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Part Time Adjunct Professor Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Adjunct Professor information

See Needham, MA salary details

$30

$73

$85

How much do part time adjunct professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time adjunct professor in Needham, MA is $73.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72.79 and $76.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a part time adjunct professor?

A part time adjunct professor is a faculty member who teaches courses at a college or university on a contractual, non-tenure track basis, usually for a limited number of classes per semester. Unlike full-time professors, adjuncts typically do not have research or administrative responsibilities and may work at multiple institutions. Their positions are often temporary, and their primary role is to instruct students and develop course materials. Many adjunct professors are professionals in their fields, bringing real-world experience to the classroom. This role offers flexibility but usually comes with fewer benefits and lower pay compared to full-time faculty.

What does a part time adjunct professor do?

A part-time adjunct professor teaches at a college or university on a contract basis. These positions do not have a full professor workload, and contracts must be renewed every semester or year. Your responsibilities as a part-time adjunct professor are similar to those of a full-time professor; you outline a syllabus for each of your classes, conduct lesson plans, assess student performance, assign papers or projects, and administer and grade exams. Though you may publish articles and conduct research, it is not required for your position. Adjunct professors are non-tenure-track faculty members, though they may obtain a full-time, tenure-track position after teaching for several years.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a part time adjunct professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Adjunct Professor, you typically need a relevant advanced degree (often a master's or doctorate) and expertise in your subject area. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard) and online teaching tools is important for course delivery and student engagement. Excellent communication, time management, and adaptability help foster a positive learning environment and balance diverse responsibilities. These skills ensure effective teaching, student success, and the ability to meet institutional expectations in a flexible, part-time capacity.

How does a part time adjunct professor typically balance teaching responsibilities with other professional commitments?

Part-time adjunct professors often juggle multiple professional roles, such as teaching at different institutions or working in their field of expertise alongside their academic duties. To manage this, adjuncts must be highly organized, carefully planning their course preparation, grading, and student communication to fit within a flexible, often variable schedule. Many institutions offer resources such as shared office space and online platforms to facilitate remote work and collaboration with colleagues. Open communication with department heads and proactive time management are key strategies adjuncts use to handle these challenges while maintaining a positive classroom experience.

What is the difference between Part Time Adjunct Professor vs Part Time Lecturer?

AspectPart Time Adjunct ProfessorPart Time Lecturer
Required CredentialsMaster's degree or higher, often with teaching experienceMaster's degree, sometimes with less emphasis on research or credentials
Work EnvironmentCollege or university classrooms, often involved in curriculum developmentLecture-based teaching, often focused on delivering course content
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in higher education institutions, used for specialized or part-time teaching rolesCommon in colleges and universities, often interchangeable with adjunct roles

Part Time Adjunct Professors and Part Time Lecturers both teach in higher education settings and typically hold at least a master's degree. Adjunct Professors may be more involved in curriculum development and student engagement, while Lecturers focus mainly on delivering lectures. Both roles are part-time, contract-based, and serve to support academic programs.

Can you make money as a part time adjunct professor?

Part time adjunct professors typically earn hourly wages or per-course stipends, which can vary widely depending on the institution, subject, and location. While some adjuncts earn a supplementary income, the pay is often modest compared to full-time faculty salaries, and workload can include grading, office hours, and curriculum preparation.

How to get hired as a part time adjunct professor?

To become a part-time adjunct professor, candidates typically need a master's degree or higher in the relevant field, along with teaching experience or expertise. Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and transcripts to the hiring institution, and may need to undergo an interview or demonstration of teaching skills. Familiarity with academic policies and the ability to work flexible hours are also important factors in the hiring process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Adjunct Professor jobs in Needham, MA?

The most popular types of Adjunct Professor jobs in Needham, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Part Time Adjunct Professor jobs in Needham, MA?

For Part Time Adjunct Professor jobs in Needham, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Part Time Adjunct Professor jobs in Needham, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Part Time Adjunct Professor jobs in Needham, MA are:

What cities near Needham, MA are hiring for Part Time Adjunct Professor jobs?

Cities near Needham, MA with the most Part Time Adjunct Professor job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Adjunct Professor job openings in Needham, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,083 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

Online Adjunct Teaching Professor - Robotics Engineering

Worcester Polytech

Worcester, MA โ€ข On-site

$10K/mo

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE

Online Adjunct Teaching Professor - Robotics Engineering

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Graduate Studies - JM

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is seeking part-time adjunct faculty to teach online graduate courses in our Online Division of Graduate Studies. Of most importance are candidates with expertise in Computer Vision and Autonomous Vehicles. Positions will be filled on an as-needed basis. Start dates will vary by course and semester.

JOB DESCRIPTION

An Adjunct Teaching Professor will teach graduate courses in an online/asynchronous delivery method. All courses listed in the WPI online curriculum in Robotics Engineering are of interest, particularly Computer Vision and Autonomous Vehicles - https://www.wpi.edu/academics/online/study/robotics-engineering-ms. Applicants should specifically identify which courses would be the best fit for their expertise.

An ideal applicant will hold an advanced degree in Robotics Engineering or closely related discipline. Prior experience as an instructor or a teaching assistant at the college-level is required. Relevant industry experience is also valued. Responsibilities include teaching from an established course syllabus but with addition of personal expertise and experience; conducting office hours; grading the course assessments; providing students with timely feedback.

Candidate must reside in the United States.

Required Documents:

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume

Optional Documents:

  • Curriculum
  • Vitae
  • List of References
  • Teaching Statement/Philosophy

Compensation: $6,667 per two-credit course and $10,000 per three credit course. Compensation scaled if enrollment is below 12 students per course.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status,or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making.It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.