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Entry Level Professor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Professor information

See Tennessee salary details

$38.6K

$72.7K

$122.5K

How much do entry level professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level professor in Tennessee is $72,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $83,000.00 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Professor jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Professor jobs in Tennessee? For Entry Level Professor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Professor jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Professor jobs in Tennessee are:
Entry Level Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Professor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,661 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Property and Real Estate Assistant or Associate Law Professor-UTK Winston College of Law-Fall 2027

The University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

University Of Tennessee, Knoxville rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

382nd of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE WINSTON COLLEGE OF LAW invites applications from both entry-level and lateral candidates at the assistant or associate professor level for one full-time, tenure-track faculty position to begin at the start of the 2027-28 academic year.
The College is interested in candidates with experience and scholarly aptitude in real estate and other dimensions of property law. Ideally, the successful candidate will teach property along with one or more courses in the real estate law area, including real estate finance, land use, or real estate transactions. Secondary interests include bankruptcy, secured transactions, intellectual property, business law, and related courses. Duties include maintaining a full (typically three-course) annual teaching load, engaging in and publishing scholarly research, and participating in law school and university governance and service.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold a J.D. or equivalent law degree by the time of appointment and have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. An impressive academic background and significant professional experience are desirable. The successful applicant will be appointed to a rank commensurate with their research, teaching, and service record. In particular, candidates for Assistant Professor should have a demonstrated potential to succeed as a junior faculty member at a state flagship campus such as The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Candidates for Associate Professor should have a demonstrated record of thoughtful and effective teaching, continued engagement in scholarship, and engagement in their professional community.
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted through Interfolio. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a CV, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, applications from entry-level candidates not participating in the AALS Faculty Appointments Register process (or those who are not in the first distribution) should be submitted by August 25, 2026. Lateral candidate applications should be submitted by September 1, 2026. For questions, please contact Professor Michelle Kwon, Chair of the Faculty Appointments Committee, at mkwon2@utk.edu.

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