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Entry Level Professor Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Professor information

See Colorado salary details

$44.7K

$84.2K

$142K

How much do entry level professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level professor in Colorado is $84,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,100.00 and $96,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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 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.

What does an entry level professor make?

An entry-level professor typically earns a salary ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on the institution, location, and field of expertise. Salaries may increase with additional qualifications, research responsibilities, and teaching experience, and often include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Professor jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Professor job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,181 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

OT Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor (non-tenure track) - Open Pool

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

463rd of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

## OT Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor (non-tenure track) - Open PoolApplyposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: January 1, 2027 (30+ days left to apply)job requisition id: R2026105806# Job Description ## Position SummaryThe Department of Occupational Therapy seeks applications throughout the year from individuals interested in obtaining temporary teaching positions with graduate classes. ## Salary Range$75,000 - $85,000 ## Full Consideration DateTo ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. (MT) on December 31, 2026.## Brief Description of Work UnitColorado State University is a Carnegie I research institution. The Occupational Therapy Department’s mission is to optimize human performance and participation in everyday occupations and contexts across the life span. The Department includes a PhD in Occupation and Rehabilitation Science and an entry level OTD. In addition to the academic unit, the Department comprises two outreach and research arms: the Assistive Technology Resource Center and the Center for Community Partnerships.## Essential Job Duties* Teaching and/or mentoring students in the OTD and PhD programs.* Planning and delivery of lecture/recitations.* Assessment of student work. ## Conditions of Employment* Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires).* The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States.## Supervision* No supervisory responsibility.## Preferred Qualifications* Experience teaching graduate or continuing education classes.* Licensed Occupational Therapist.## Application InstructionsTo apply, please upload a cover letter and resume/CV. Ensure that your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position.This is an open pool posting. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants may be contacted by individual faculty members if a suitable opportunity becomes available. This pool will expire on December 31, 2026. Applicants wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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