ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Professor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AMN Healthcare

Anesthesiologist

Stanford, CA · On-site

$412K - $478K/yr

The division is hiring at levels including clinical assistant professor, clinical associate ... Enjoy a competitive salary ($432,000+ for entry-level faculty), housing assistance, robust ...

AMN Healthcare, Inc.

Anesthesiologist

Stanford, CA

$412K - $478K/yr

The division is hiring at levels including clinical assistant professor, clinical associate ... Enjoy a competitive salary ($432,000+ for entry-level faculty), housing assistance, robust ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessor JobsEntry Level Professor JobsEntry Level Professor Jobs in California

Entry Level Professor information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$79K

$133.2K

How much do entry level professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level professor in California is $79,008.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $90,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a 30 year old be a college professor?

Yes, a 30-year-old can be a college professor if they have the necessary qualifications, such as a master's or doctoral degree in their field, along with relevant teaching or research experience. Age is not a limiting factor; academic institutions typically focus on credentials and expertise when hiring faculty members.

How to get your first professor job?

To secure an entry-level professor position, candidates typically need a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or doctorate, along with teaching experience or research credentials. Building a strong academic record, publishing research, and gaining teaching experience through assistantships or adjunct roles can improve prospects; applying through university job boards and networking within academic circles are also important steps.

What is an entry level professor called?

An entry-level professor is typically referred to as an assistant professor. This is the initial rank for faculty members who have completed their doctoral degree and are beginning their academic careers, often involving teaching, research, and service responsibilities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Professor vs Adjunct Professor?

AspectEntry Level ProfessorAdjunct Professor
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in relevant fieldMaster's or Doctorate, often part-time
Work EnvironmentFull-time, academic institutionPart-time, often contract-based
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, collegesUniversities, colleges, online platforms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Professors typically hold full-time positions with a focus on teaching and research, requiring a higher level of commitment. Adjunct Professors usually work part-time, often on a contractual basis, primarily focusing on teaching without research obligations. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in employment status and workload.

How do you become a professor with no experience?

To become an entry-level professor with no experience, candidates typically need at least a master's degree or a doctoral degree in the relevant field. Gaining teaching experience through assistantships, internships, or adjunct roles, along with developing research skills and publishing work, can improve prospects for securing a faculty position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Professor, you need a solid academic background in your subject area, often a Ph.D. or terminal degree, along with experience in teaching or research. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), online collaboration tools, and academic publishing platforms is typically required. Strong communication, organization, and mentorship skills help foster student engagement and collaboration with colleagues. These skills and qualifications are vital to effectively deliver curriculum, support student success, and contribute to academic scholarship.

What is an entry level professor?

An entry level professor is typically a faculty member at a college or university who is just beginning their academic teaching career. This position is often referred to as an Assistant Professor and usually requires a doctoral degree in the relevant field. Entry level professors are responsible for teaching undergraduate or graduate courses, conducting research, publishing scholarly work, and participating in departmental service. They may also mentor students and help develop academic programs. This role is usually the first step in the tenure-track pathway in academia.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level professors when transitioning from graduate studies to a faculty role?

Entry level professors often find the transition from graduate studies to a faculty position challenging due to balancing teaching, research, and service responsibilities. They may need to quickly develop effective course materials, manage larger classes, and adapt to diverse student needs. Additionally, establishing a research agenda while meeting publication and grant expectations can be demanding. Building relationships with colleagues and seeking mentorship within the department can help ease the transition and foster professional growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in California? The most popular types of Professor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Professor jobs in California? For Entry Level Professor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Professor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Professor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Professor jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Professor job openings:
Entry Level Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Professor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,008 per year, or $38 per hour.
Associate Professor of Law or Professor of Law

Associate Professor of Law or Professor of Law

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA • On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Pepperdine University rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law is seeking applications for both entry-level and lateral candidates to join our vibrant community. We invite candidates with research and teaching interests across all areas of law to apply, and have particular teaching needs in business law subjects (including contracts and business organizations); property subjects (including real property, IP and trusts and estates), and religious liberty. Additional subjects of interest include, but are not limited to, remedies, evidence, and ADR.
The School of Law is an ABA-accredited, AALS member law school located in Malibu, California. Pepperdine University is an independent Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ and committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and
leadership. Pepperdine's purpose is to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. The School of Law welcomes applications from people of all faiths. While students, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists.
Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.
Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.
For further information, please contact Professor Richard Cupp, Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee at lawfacapps@pepperdine.edu, or Professor Victoria Schwartz, Chair, Lateral Appointments Subcommittee, at lawlatapps@pepperdine.edu. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY ON INTERFOLIO.
The expected salary for this position is $150,000- $225,000 along with a competitive benefits package. The salary will depend on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years in the legal academy, training, budget availability, internal equity, and external market considerations.
Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University's reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.
Qualifications
J.D. or its equivalent; candidates' publication of strong scholarly writing(s) and some teaching experience preferred.
Application Instructions
To apply or further information, please contact Professor Richard Cupp, Chair, Faculty Committee at lawfacapps@pepperdine.edu, or Professor Victoria Schwartz, Chair, Lateral Appointments Subcommittee, at lawlatapps@pepperdine.edu. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY ON INTERFOLIO.

What Pepperdine University employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply