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Design Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Details Title Professor of Urban Design School Harvard Graduate School of Design Department/Area Urban Planning and Design Position Description The Department of Urban Planning and Design at ...

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Design Professor information

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$19K

$75.6K

$162K

How much do design professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for design professor in the United States is $75,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $92,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Design Professor job?

A Design Professor is an educator who teaches design principles, techniques, and industry practices at a college or university. They may specialize in areas like graphic design, industrial design, fashion design, or digital media. Their responsibilities include developing curriculum, mentoring students, conducting research, and staying updated on design trends. Many Design Professors have professional experience in the design industry, which they incorporate into their teaching.

How to become a design professor?

To become a design professor, typically a candidate needs a master's or doctoral degree in design or a related field, along with a strong portfolio and teaching experience. Academic positions often require research, publications, and proficiency with design tools and methodologies. Gaining experience through industry work or teaching assistant roles can also be beneficial.

What professors are in demand?

Design professors in demand typically have expertise in areas such as graphic design, user experience, and digital media, often requiring a master's or doctoral degree and proficiency with design software like Adobe Creative Suite. Institutions seek candidates with strong teaching skills, industry experience, and a portfolio demonstrating innovative work, especially in emerging fields like interaction design and visual communication.

What does a typical week look like for a Design Professor?

A typical week for a Design Professor involves a mix of classroom teaching, curriculum development, student consultations, and administrative duties. Professors prepare and deliver lectures or studio classes, critique student work, and provide mentorship during office hours. Collaborative projects with colleagues or industry professionals, attending faculty meetings, and participating in design research or exhibitions may also be part of the role. This dynamic schedule offers variety and opportunities to make a tangible impact on students' creative growth.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often in user experience (UX) design, industrial design, or creative director roles, with senior positions earning six-figure salaries. Specialized skills, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities typically contribute to higher compensation in these fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Design Professor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Professor, you need a strong background in design theory and practice, typically supported by an advanced degree in design or a related field, along with substantial professional or academic experience. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD tools, and learning management systems is commonly expected. Outstanding candidates also possess excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills to effectively guide and inspire students. These skills and qualifications are essential for educating the next generation of designers while maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving field.

What is the highest paid job in graphic design?

The highest paid roles in graphic design typically include creative directors and art directors, who oversee design teams and strategic projects. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, and they can earn six-figure salaries in large organizations or agencies.
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Infographic showing various Design Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,553 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Full-time

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Job description

As a sound design professor, you will join a team of experienced sound professionals whose contributions include credits on major films and TV shows like Reservoir Dogs , Die Hard , Two and a Half Men , Futurama , Ocean's Eleven , and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade . You will prepare talented students for creative careers through professional, positive, and engaging courses. Responsibilities include adherence to all duties and expectations outlined in the SCAD Faculty Handbook, which encompasses coursework preparation, syllabus design and approval, office hours, midterm grade reviews, and more. Among other responsibilities, you will provide students with extra help sessions, extended learning opportunities, and field trips outside of regular class hours. Additionally, you will maintain an active and engaged classroom and conduct course- and program-level assessments.
In this role, you will model professionalism, fulfill all grading and academic documentation requirements, and record attendance. You will assist with all academic assessment and institutional effectiveness efforts. Occasionally, you may support departmental and university-wide initiatives by attending both in-person and virtual events, such as faculty councils, admission activities, accreditation support, curriculum development, and exhibitions, among other duties. Professors must fulfill teaching assignments determined by contact hours as specified in the Employment Agreement.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Terminal degree in sound design or a relevant field
  • Academic and professional credentials to teach sound design
  • Two years of work experience in a related profession or post-secondary teaching experience

Travel required:
  • Less than 10%

Required application documents:
  • Current rรฉsumรฉ and/or CV
  • Cover letter
  • Portfolio or its equivalent
  • Unofficial academic transcripts

Work hours: As noted in the Employment Agreement.
ADA tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.