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Film Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Film - Production

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Film and Television Production Program in the School of Cinematic Arts is hiring part-time instructors with educational, teaching, and professional experience in cinema production for all phases ...

Harper College

CE Instructor- Writing

Palatine, IL · On-site

... film writing, among others. The ideal candidate will be adept at clearly explaining concepts and ... The instructor will collaborate with colleagues to enhance instructional quality and student ...

Harper College

CE Instructor- Writing

Palatine, IL

... film writing, among others. The ideal candidate will be adept at clearly explaining concepts and ... The instructor will collaborate with colleagues to enhance instructional quality and student ...

Harper College

CE Instructor- Writing

Palatine, IL · On-site

... film writing, among others. The ideal candidate will be adept at clearly explaining concepts and ... The instructor will collaborate with colleagues to enhance instructional quality and student ...

Cloudberry

Foreign Language Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

We developed fun and unique Pre-Travel Program, Cooking Immersion Program, Film & Culture Workshops ... language instructors and interpreters are also frequently required in different locations.

Harper College

CE Instructor- Writing

Palatine, IL · On-site

... film writing, among others. The ideal candidate will be adept at clearly explaining concepts and techniques to students of varying ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. A strong dedication to ...

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Directing

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Film and Television Directing Program in the School of Cinematic Arts is hiring part-time instructors with educational, teaching and professional experience in film or television directing such ...

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Film Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$33

$59

How much do film instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for film instructor in Chicago, IL is $33.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.25 and $35.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Film Instructor vs Film Director?

AspectFilm InstructorFilm Director
Required CredentialsFilm or education-related degrees, teaching certifications often preferredFilm experience, strong portfolio, sometimes film school background
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, workshops, educational institutionsFilm sets, production locations, studios
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, film schools, community programsFilm studios, production companies, independent projects
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

While both roles involve film, a Film Instructor primarily teaches filmmaking techniques and theory in educational settings, whereas a Film Director is responsible for overseeing the creative aspects of film production on set. The roles differ in work environment, credentials, and industry focus, but both are essential in the filmmaking industry.

What is a Film Instructor?

A Film Instructor is an educator who teaches courses related to film studies, filmmaking, or film production. They may work at high schools, colleges, universities, or private institutions and cover topics such as film history, theory, screenwriting, directing, editing, and cinematography. Film Instructors help students understand the artistic, technical, and cultural aspects of cinema, often combining lectures with hands-on projects. Their goal is to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills in aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts.

What are some common challenges Film Instructors face when balancing curriculum requirements with fostering creativity in students?

Film Instructors often need to strike a balance between teaching technical skills and encouraging creative exploration. While curriculum standards ensure students learn essential concepts like editing, cinematography, and storytelling structure, instructors must also create space for students to experiment and find their unique voice. This can be challenging, especially with diverse skill levels and limited class time. Effective instructors frequently integrate hands-on projects and collaborative assignments, allowing students to apply theory in creative ways while still meeting educational objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Film Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Film Instructor, you need a strong background in film theory, production techniques, and a relevant degree in film studies or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro), camera equipment, and possibly teaching credentials are typically required. Excellent communication, creativity, and the ability to inspire and mentor students are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, foster student engagement, and prepare students for success in the film industry.
What are popular job titles related to Film Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Film Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Film Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Film Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Film Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Film Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,718 per year, or $33.5 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty in Film - Production

Adjunct Faculty in Film - Production

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the central business district of Chicago. Our students represent many different experiences, perspectives, and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and the college will work with selected individuals to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed, however the college does its best to give ample notice about available courses. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.
The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs incluuding Film and Television, Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, and Screenwriting on the Loop campus and at DePaul Cinespace Studios. Find out more about SCA at https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/School-of-Cinematic-Arts.aspx.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in the discipline, or 18 semester/27 quarter hours of graduate work in the discipline, or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years demonstrated relevant professional experience. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the dean.
Graduate degree in film or cinema, and professional credits on distributed or broadcasted work, or significant film festival or contest screenings or awards are preferred.
Application Instructions
The Film and Television Production Program in the School of Cinematic Arts is hiring part-time instructors with educational, teaching, and professional experience in cinema production for all phases of the filmmaking process, including pre-production, production, and post-production. Applicants in screenwriting, sound design, post production, directing, or television are encouraged to apply to those specific searches.
This posting applies to
  • Film
  • Cinema
  • Filmmaking
  • Film Production
  • Film Studies
  • Film Producing
  • Cinematography

Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

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