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How much do design professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for design professor in California is $73,984.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,513.00 and $90,089.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design professor?

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.

What does a design professor do?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Design Professor jobs in California?

For Design Professor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Professor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Professor jobs in California are:

Design Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Professor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,984 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Journalism Adjunct Professor - Graphic Production & Design

University of La Verne

La Verne, CA • On-site

$27.04/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

University Of La Verne rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Summary
Position Title Journalism Adjunct Professor - Graphic Production & Design Division Provost Major Department College of Arts and Sciences Department Communications Department Location La Verne Main Campus University Overview Diversity Statement
The University supports a diverse and inclusive environment where students recognize and benefit from the life experiences and viewpoints of other students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is an active and intentional practice that supports difference and multiplicity to expand knowledge, educate capable citizens, develop the whole person, and serve our local and global communities. Promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality and the creation of positive, respectful learning communities.
Job Description
The University of La Verne is a private not-for-profit university founded in 1891 located in La Verne, California. The core values that we live by are Ethical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning and Community and Civic Engagement.
If you're passionate about these values, join us at the University of La Verne!
The Journalism program in the Department of Communications at the University of La Verne (30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles) has an * immediate opening * for a part-time adjunct instructor/professor to teach Graphic Production Processes and Design for Publications in the Fall. The 16-week semester begins on August 22.
Course Description:
The course is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, and it will be taught live in person (or "hybrid" in person and online) or remotely if required by state or county mandates.
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of graphic design: composition, typography, color and branding systems. It will introduce them to software and project planning tools in order to learn how communicate visually.
Course Objectives:
To define components of visual communication.
To introduce the principles and practices of visual communication.
To plan and diagram all components of a visual communication project.
To explore the effective uses, applications and technical issues of media for effective
communication.
To introduce and utilize several software and hardware tools for visual communication.
To apply the skills and capabilities learned to create and present a coordinated, branded project.

Under the direction of the Program Chair:
  • Develop and Maintain Syllabus Materials: The adjunct professor is responsible for selecting and compiling tests, assignments and/or online discussion exercises.
  • Facilitate Class Instruction: The adjunct professor is responsible for teaching the assigned course in accordance with learning objectives and session plan outlines.
  • Evaluate Student Performance: The adjunct professor is expected to administer evaluations of student performance based on course deliverables and course rubrics. All course grades will be posted on the Blackboard Grade Center.
Required Qualifications
Master's in Fine Arts Degree
Experience in Graphic Design
Teaching in Higher Education Experience
Preferred Qualifications Benefits Summary
Below is a list of benefits and perks offered to Adjunct Faculty: 
* Benefit Hub (discount perks) 
* Free Parking 
* Adjunct Faculty Development Funds 
* Staff discounted lunches at the Spot 
* 10% off discount at the University of La Verne Bookstore and Graphics 
* Tuition Remission (Senior Adjuncts) 
* Contribution Retirement Plan (must meet hours) for Mandatory Voluntary Contribution at 
anytime 
* Medical (must meet hours) 
* Utilize services offered at CTL and the wellness center. 
Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.
Physical Demands Summary
Hiring Pay Rate
Hiring Salary Per Hiring Rank:
Adjunct Instructor (no terminal degree): $27.04
Adjunct Professor (with terminal degree): $28.08
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number AF074P Job Open Date 07/27/2020 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Please upload your resume, CV and transcripts.
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