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Entry Level Professor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Professor information

See Minnesota salary details

$41.6K

$78.4K

$132.2K

How much do entry level professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level professor in Minnesota is $78,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,800.00 and $89,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 experience, research funding, and academic credentials such as a Ph.D. or terminal degree. Entry-level positions often involve teaching, research, and service responsibilities within higher education institutions.

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 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 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.

Can you be an entry level professor without any teaching experience?

Entry level professors typically need some teaching experience, such as graduate assistantships or teaching internships, to qualify for faculty positions. However, requirements vary by institution and discipline, and strong academic credentials or research experience can sometimes compensate for limited teaching background.

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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Professor jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Professor jobs in Minnesota? For Entry Level Professor jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Professor jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Professor job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Professor job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,409 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Assistant Professor (Acting and Directing)

Gustavus Adolphus College

Saint Peter, MN • On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Gustavus Adolphus College rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

258th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
Position Details: Gustavus Adolphus College invites applications for a tenure-track position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance to begin August 15, 2027.
Employment Type: Full-Time (1.0 FTE), Benefits-Eligible; Exempt (Salaried)
Prerequisites
RequiredQualifications:
  • Terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Acting, Directing, or appropriately related theatre discipline; we will consider candidates who will complete their degree by September 30, 2027
  • Evidence of a body of work as a professional actor and/or director
  • Evidence of teaching experience
  • Commitment to advising and mentoring undergraduate students

PreferredQualifications:
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching
  • Demonstrated commitment to supporting students from varied backgrounds and identities
  • A broad knowledge of acting and directing techniques
  • Evidence of post-secondary teaching experience

Things you will do:
Gustavus faculty teach, advise, conduct research, and serve the college and department.
  • Teach a 6-course equivalent each academic year. In their first year, the successful candidate will receive a reduced teaching assignment of five courses, plus one fully-compensated course release. Courses may be different sections of the same course within a semester. Primary teaching responsibilities will include Acting and Performance levels 1 through 3, World Theatre Analysis, and Directing 1, and contributions to general education. Direct one main stage production each semester. Directing assignments are factored into the faculty members teaching load and receive equivalent course releases.
  • Mentor students in performance and professional development, and advise students within the Theatre and Dance degree plans.
  • Help cultivate a welcoming community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We strive to foster an environment where people can be themselves, build community, learn, and grow.
  • Elevate your teaching by joining a teaching circle, participating in workshops, applying for an internal teaching development grant, and engaging in conversations about teaching with colleagues across campus.
  • Advance your scholarship by working with undergraduate research assistants, joining a writing retreat, applying for an internal grant, receiving travel funds to present at conferences, receiving help applying for external grants, and making use of our research facilities.
  • Develop professional skills by participating in faculty meetings and committees, attending faculty development days, and taking advantage of the College's membership to the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD).

How to apply:
Visit https://gustavus.edu/jobs/ and complete the online application. The documents that must be uploaded include the following:
  • Letter of application that addresses the required and preferred position qualifications
  • Curriculum vitae
  • A brief (one page) statement of teaching philosophy
  • A brief (one page) statement in which you describe how your activities in primary areas of responsibility (e.g., teaching, scholarship and creativity, service, and advising) help cultivate a welcoming community where every student feels a sense of belonging
  • Transcripts (scanned copies acceptable)
  • The names and contact information for three professional references (at least one must be able to address teaching experience and teaching effectiveness; please indicate the teaching reference in your letter of application). Please do not ask references to submit letters of recommendation; the committee will conduct reference checks by phone.

For full consideration, applications must be received by September 11, 2026. While applications may be accepted after this date, it is not guaranteed that they will be considered. At this time, please only upload the required documents listed above; finalists may be asked to submit additional materials as needed. Incomplete applications will not be considered by the search committee.
Things you'll like:
Based on data from AAUP (American Association of University Professors) and CUPA (College and University Professional Association), we offer a competitive entry-level starting salary range of $62,000 to $68,000 for a 9-month academic year. Appointment and starting salary will be fixed at the Assistant Professor level based on institutional budget and standard rank placement. In addition, Gustavus provides comprehensive benefits designed to support your personal and financial well-being, including:
  • Medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns
  • Access to mental health apps
  • Onsite health services
  • Free parking, exercise classes, use of library and athletic facilities
  • Paid parental leave (after one year of employment)
  • Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment)
  • Tuition scholarships for dependents
  • Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse

Institution Information: Gustavus Adolphus College is one of the nation's leading private liberal arts colleges serving 2,000 students, where faculty help equip students to lead purposeful lives and to act on the great challenges of our time. The College aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people. Gustavus is located on a scenic 340-acre hill in St. Peter, Minnesota, and within a short drive to the Minneapolis/Saint Paul and Mankato metro areas. Learn more at https://gustavus.edu/provost/newfaculty/ .
Gustavus Adolphus College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.
Department Information: The Theatre and Dance Department mission emphasizes the value of performance as a vital means of working for social justice and personal transformation. The Department mentors majors and non-majors alike in explorations of the many ways theatre and dance artists interpret and affect society. For more information about the department, its faculty, students, and courses, please see the department website at https://gustavus.edu/academics/departments/theatre-and-dance .
NOTE: Candidates will not be compensated for materials prepared as part of the interview process, and the College will not retain the materials for its own use.
Contact
Jared Land | jland@gustavus.edu | 507-933-7353
Posted: Fri Aug 7, 2026

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