quarter or semester. Their other responsibilities include grading daily and weekly assignments, administering exams, and providing students with academic advising.

Can you make money as an adjunct professor?

Adjunct instructors typically earn part-time wages that vary by institution, subject, and location, often paid per course or credit hour. While some adjuncts can supplement their income through multiple courses or additional teaching opportunities, their pay generally is lower than full-time faculty positions and may not provide a full living wage without additional employment. Experience, credentials, and the institution's budget influence earning potential for adjunct instructors.

What are some common challenges faced by Adjunct Instructors and how can they be managed?

Adjunct Instructors often balance teaching with other professional or personal commitments, which can make time management a key challenge. They may also have limited access to campus resources or professional development opportunities compared to full-time faculty. Building strong communication with department chairs and fellow instructors, seeking out available institutional support, and leveraging online teaching tools can help manage these challenges and enhance the teaching experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Adjunct Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adjunct Instructor, you typically need subject-matter expertise, a relevant advanced degree (often a master's or doctorate), and prior teaching or industry experience. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard, as well as online teaching tools, is commonly required. Strong communication, organization, and adaptability are essential soft skills for engaging diverse students and managing multiple responsibilities. These skills ensure effective instruction, foster student success, and support the dynamic needs of academic institutions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Adjunct Instructor jobs in California? The most popular types of Adjunct Instructor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Adjunct Instructor jobs? Cities in California with the most Adjunct Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Adjunct Instructor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,135 per year, or $40 per hour.
Adjunct Instructor Consultant

Adjunct Instructor Consultant

Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc

Woodland Hills, CA • On-site

$2.2K - $2.5K/yr

Temporary

Posted 29 days ago


Tarzana Treatment Centers rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Position Title: Adjunct Instructor

Department/Unit: PDD/TTCC

Reports To: Dean of Academics


POSITION SUMMARY

The TTCC Adjunct Instructor provides high-quality instructional services to students enrolled at Tarzana Treatment Centers College (TTCC). Serving in a consultant capacity, the Adjunct Instructor delivers instruction for assigned courses, using approved course materials and instructional resources, and supports students’ academic progress in accordance with approved curricula, institutional policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.

The Adjunct Instructor uses curricula and course materials developed and overseen by the Academic Supervisor and TTCC. As a primary point of instructional contact for students, Adjunct Instructors present course content, facilitate learning activities, engage students in coursework, and provide timely instructional feedback. They serve a critical first-line role in monitoring student participation, comprehension, and academic progress, and are responsible for promptly identifying and communicating the need for academic review, intervention, or support services when student issues arise.

The TTCC Adjunct Instructor supports students’ academic program by providing instructional guidance and feedback to assist with successful completion of coursework and assignments in collaboration with the Academic Supervisor and Academic Support Specialist, as appropriate. By fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, the Adjunct Instructor enhances student success, retention, and preparation for entry-level roles in behavioral healthcare and related workforce settings.

CATEGORIES OF DUTIES

  1. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student attendance and grades, ensuring compliance with institutional policies.
  2. Submit finalized course syllabi to the Academic Supervisor prior to the commencement of the course term and introduce the syllabi to students before the course begins.
  3. Schedule and hold in-person and/or online office hours, as appropriate, to provide instructional support related to course content and academic requirements.
  4. Communicate regularly with students and respond to student correspondence within 24 hours to foster effective instructional engagement.
  5. Participate in professional development meetings to remain current with instructional methods, workforce standards, and course delivery expectations.
  6. Maintain and deliver assigned course content within the Learning Management System (LMS) in accordance with approved curricula, syllabi, and instructional guidelines.
  7. Submit grades in the gradebook within seven (7) days of assignment due dates to ensure timely feedback for students.
  8. Conduct live course orientations and closeout sessions to provide instructional context and reinforce course expectations for students.
  9. Maintain fairness and integrity in the student evaluation process and participate, as needed, in the resolution of grade disputes or academic concerns in coordination with the Academic Supervisor.
  10. Serve as the first point of instructional observation by monitoring student attendance, participation, engagement, and academic performance, and promptly communicate academic concerns or recommended interventions to the Academic Supervisor and appropriate support staff.
  11. Collaborate with academic and administrative staff to ensure cohesive and effective program delivery.
  12. Support and contribute to the initiatives, efforts, policies, and procedures of TTCC and Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC), ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience or equivalent education, training, and professional experience in the subject area being taught, consistent with BPPE requirements for non-degree institutions. Experience in student instruction, academic support, advising, or related roles within an educational institution preferred. Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students. Knowledge of instructional methods, student support resources, and strategies to promote student success.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, psychology, or related behavioral health or healthcare field.

SETTING

Tarzana Treatment Centers College (TTCC) is the academic and workforce learning and development division of Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. (TTC), one of the largest providers of integrated healthcare in California. TTC provides high quality, cost-effective substance use disorder (SUD), mental health, HIV/AIDS, primary medical care and housing services to adults and youth. TTC operates a psychiatric hospital, residential and outpatient treatment centers and primary medical care clinics. All facilities are licensed and certified by the State of California and the County of Los Angeles and are accredited by The Joint Commission. TTC expands overall access to health services in the community while improving the overall quality of care provided to patients. TTC is commitment to leadership, patient advocacy, and innovation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

TTCC is organized under Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. a nonprofit organization which does not discriminate as to race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation and disability in its hiring practices.

ADA REQUIREMENT

TTCC and Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Discrimination is prohibited in all aspects of employment against disabled persons, who, with reasonable accommodations, can perform the essential functions of a job.


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