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Entry Level Professor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

University of Memphis

Assistant Professor

Memphis, TN · On-site

We welcome entry-level or junior lateral candidates seeking tenure-track or teaching-professor status and interested in a variety of areas, including Legal Methods, Civil Procedure, business and ...

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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 Sep 2, 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 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 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, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,661 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Assistant Professor

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

University Of Memphis rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

We welcome entry-level or junior lateral candidates seeking tenure-track or teaching-professor status and interested in a variety of areas, including Legal Methods, Civil Procedure, business and commercial law, and more. 

Please direct any questions to Professor John M. Newman, Chair of he Faculty Recruitment Committee, at John.Newman@memphis.edu.

The University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor's degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master's degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.

This position requires a Juris Doctor (J.D.).

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

The successful candidate will provide high quality instruction, pursue excellence in research, scholarship, creative activity, and contribute to meaningful service to the university. Contribute to the missions of teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity, and public service.

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