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Associate Professor Jobs in Ruston, LA (NOW HIRING)

Associate Professor information

See Ruston, LA salary details

$35.1K

$82.7K

$115K

How much do associate professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate professor in Ruston, LA is $82,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,800.00 and $101,700.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Ruston, LA? The most popular types of Professor jobs in Ruston, LA are:
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What job categories do people searching Associate Professor jobs in Ruston, LA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Professor jobs in Ruston, LA are:
What cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for Associate Professor jobs? Cities near Ruston, LA with the most Associate Professor job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Professor job openings in Ruston, LA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,685 per year, or $39.8 per hour.
Assistant/Associate Professor of Public Administration

Assistant/Associate Professor of Public Administration

Grambling State University

Grambling, LA โ€ข On-site

$56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Salary : $56,000.00 Annually
Location : Grambling
Job Type: Full-Tme Faculty
Job Number: 202200417
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: COAS- Public Administration
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: 10/2/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Summary
Teach courses in the Department and to conduct scholarly studies that contribute to the enhancement of the Department. Assist the Department Head in curriculum reviews and in maintaining viable major programs. Assist the University in the intellectual, and ethical growth and development of students who study in the Department.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Work with staff and faculty in the department in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University and the University of Louisiana System
  • Participate in the departmental programs to achieve the goals and mission of the University
  • Teach and maintain scholarly contributions to his/her discipline
  • Help maintain minimum number of majors to insure the continuation of all programs in the department
  • Contribute to create an environment in the department which fosters excellent teaching and outstanding research
  • Attend University and College faculty meetings, convocations, commencements, and official functions of the University
  • Complete all other tasks that may me assigned by the Head, Dean or by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
  • Ensure continuing of the program

Qualifications
Minimum:
  • A Ph.D in Public Administration and at least three (3) years of teaching experience a the University level
  • Experience and achievement to warrant a faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor/Associate Professor
  • A record of scholarly contributions and effective interpersonal, organizational and communication skills (written and oral)
  • A commitment to the educational achievement of students in the field
  • A history of achievement in teaching, a positive role model to inspire students and a desire to achieve excellence

Supplemental Information
Applications without the following will not be considered complete.
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Transcript(s) if applicable
  • Curriculum Vitae if applicable
Review of applications will begin July 16th, 2026, and continue until position is filled.
State As a Model Employer
We offer a complete benefits package to eligible employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, short- term disablity, holidays, annual, and sick leave.
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Do you have a Ph.D. in Public Administration and at least three (3) years of teaching experience at the University level?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question