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Design Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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.
More about Design Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for Design Professor jobs? Cities with the most Design Professor job openings:
What states have the most Design Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Design Professor jobs include:
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.
Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning Mary Irene DeShong Professor of Design and Health

Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning Mary Irene DeShong Professor of Design and Health

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 538 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Department of Urban and Environmental Planning (DUEP) and the University of Virginia School of Architecture seeks tenured candidates at the full professor level for the De Shong Professor of Design and Health and Director of the Center for Design and Health. This position will lead the school's teaching, research, and practice efforts that intersect the design disciplines and health practice and outcomes. With four departments-Architecture, Architectural History, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Environmental Planning-the school has established the Center for Design and Health to provide a university-wide connector for faculty who focus their research and practice on issues related to health and the built and natural environments. The Center for Design and Health (CDH) produces research that captures how the world shapes our health and wellbeing, how we experience place, and applies this knowledge to the design, planning, and experience of the built and natural environments.
Qualifications
Qualifications
• A Ph.D. in architecture, architectural history, landscape architecture, urban and environmental planning or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience and impact (e.g. conferences, publications).
• A clear research agenda advancing design and health scholarship and practice.
• Successful teaching experience in both survey and discipline-specific courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels and a commitment to student-driven research opportunities.
• Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative analytical skills that effectively assess impact and definable outcomes.
• Commitment to creating and advancing a culture of interdisciplinary learning and collaboration within a range of disciplines and individual backgrounds and experiences that represent diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Application Instructions
Please submit:
1. Cover letter, including a summary of research interests and accomplishments
2. Curriculum vitae, including contact information for (3) references noting professional relationship to each
3. Statement of research interests, goals, and impact
4. Statement of teaching philosophy and potential course offerings
5. Statement describing contributions and commitment to advancing representative cultures.
Application Deadline
Review of applicants will begin mid March, and the position will remain open until filled.
The selected applicant will be required to complete a background check.
For questions about the position, contact search chair, Professor Suzanne Moomaw, Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning (swm2x@virginia.edu).

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819