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$29

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$81

How much do adjunct professor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for adjunct 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 Does an Adjunct Professor Do?

An adjunct professor works for a college or university, teaching students about a particular subject. As an adjunct professor, you are a part-time instructor in your subject area. You may choose to work for multiple colleges or pursue a full-time career in your field to supplement your income or to gain more experience. Your job duties include developing curriculum, preparing lesson plans, teaching students in a classroom or online, evaluating student work, and posting grades. You may also assist with research in your chosen field, collaborating with full-time professors and research assistants. After working as an adjunct professor for several years, you may seek a full-time, tenure-track position.

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

To thrive as an Adjunct Professor, you generally need subject-matter expertise, a relevant advanced degree (often a master's or doctorate), and prior teaching experience. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Blackboard or Canvas), classroom technology, and assessment tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and organizational skills help adjuncts engage diverse students and manage multiple responsibilities. These skills are crucial for delivering effective instruction, supporting student success, and balancing the demands of part-time academic work.

How do adjunct professors typically balance teaching responsibilities with other professional commitments?

Adjunct professors often balance their teaching duties with other jobs, research projects, or professional pursuits, as they are usually hired on a part-time, per-course basis. This flexibility allows them to gain valuable teaching experience while maintaining careers outside academia, but it can also pose challenges in managing time and meeting the expectations of both roles. Effective communication with department staff, careful scheduling, and strong organizational skills are essential for success. Many adjuncts find that building relationships with full-time faculty and participating in departmental meetings helps them stay informed and integrated into the academic community.

What is an adjunct professor?

An adjunct professor is a part-time instructor at a college or university who is not on the tenure track. They are usually hired on a contractual basis to teach specific courses, often bringing real-world experience from their primary careers. Adjunct professors typically have less job security and fewer benefits than full-time faculty, but their flexible roles allow institutions to offer a wider variety of classes. Many adjuncts also engage in research or professional work outside of teaching.

Is it worth it to become an adjunct professor?

Becoming an adjunct professor offers flexible teaching opportunities and the chance to share expertise, but it often comes with lower pay, limited benefits, and job security compared to full-time faculty roles. Many adjuncts supplement income through other employment or develop specialized skills to enhance their marketability. Evaluating personal career goals and financial needs is important when considering this position.

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

AspectAdjunct ProfessorPart-Time Lecturer
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in relevant fieldMaster's or Doctorate, depending on institution
Work EnvironmentColleges and universities, primarily in academic settingsColleges, universities, or training programs, often in classroom settings
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, used interchangeably with Part-Time Lecturer in some regionsHigher education institutions, often synonymous with Adjunct Professor in practice

Both Adjunct Professors and Part-Time Lecturers typically hold advanced degrees and teach on a part-time basis at colleges or universities. While the titles are often used interchangeably, 'Adjunct Professor' may carry a slightly more formal academic connotation, whereas 'Part-Time Lecturer' emphasizes the teaching role without the professorial title. Both roles are essential for supporting higher education instruction without full-time commitments.

More about Adjunct Professor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Adjunct Professor jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Adjunct Professor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
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What job categories do people searching Adjunct Professor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Adjunct Professor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Adjunct Professor jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Adjunct Professor job openings:
Adjunct Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Adjunct Professor job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,761 per year, or $69.6 per hour.
Adjunct Professor, English as a Second Language

Adjunct Professor, English as a Second Language

Prairie State College

Chicago Heights, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number
Fac0448P
Classification
Adjunct
Position Number
Position Title
Adjunct Professor, English as a Second Language
Position Type
Adjunct Faculty
Status of Position
Adjunct Faculty
Union
Adjunct
Position Summary
Prairie State College seeks adjunct faculty to teach English as a Second Language in Fall 2026.
Successful candidates will have experience teaching adult English language learners and a heart for working with the area's immigrant population.
Candidates will also demonstrate knowledge of methods for teaching essential language skills to adult students from a variety of educational and language backgrounds.
Twelve-week semester positions are available for morning and evening classes on campus, beginning 9/1/26.
Classes meet twice per week.
Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday
9:30am-12:45pm or 6:30-9:45 pm.
Reporting Relationship
Essential Responsibilities
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
  • MA in TESOL or applied linguistics, or an MA in a related field plus a TEFL/TESL certificate.
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to use technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Preferred Qualifications
  • .Experience teaching ESL in adult education programs

  • ICCB ESL Standards Proficient Training

  • Online teaching certification

Anticipated Work Hours and Days
Salary
Commiserate with PSC Adjunct scale
Benefits
N/A
Posting Date
05/05/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
All applications must be submitted electronically.

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