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Entry Level Professor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Professor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.8K

$82.5K

$139.1K

How much do entry level professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level professor in Chicago, IL is $82,470.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $94,300.00 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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Professor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Professor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Professor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Professor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Professor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Professor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Professor job openings:

Entry Level Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Professor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,470 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

School of Law, Assistant Professor of Law, Tenure Track

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Details
Job Title
School of Law, Assistant Professor of Law, Tenure Track
Position Title
School of Law, Assistant Professor of Law, Tenure Track
Position Number
Job Category
University Faculty
Job Type
Full-Time
FLSA Status
Exempt
Campus
Chicago-Water Tower Campus
Location Code
SCHOOL OF LAW (02700A)
Department Name
LAW LIBRARY
Is this split and/or fully grant funded?
No
Duties and Responsibilities
Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000
Benefits Information: https://www.luc.edu/hr/benefits/
Loyola University Chicago School of Law invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track, entry-level Assistant Professor of Law beginning around August 1, 2026. This position is open to scholars willing to teach torts, civil procedure, real estate, and courses related to public interest, among others. Ability and interest to teach in the hybrid format in our part-time/weekend JD division will also be considered as a part of the review process.
Applicants must present a JD with excellent academic credentials, evidence of outstanding scholarship or scholarship potential, and a devotion to teaching and mentoring students. Loyola University Chicago School of Law is dedicated as a faculty to contribute to a deeper understanding of law, legal institutions, and systems of oppression through a commitment to transformation, intersectionality, anti-subordination, and anti-racism in our teaching, research, scholarship, and public service. Both the University and the law school will prioritize candidates who demonstrate a commitment to this mission and to diversity, equity.
The responsibilities of the position will include:
  1. Scholarly research and publication;
  2. A standard teaching load per semester
  3. Service to the School of Law, University, and community;
  4. Participation in School of Law faculty governance and committee work;
  5. Active involvement in student mentoring and advising;
  6. Significant engagement with academic institutions and professional organizations, including frequent participation in local, regional, and national meetings and symposia.

Qualifications
The qualifications required for the position are:
  1. Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) from an accredited institution;
  2. Established publication record or potential for future publications;

Physical Demands
None
Working Conditions
None
Minimum Education and/or Work Experience
The qualifications required for the position are:
  1. Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) from an accredited institution;
  2. Established publication record or potential for future publications;

Open Date
08/29/2025
Close Date
Salary Range
$130,000 - $150,000
Additional Salary Information
This salary range is for a nine-month academic appointment. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on a range of factors including, but not limited to, the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree; training; field or discipline; budget availability; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs. Salaries higher than the published maximums may be offered in limited circumstances.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested candidates must submit materials to https://www.careers.luc.edu/postings/33787
Applicants should include:
  1. A cover letter of interest highlighting relevant experiences and accomplishments;
  2. A current Curriculum Vitae;
  3. A current research agenda;
  4. Names and contact information of three professional references; and
  5. Representative publication(s).

All applicants should also specifically address in their cover letter how they will contribute to the law school's mission statement, available at https://www.luc.edu/law/about/mission/index.cfm
For further inquiries, please contact Professor Neil Williams at nwillia@luc.edu.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Loyola University Chicago School of Law is a student-focused law center inspired by the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence, intellectual openness, and service to others. For more information on the law school and our mission, visit: https://www.luc.edu/law/about/mission/
As a Jesuit, Catholic institution of higher education, we seek candidates who will contribute to our strategic plan to deliver a Transformative Education in the Jesuit tradition. To learn more about Loyola University Chicago's mission, candidates should consult our website at www.luc.edu/mission/. For information about the university's focus on transformative education, they should consult our website at www.luc.edu/transformativeed.
About Loyola University Chicago
Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is one of the nation's largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, recognized for its academic excellence, commitment to community engagement, and leadership in sustainability. A Carnegie R1 research institution, Loyola leverages its status as one of an elite group of universities with the highest level of research activity to advance knowledge that serves communities and creates global impact. With 15 schools, colleges, and institutes-including Business, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences-Loyola operates three primary campuses in the greater Chicago area and one in Rome, Italy, that provide students a transformative, globally connected learning experience. Consistently ranked among the nation's top universities by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola is a STARS Gold-rated institution that is ranked as one of the country's most sustainable campuses by The Princeton Review and has earned distinctions from AmeriCorps and the Carnegie Foundation for its longstanding record of service and community engagement. Guided by its Jesuit mission and commitment to caring for the whole person, Loyola educates ethical leaders who think critically, act with purpose, and strive to create a more just and sustainable world.
Loyola University Chicago strives to be an employer of choice by offering its staff and faculty a wide array of affordable, comprehensive, and competitive benefits. To view our benefits in detail, click here.
Loyola adheres to all applicable federal, state, and/or local civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Please see the University's Nondiscrimination Policy.
Quick Link for Posting
https://www.careers.luc.edu/postings/33787
Job Number
8500344
Organizational Location
PROVOST

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