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Part Time Professor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Professor information

See Iowa salary details

$39.9K

$75.2K

$126.8K

How much do part time professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for part time professor in Iowa is $75,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,400.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Part Time Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Professor, you generally need an advanced degree in your field, subject matter expertise, and relevant teaching or industry experience. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), virtual classroom platforms, and digital grading tools is typically required. Strong communication, organization, and adaptability help foster student engagement and manage diverse classroom environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering effective instruction and supporting student success in a flexible, often varied academic schedule.

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

AspectPart Time ProfessorAdjunct Professor
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in relevant fieldMaster's or Doctorate in relevant field
Work EnvironmentTeaching at colleges or universities, often with some administrative dutiesTeaching courses on a contractual basis, usually at colleges or universities
Employment TypePart-time, often with ongoing or semester-based contractsPart-time, typically course-by-course or semester-by-semester basis
Usage in IndustryCommonly used in higher education institutionsWidely used in academia for course instruction without full-time employment

Both Part Time Professors and Adjunct Professors typically hold similar credentials and work in higher education. The main difference lies in terminology and contractual arrangements, with Part Time Professors often having a broader role that may include administrative tasks, while Adjunct Professors usually focus solely on teaching on a contractual basis.

Is it possible to be a part-time professor?

Yes, part-time professorships are common in higher education institutions and typically involve teaching a limited course load without full-time benefits. These positions often require relevant academic qualifications, teaching experience, and flexibility in scheduling, and they may be offered as adjunct or visiting roles.

Can you make money as an adjunct professor?

Adjunct professors are part-time faculty members who typically earn per course or credit hour, with salaries varying widely by institution and discipline. While they can generate income through multiple courses, their pay is generally lower than full-time faculty, and they often lack benefits. Many adjuncts supplement their income with additional teaching or related work in their field.

What are part time professors?

Part time professors, also known as adjunct professors, are educators who teach at colleges or universities on a contractual, non-full-time basis. They typically teach one or more courses per semester but are not considered permanent faculty members. Part time professors often have other professional commitments and may work at multiple institutions. Their primary responsibilities include preparing and delivering lectures, grading assignments, and holding office hours for students. While their roles are similar to full-time professors in the classroom, they usually have fewer administrative or research duties.

How does a part-time professor typically balance teaching responsibilities with other professional or academic commitments?

Part-time professors often juggle teaching with other roles such as research, consulting, or industry work. This requires strong time management skills and clear communication with department heads to coordinate class schedules and office hours. While the workload may be lighter than that of full-time faculty, part-time professors are expected to deliver the same quality instruction and student support. Collaboration with other faculty and participation in department meetings may be limited, but staying connected helps ensure alignment with curriculum standards and fosters a supportive teaching environment.

Is it worth being an adjunct professor?

Being an adjunct professor offers flexible scheduling and opportunities to teach in higher education, but it often comes with lower pay, limited benefits, and job security. Many adjuncts supplement their income through other employment or seek full-time faculty positions for stability.

Can you be a part-time lecturer?

Yes, a part-time professor or lecturer typically teaches courses on a limited schedule, often semester-based or hourly, and may not be required to hold a full-time position. They usually need relevant expertise, a master's degree or higher, and may be hired on a contractual basis to supplement full-time faculty or meet specific departmental needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Professor jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Part Time Professor jobs in Iowa? For Part Time Professor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Part Time Professor job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,195 per year, or $36.2 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Practice - Architecture

Assistant Professor of Practice - Architecture

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:
Assistant Professor of Practice - Architecture
Appointment Type:
Faculty
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Architecture, in the College of Design at Iowa State University (ISU), invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Practice to teach undergraduate level studio courses. This appointment for this position is anticipated to begin August 16, 2026, and the initial length of the appointment will be one semester (ending December 31, 2026). Additional teaching opportunities may be available based on departmental needs and the candidate's interests.
This is a part-time position.
The candidate will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the department's teaching mission. We're looking for individuals with strong communication skills who share our commitment to fostering excellence.
The Department of Architecture is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master of Architecture; OR Bachelor of Architecture and an MS in Architecture or a related field; OR Bachelor of Architecture and minimum of 2 years of architectural professional practice experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with industry standards and trends in Architecture
  • Certification or licensure in Architecture or a related field
  • Experience in developing curriculum and assessing student learning outcomes

Department/Program & College Description:
About the Department of Architecture
The Department of Architecture is a vibrant program in the College of Design at Iowa State University, along with Interior Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Art and Visual Culture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning and Development. The Department of Architecture is a NAAB accredited program that offers a Bachelor of Architecture (B ARCH), a Master of Architecture (M ARCH), a Master of Science in Architecture (MS), and an interdisciplinary double degree with the Department of Interior Design (MA-M ARCH). The department offers experiential learning in immersive study abroad programs, a professional internship program, many interdisciplinary opportunities, and strategic collaborations with other highly ranked colleges and departments.
Department Unit/Website:
For more information about our department's program, see: https://www.design.iastate.edu/academics/departments/department-of-architecture/
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Proposed Start Date:
August 16, 2026
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
December 31, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
09 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Part time
Application Instructions:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by July 1, 2026. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at http://jobs.iastate.edu to Job Requisition Number R19419.
The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:
1) Letter of application that briefly discusses how the candidate meets each of the preferred qualifications
2) Curriculum Vitae
3) Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information
4) Portfolio (up to 5MB) with professional or student projects
Direct questions to Mark Raymond, Chair, Department of Architecture, at mark01@iastate.edu.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date:
June 15, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19419
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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