1

Contract Professor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Teaching Professor positions are eligible for promotion to Associate and Full rank with 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year contracts, respectively, but are non-tenure eligible. Minimum ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Professor information

See California salary details

$57.2K

$113.3K

$186.5K

How much do contract professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract professor in California is $113,289.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,300.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract professor?

Contract professors are academic instructors hired by colleges or universities on a contractual basis, typically for a fixed term such as one semester or academic year. Unlike tenured or tenure-track faculty, contract professors usually do not have permanent employment or the same level of job security and benefits. Their primary responsibilities often include teaching courses, advising students, and sometimes conducting research, but their roles and expectations can vary widely between institutions. Contract professors may also be referred to as adjuncts, lecturers, or visiting professors, depending on the institution. This arrangement allows schools to bring in specialized expertise or adjust staffing based on enrollment needs.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract professors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract professors often juggle multiple courses across different departments or institutions, which can lead to time management challenges and limited access to campus resources. Establishing clear communication with department administrators and fellow faculty helps in staying informed about institutional expectations and available support. Proactively scheduling office hours, leveraging digital tools for course management, and building a supportive network among peers can greatly ease workload pressures and foster a sense of community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Professor, you generally need an advanced degree in your discipline (often a Ph.D. or at least a master's), substantial subject expertise, and experience in teaching or academic research. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), digital teaching tools, and sometimes certification in pedagogy or online instruction is typically expected. Excellent communication, adaptability, and organizational skills set standout candidates apart, enabling them to connect with diverse learners and manage varied course loads. These skills are crucial for delivering quality education, fostering student engagement, and meeting the demands of multiple courses or institutions under limited-term contracts.

What is the difference between Contract Professor vs Adjunct Professor?

AspectContract ProfessorAdjunct Professor
CredentialsTypically requires a terminal degree in the fieldUsually requires at least a master's degree; terminal degree preferred
Work EnvironmentFull or part-time, often with longer-term contractsPart-time, often semester-by-semester basis
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly in universities and colleges for specialized coursesCommon in higher education for adjunct teaching roles

Contract Professors and Adjunct Professors both teach in higher education institutions and often hold similar credentials. The main difference lies in contract length and employment stability, with Contract Professors typically having longer-term or renewable contracts, while Adjunct Professors usually work on a semester basis. Both roles are essential for delivering specialized courses in universities and colleges.

Is there a demand for contract professors?

Contract professors are in demand at many educational institutions, especially for specialized courses or temporary needs. The demand varies by discipline, institution, and region, with growth driven by the need for flexible teaching staff and adjunct faculty roles. Strong teaching skills and relevant subject expertise are essential for securing these positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Professor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Professor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Professor job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Professor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,289 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

$53.83/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Photography, Part -Time Professor at Hartnell Community College Share on X Print Application Deadline Until Filled Date Posted 5/28/2026 Contact Human Resources (831) 755-6706 Number of Openings 1 Salary Single Rate 53.83 Per Hour Length of Work Year Unspecified Employment Type Part Time About the Employer Hartnell College is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in California. Founded in 1920 as Salinas Junior College, the school was renamed Hartnell College in 1948, and the Hartnell Community College District was established the following year. The College is preparing to join with its students, employees, alums and the greater community to celebrate its Centennial, beginning in Fall 2019

Hartnell moved into a new building on its current 54-acre site, at 411 Central Ave. in Salinas in 1936. The Main Campus is located in Monterey County, just a 25-minute drive from the scenic Monterey Peninsula and the Monterey Regional Airport.

Its Alisal Campus in east Salinas, opened in 2014, houses its Agricultural Business and Technology Institute, its Sustainable Design and Construction Center, a diesel program, an automotive technology program and its computer science program. Hartnell also holds classes at its education center in King City, opened in 2002, and at numerous off-campus locations in north and south Monterey County. Thanks to a $167 million local bond measure - known as Measure T - approved by district voters in 2016, it is preparing to expand that facility and open new centers in Soledad and Castroville, as well as a new state-of-the-art building for its nursing and allied health programs on the Main Campus.

Along with renovation of two classroom buildings and new landscaping, also on the Main Campus, those projects are scheduled for completion by 2021. The College serves the Salinas Valley, a fertile agricultural region some 10 miles wide and 100 miles long, as well as part of southern San Benito County. It draws most of its annual enrollment of 17,000 students from Salinas and the communities of Bradley, Castroville, Chualar, Gonzales, Greenfield, Jolon, King City, Lockwood, Moss Landing, San Ardo, San Lucas and Soledad.

Students also come from Monterey Peninsula communities and elsewhere in California's Central Coast, as well as from other states and countries. All are drawn Hartnell's academic excellence and focus on the success of students in its four-year transfer, nursing and technical programs, as well as a proud tradition in intercollegiate athletics, with 12 men's and women's teams. Job Description / Essential Elements: Print Photography, Part -Time Professor Hartnell Community College Salary: $53.83 Hourly Job Type: Part-Time Professor Job Number: 202300103 Location: District-wide Department: Social & Behavioral Sciences, Fine Arts Closing: Description PHOTOGRAPHY, PART-TIME PROFESSOR Hartnell College is currently is seeking to build a pool of instructors for future part-time teaching assignments

Examples of Duties REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Participate in program and curriculum review and development, if desired; Post and maintain office hours for student consultations, if applicable per the HCFA contract; Participate in student recruitment and articulation programs, if applicable; Participate in faculty recruitment and peer evaluation; Participate in assignments and activities that support accreditation, institutional planning, and institutional effectiveness; Participate in college governance, including serving on various committees; Participate in local, state, regional, and national professional activities and organizations; Supports partnerships and collaborative projects with 4-year institutions and industry employers to support student access to internships, summer bridge activities, and career exploration opportunities, if applicable; Attend faculty meetings, college assemblies, professional development and orientation activities, and other meetings as called by the dean, vice president, superintendent/president, or designee. Utilize the results of student learning outcomes assessment to make improvements in teaching and learning KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Ability to develop curriculum, including curriculum delivered via various instructional modalities; Ability to participate in recruitment and articulation activities with local schools, colleges, and universities; Ability to develop Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and to determine their effectiveness in helping students achieve their desired learning outcomes. Supplemental Information MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Master's degree in photography, fine arts, or art OR bachelor's in any of the above AND master's in art history or humanities OR The equivalent.

NOTE: If you do not meet the minimum qualifications as stated, please review the https://www.hartnell.edu/hr/equivalency.html. The Equivalency Committeewill consideronlythose applicants who formally requestequivalency consideration by submitting thehttps://www.hartnell.edu/hr/statement_of_minimum_qualifiactions.pdf https://get.adobe.com/reader/ with their application. Be sure to attach detailed evidence, such as unofficial transcripts and/or other certifications that support the equivalency

Application Procedure The following documents MUST be uploaded as attachments to your online application: 1) Resume2) Cover letter3) Unofficial College/university transcripts All coursework must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Note: Transcripts for degrees earned outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an evaluation from an approved NACES service verifying that the degree is equivalent to the U.S

degree. Fostering a Culture of Care Caring Campus, developed by the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC), is dedicated to creating a culture of care within community colleges. IEBC's Caring Campus program aims to increase student retention and success.

We understand that when students feel connected to their college, they are more likely to succeed academically. At Hartnell College, we embrace the https://www.hartnell.edu/hr/caring-campus.html culture. By implementing intentional, campus-wide behavioral commitments, we enhance our existing student success initiatives and create an environment where care and support are integral

Join us on this journey of fostering a caring environment where students thrive. Together, we can transform Hartnell College into a place where care and success go hand in hand, empowering our students to reach their full potential. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Criteria: In order to be considered for a faculty position at Hartnell College, applicants must satisfy the following criteria.

Include specific examples that support each of your responses. Incomplete entries will not be forwarded into the application pool. Faculty Applicant Criteria: In order to be considered, candidates must be able to satisfy the following five criteria: Demonstrate experience working with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and other historically underrepresented and underserved populations leading to student success and excellence in higher education.

Demonstrate an understanding of systemic barriers faced by BIPOC and other historically underrepresented and underserved populations and experience with implementing strategies that can be used to close equity gaps for students. Demonstrate a commitment to empowering students in their development of self-efficacy and a sense of belonging with the goal of helping students thrive and reach their fullest potential. Demonstrate a commitment to fostering cultural humility within the classroom by incorporating the cultural strengths of BIPOC students in your teaching pedagogy.

Demonstrate your experience using an equity-minded framework through service activities on campus and/or in the local community.EEO Statement: Hartnell Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, language, accent, immigration status, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and physical or mental disability consistent with applicable federal and state laws. To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/7186440 jeid-07cb4c59a3685d42a52a604b3fe72d80 Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved

https://www.jobelephant.com/ Requirements / Qualifications For more information on Requirements/Qualifications, please contact the employer. Comments and Other Information For more information on Comments and Other Information, please contact the employer. CalSTRS Links Not all postings qualify for CalSTRS

Informational Only. CalSTRS Info for New Educators ADD TO WISHLIST VIEW JOB WISHLIST APPLY (Current Employees ONLY) APPLY QUICK APPLY