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$42.3K

$99.6K

$138.5K

How much do associate professor jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate professor in Raleigh, NC is $99,566.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 is the lowest rank of a professor?

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

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.

More about Associate Professor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Professor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Professor jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Associate Professor jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Professor jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Professor jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Associate Professor jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Associate Professor job openings:
Associate Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Professor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 49% Physical, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,566 per year, or $47.9 per hour.
Applied AI/ML - Open Rank - Assistant/Associate/Professor

Applied AI/ML - Open Rank - Assistant/Associate/Professor

NCSU

Raleigh, NC

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

381st of 529 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194345EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Applied AI/ML - Open Rank - Assistant/Associate/Professor Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with education and experience Work Schedule Monday - Friday Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering About the Department
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) is among the largest and most prominent in the nation. The department offers Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in both Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Aerospace Engineering (AE). The department also offers accelerated BS/MS degrees in both programs.
Current research specialization in MAE includes dynamic systems and controls, vibrations, biomechanics, design optimization, smart materials and structures, precision engineering, MEMS and NEMS, advanced manufacturing, aerodynamics, UAV flight research, materials, renewable energy, combustion, hypersonics, propulsion, space exploration systems, and computational fluid dynamics.
The MAE department currently boasts 49 tenure-track faculty, seven non-tenure track faculty, and 24 staff. The faculty is highly recognized with 13 National Science Foundation CAREER Award recipients, six ASME Fellows, seven AIAA Fellows, 20 members in the NC State Academy of Outstanding Teachers, and eight named professors.
The MAE Department has an enrollment of over 1,450 undergraduates and 420 graduate students, and has conferred over 6,000 degrees since 2000. The department is housed in Engineering Building III, a four-story, 250,000-square foot facility built in 2010. An annex houses wind tunnels, an anechoic chamber, internal combustion engine dynamometers, and additional research labs. NC State's location on Centennial Campus, combined with its proximity to the Research Triangle Park and neighboring universities, provides extensive opportunities for academic and industrial interaction and collaboration.
The mission of the MAE department is to be a flagship engineering department that benefits all people of North Carolina and the global society by making a profound impact on current and emerging science and technologies; fostering exemplary, synergistic multidisciplinary research and education programs in close partnership with industry and government; providing the environment for innovative professional and scholarly development; and graduating highly skilled, ethical engineers who will thrive in a rapidly changing world and be future leaders in technology and society.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at NC State University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the College of Engineering. We seek innovative scholars whose work advances the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in mechanical and/or aerospace engineering, and who are eager to contribute to a thriving, research-intensive community.
Key Research Areas of Interest Include (but are not limited to):
  • AI/ML-based autonomy and control systems
  • Physical reservoir computing and embodied intelligence
  • Digital twinning using AI/ML, including physics-informed and multi-modal approaches
  • Novel experimental techniques leveraging AI/ML
  • AI/ML-enabled state awareness and system diagnostics
  • AI/ML-driven design methodologies
  • AI-enabled autonomous manufacturing systems

Research Expectations:
  • A strong interest in developing an active, externally-sponsored research program
  • The potential to produce innovative, high-impact research that is internationally recognized
  • The ability to work independently and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, both within NC State and with external partners

Teaching Responsibilities:
  • Delivering effective instruction at both undergraduate and graduate levels
  • Supervising student research across academic levels
  • Contributing to curriculum development in areas related to AI/ML in engineering
Other Responsibilities
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Applicants are expected to have a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or other closely related fields.
Other Required Qualifications
n/a
Preferred Qualifications
Applicants with expertise in applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in mechanical and/or aerospace engineering
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
n/a
Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 11/17/2025 Anticipated Close Date Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include the following documents as a part of your application:
  • Cover Letter
  • Contact Information for References
  • Research Statement
  • Teaching Statement
  • Resume/CV
Position Details
Position Number 00111714 Position Type Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 9 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 140901 - Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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