1

Associate Professor Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Professor information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$40.8K

$96K

$133.6K

How much do associate professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate professor in Decatur, AL is $96,024.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,100.00 and $118,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Professors when balancing research, teaching, and service responsibilities?

Associate Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including conducting research, teaching courses, mentoring students, and participating in departmental or university service. Balancing these can be challenging, especially when research expectations remain high while teaching loads and committee work increase after promotion. Successful Associate Professors typically develop strong time-management skills, collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, and seek mentorship or support from their academic community. Proactive planning and clear communication with department leadership can also help manage these competing demands.

What is the difference between Associate Professor vs Assistant Professor?

AspectAssociate ProfessorAssistant Professor
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent), significant research and teaching experienceDoctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent), typically early in academic career
Work EnvironmentUniversity faculty, involved in teaching, research, and serviceUniversity faculty, primarily focused on teaching and beginning research
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research universitiesHigher education institutions, research universities

In summary, an Associate Professor is a more senior academic role with extensive research and teaching experience, while an Assistant Professor is an entry-level faculty position focused on developing research and teaching skills.

What is the job of an associate professor?

An associate professor is a faculty member at a college or university who has typically achieved tenure and has responsibilities that include teaching courses, conducting research, publishing scholarly work, and participating in departmental and institutional service. They often supervise students and may take on administrative roles within their department.

How to get a job as an associate professor?

To become an associate professor, candidates typically need a doctoral degree in their field, a strong record of research and publications, and teaching experience. The process involves applying for open positions, undergoing interviews, and often achieving tenure or a similar permanent appointment within an academic institution.

What are Associate Professors?

Associate Professors are mid-level faculty members at colleges and universities who have typically earned tenure and demonstrated significant achievements in teaching, research, and service. They rank above Assistant Professors but below full Professors. Associate Professors are responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, conducting research, publishing scholarly work, and contributing to their academic department and institution. Promotion to this rank usually requires several years of experience and a proven record of academic excellence.

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

To thrive as an Associate Professor, you need advanced subject matter expertise, a doctoral degree in your field, and a record of research and scholarly publication. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), academic databases, and research software is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and productive collegial relationships. These competencies are essential for effective teaching, impactful research, and meaningful contributions to academic communities.

What Is an Associate Professor?

An associate professor teaches at a college or university campus and ranks below a full professor. As an associate professor, you still perform the primary job duties of a full professor, such as interacting with students, grading classroom assignments, assisting students with study techniques, and developing lesson plans. You may also spend part of your career working on research projects and writing articles for academic journals.

What is the lowest rank of a professor?

The lowest academic rank of a professor is typically Assistant Professor. This is an entry-level faculty position requiring a doctoral degree and often involves teaching, research, and service responsibilities before promotion to higher ranks like Associate Professor and Full Professor.

What is the salary of an associate professor in the US?

The average salary of an associate professor in the US typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on the institution, location, and field of expertise. Factors such as experience, research output, and additional responsibilities can influence compensation.
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Associate Professor jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Associate Professor job openings:
Assistant / Associate Professor in Nutrition and Hospitality Management

Assistant / Associate Professor in Nutrition and Hospitality Management

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Normal, AL • On-site

$68K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Salary: $68,250.00 - $80,063.00 Annually
Location : Normal
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300023
Department: Family & Consumer Sciences
Opening Date: 11/13/2023
Description
Summary:
The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences in the area of Nutrition and Hospitality Management at the Alabama A&M University invites applications for a 9-month non-tenure-track Assistant professor position. The area of specialization is an academic doctorate (Ph.D.) in Dietetics, Nutrition, Food Service, Hospitality Management or closely related discipline from an accredited institution. The individual selected for this position will provide course instruction, mentor students, serve on committees, and participate in other appropriate internal activities that contribute to the advancement of the department. The successful candidate will be expected to focus on high-quality course delivery and student learning, engagement methods and experience in experimental food serving labs is preferred. The usual teaching load for this position is four classes each fall semester and four classes each spring semester.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Nutrition and Hospitality Management
  • Engage in research and scholarly writing.
  • Assist with curriculum development.
  • Advise undergraduate students.
  • Serve on various university, college and departmental committees.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):
  • A doctoral degree in Nutrition and Hospitality Management or closely related area with a specialization in Nutrition and Hospitality Management
  • Background and experience in teaching and research in Nutrition and Hospitality Management is preferred.
  • Have experience in food experimental lab.

Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability to teach at the university level
  • Strong communications skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Engagement in outreach and community service with AAFCS and/or other FCS organizations

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
01
Do you have a doctoral degree in Nutrition and Hospitality Management or closely related area with a specialization in Nutrition and Hospitality Management?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have experience in food experimental lab?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question