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Entry Level Adjunct Professor Jobs in California

Entry Level Adjunct Professor information

See California salary details

$27

$66

$77

How much do entry level adjunct professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level adjunct professor in California is $66.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65.96 and $69.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level adjunct professor do?

As an entry-level adjunct professor, your job is to teach a class of students at a college or university. Most adjunct professors focus on a single subject and collaborate with other faculty to ensure that all lessons meet the requirements of the school. As an entry-level instructor, you may work directly under the head of your department and take the classes assigned to you, which are normally lower-level classes for new students. You may fulfill other administrative tasks as needed. Most entry-level adjunct professors use this position to gain experience before transferring to a full-time position, so you could be in this job for as little as one year.

What should I expect in terms of mentorship and support as an entry level adjunct professor?

As an entry level adjunct professor, you can typically expect to receive some level of mentorship and support from full-time faculty or department chairs, particularly during your first semester. Many institutions offer orientation sessions, teaching resources, and peer observation opportunities to help you become familiar with academic policies and effective teaching methods. Collaboration with other adjuncts and access to faculty meetings can also provide valuable networking and professional development. However, the extent of mentorship varies by institution, so it’s helpful to inquire about available resources during the hiring process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level adjunct professor?

To thrive as an Entry Level Adjunct Professor, you generally need a relevant master's or doctoral degree, subject matter expertise, and experience in teaching or academic research. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard, as well as basic proficiency in classroom technology, is important. Strong communication, adaptability, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and manage diverse classes effectively. These abilities ensure effective instruction, student success, and a positive academic environment.

What is an entry level adjunct professor?

An entry level adjunct professor is a part-time, non-tenure-track faculty member who teaches courses at a college or university. Typically, adjunct professors are hired on a contract basis for one or more semesters and may not have the same responsibilities or benefits as full-time faculty. Entry level adjuncts often have a master's degree or higher in their field and may be beginning their teaching careers. They are responsible for preparing course materials, delivering lectures, and evaluating student performance. This role provides valuable teaching experience and can be a stepping stone to full-time academic positions.

Is it hard to get a job as an entry level adjunct professor?

Securing an entry level adjunct professor position can be competitive, often requiring a relevant master's degree or doctorate, teaching experience, and subject expertise. Job availability varies by institution and region, and candidates with strong academic credentials and teaching skills tend to have better prospects.

What qualifications do you need to be an entry level adjunct professor?

Entry level adjunct professors typically need at least a master's degree in the relevant subject area, with many institutions preferring a doctoral degree. Relevant teaching experience, strong communication skills, and familiarity with academic technology or online teaching platforms are also important qualifications.

What is the difference between Entry Level Adjunct Professor vs Part-Time Lecturer?

AspectEntry Level Adjunct ProfessorPart-Time Lecturer
Required CredentialsMaster's degree or higher in relevant fieldMaster's degree or higher in relevant field
Work EnvironmentColleges and universities, primarily classroom teachingColleges, universities, or online platforms, primarily classroom or online teaching
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, higher educationAcademic institutions, higher education
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Adjunct Professors and Part-Time Lecturers often share similar credentials and work environments, both serving in higher education institutions. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Adjunct Professor' is often used in academic contexts emphasizing faculty status, while 'Part-Time Lecturer' may refer to non-tenure-track teaching roles. Both roles typically involve teaching courses on a part-time basis, making them comparable in responsibilities and industry usage.

Can I become an entry level adjunct professor without teaching experience?

Entry level adjunct professors typically need at least a master's degree in the relevant field, but prior teaching experience is not always required. Strong subject knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to facilitate learning are important, and some institutions may offer training or mentorship for new hires without teaching backgrounds.
What are the most commonly searched types of Adjunct Professor jobs in California? The most popular types of Adjunct Professor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Adjunct Professor jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Adjunct Professor job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Adjunct Professor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $138,685 per year, or $66.7 per hour.

Nursing Clinical Faculty, Skills Lab - Adjunct

American Career College

Ontario, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Job description

At American Career College, we share a passion for students and transforming healthcare education! As a faculty member for a certified Great Place to Work, you will join a collaborative, student-centric culture valuing academic integrity, mutual respect, student learning, service, responsiveness, innovation, diversity, and stewardship.  As a part of this team, you will guide students to do more than change their own lives – you will help change the lives of every patient they care for throughout their career. At American Career College, you will have the opportunity to share your expertise and passion with the next generation of nurses.

You will make an impact by:   

  • Delivering class and/or clinical instruction according to an approved curriculum using accepted and effective teaching methods.
  • Supervising students while they work with patients or in the clinical setting, assessing their ability to effectively apply knowledge from the classroom, master necessary skills, communicate effectively, and plan patient care in the clinical environment.
  • Developing daily lesson plans; advising, remediating, and tutoring students; maintaining current and accurate attendance and grade records; remaining current in applicable program teaching field.
  • Participating in faculty meetings, professional growth activities in the respective field and two (2) in-service training sessions annually.
  • Participating in college activities such as in-services, faculty meetings, student functions, graduation exercises, open houses, new student orientations, and advisory board meetings.
  • Striving for student success by providing quality instruction that results in students’ achievement of academic goals and program requirements, retention of students, and preparation for entry-level positions in the healthcare field. 

Your Experience Includes: 

OPTION 1:

  • (must align with Education for OPTION 1 Below)- 2 years nursing experience as a RN or LVN within the last 5 years.

OPTION 2:

  • (must align with Education for OPTION 2 below)- 6 years nursing experience as LVN and RN combined or 6 years of either.

Education: 

OPTION 1:

  • Baccalaureate degree from accredited school recognized by DOE. Completion of a course or courses offered by an approved school with instruction in teaching.

     OR

  • CA teaching cert. Completion of a course or courses offered by an approved school with instruction in teaching.

OR

  • Completion of at least a minimum of (1) year FT teaching experience in a state accredited or approved registered nursing or vocational or practical nursing school within the last 5 years.

OPTION 2:

  • Meet community college or state university educational minimums (ADN) teaching requirements in CA.

Licenses/Certifications: 

  • Current active California license as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Current CPR Card.

Do you want a career that allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives? Discover what it means to truly believe in the work that you do at American Career College.


For more than 40 years American Career College has had the privilege of educating students seeking careers in healthcare—guiding them through their transformational journey from student to caregiver. Our associates are united behind that purpose and share a deep commitment to our values of teamwork, collegiality, transparency, and a student-centric approach to all we do. This focus creates an aligned, nimble, and consensus-driven culture that is solution-oriented and supports our associates’ professional growth.


American Career College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.


Campus: ACC Ontario Campus
Function: Faculty

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PandoLogic. Keywords: Adjunct Professor, Location: Ontario, CA - 91762