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Philosophy Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Posting Details Posting Summary Posting Number S00535P Position Title Philosophy Instructor Position Type Adjunct Faculty Department Arts and Sciences Essential Function Directly responsible to the ...

PT Philosophy Instructor

Los Altos Hills, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.25/hr

PT Philosophy Instructor Foothill-De Anza Community College District Salary: See Position Description Job Type: Part-Time Faculty Job Number: PT05262 Location: District, CA Department: Temp Pool ...

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Philosophy Instructor information

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$42K

$87.9K

$123.5K

How much do philosophy instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for philosophy instructor in the United States is $87,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Philosophy Instructor do?

A Philosophy Instructor teaches courses in philosophy, which is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and ethics. They develop lesson plans, deliver lectures, lead classroom discussions, and assess student performance through exams, essays, and presentations. Philosophy Instructors also encourage critical thinking and help students analyze complex ideas logically. Many also conduct research, write academic papers, and participate in departmental activities.

What Does a Philosophy Instructor Do?

The job of a philosophy instructor is to teach lessons to students, often at a college or university. Common duties include creating and grading assignments. Other responsibilities of a philosophy instructor are to look for students in their classes that may need extra help. Some schools emphasize a particular approach to philosophy and may ask instructors to focus on specific schools of thought during lessons. The qualifications to become a philosophy instructor typically include a master's degree.

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

To thrive as a Philosophy Instructor, you typically need an advanced degree in philosophy (often a master's or Ph.D.), strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical theories and history. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard, and experience with digital research databases, is often expected. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and the ability to foster open dialogue are crucial soft skills for engaging students and promoting intellectual growth. These skills and qualities ensure effective teaching, stimulate thoughtful discussion, and support student success in complex subject matter.

What is the salary of a philosophy professor?

The salary of a philosophy professor varies depending on the institution, experience, and location, but typically ranges from $50,000 to over $150,000 annually. Professors with tenure and advanced degrees tend to earn higher salaries, and many also receive benefits such as research funding and sabbaticals.

What are the typical challenges a Philosophy Instructor faces when engaging students with complex philosophical concepts?

Philosophy Instructors often encounter the challenge of making abstract and complex philosophical theories accessible and engaging for students from diverse backgrounds. Encouraging critical thinking and open discussion, while ensuring that everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives, can require careful facilitation. Additionally, instructors may need to balance covering required curriculum with fostering deep, meaningful dialogue. Success in this role frequently depends on creativity in teaching methods and adaptability to different learning styles.

How do I become a philosophy teacher?

To become a philosophy instructor, typically a master's degree or Ph.D. in philosophy or a related field is required, along with strong critical thinking and communication skills. Teaching experience, familiarity with curriculum development, and sometimes certification or licensure are also beneficial, especially for K-12 education; higher education roles often require advanced degrees and research experience.

What is the difference between Philosophy Instructor vs Philosophy Professor?

AspectPhilosophy InstructorPhilosophy Professor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree or master's in philosophy; teaching certification often preferredDoctorate (Ph.D.) in philosophy; extensive research and publication experience
Work EnvironmentCommunity colleges, online platforms, or adult education programsUniversities and research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions offering undergraduate coursesHigher education institutions with research and teaching roles
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding teaching roles at different education levelsAcademic career progression and research focus

While both roles involve teaching philosophy, a Philosophy Instructor typically holds a bachelor's or master's degree and teaches at community colleges or online platforms. A Philosophy Professor usually has a Ph.D. and works at universities, engaging in research and higher-level instruction. The main difference lies in educational requirements, work environment, and career focus.

What is the highest paying philosophy job?

The highest paying philosophy-related jobs typically include roles such as ethicists, philosophy professors at prestigious universities, or corporate consultants specializing in ethics and compliance, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Senior academic positions, industry leadership roles, and consulting in specialized fields tend to offer the highest compensation for philosophy professionals.

Are philosophy teachers in demand?

The demand for philosophy teachers varies by region and educational level, with higher demand typically in colleges and universities that value critical thinking and humanities education. Employment opportunities depend on factors such as academic qualifications, experience, and institutional funding, with competition often high for tenure-track positions. Skills in research, curriculum development, and student engagement are important for success in this field.
What cities are hiring for Philosophy Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Philosophy Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Philosophy Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Philosophy Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Philosophy Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Philosophy Instructor jobs include:

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Title: Philosophy Instructor

Position Type: Instructor

College: Front Range Community College

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: FRCC Liberal Arts, Communication, & Design

Campus: Westminster Campus

Location: Westminster

Salary Range: Varies by course. Please see Additional Information below.

Who We Are:

With three campuses along Colorado’s Front Range, FRCC is the state’s largest community college. We enroll close to 28,000 students annually from our diverse service area, which offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities.

Each year approximately 5,000 FRCC students transfer to four-year universities and FRCC offers more than 36 career training programs that prepare students for immediate employment and rewarding careers. Last year, more than 5,000 high school students took concurrent enrollment classes with us, earning college credit without having to pay college tuition. And we were recently ranked as one of the “Top Online Colleges” in the country by Newsweek.

One of FRCC’s main goals is to offer educational excellence for everyone. The college’s strong commitment to student success means we start by creating an inclusive and equitable environment—one where both students and employees feel they belong and are supported. FRCC’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of our college conversations and decision-making processes. We are actively seeking to hire a workforce that reflects the diversity of our student body.

The college is also an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. For us, becoming an HSI is an intentional commitment to being a college where our Latinx (and other historically marginalized) students thrive.

FRCC employees and leaders work hard to create a culture of collaboration, innovation and pride. We’re looking to hire people who share these values—along with our commitment to student success, equity and excellence.

Job Summary:

As a part-time instructor in the Philosophy department, you provide instruction in all levels of philosophy, including certificate and/or transfer levels. You work individually, as well as in collaboration with colleagues, to develop an innovative curriculum which meets the needs of our diverse population of students. Student retention and success are your top priority. You utilize technology and effective teaching strategies to develop students’ critical thinking skills.

You may be asked to teach at different times, locations and modalities to meet the needs of the College. The department is currently looking for instructors to teach in-person courses at the Westminster Campus.

This position requires a strong on-campus presence and may require occasional travel to all three FRCC campuses.

Please note: You need to be a Colorado resident on your first day of employment. Also, Front Range Community College is an E-Verify employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A Master’s degree in one of several related degrees listed below.

OR

  • A Master’s degree in any field, plus 18 graduate credits in one of the related degrees listed below.

Related Degree: Philosophy, Religious Studies

Selection Process:

The selection process for this instructor position will be conducted through a competitive, merit-based evaluation of all qualified applicants. Preliminary screening will be based on the completed application package submitted by the candidate.

This is an open talent pool. Applicants will be contacted based on the needs of the College. Open talent pools close on May 1 and reopen based on the needs of the College.

This posting may be used to fill multiple or similar positions.

Application Procedures:

A completed application package includes:

  • A resume or CV;
  • A cover letter or letter of interest;
  • A copy of your academic transcripts or related licenses/certifications;
  • A one-page statement of your teaching philosophy; and
  • A list of courses and the semesters you have taught (if applicable).

The application will ask for you to provide three references. We ask that they are all professional references and at least one is a current/recent supervisor.

Additional Information/Benefits:

Transcript Note: While unofficial copies are accepted at the application stage, the following information must be included: your name, institution name, degree achieved (subject and degree type), date of degree achieved, and courses completed. If selected to move forward, official copies will be required.

Salary Information: The pay range for Part-Time Instructors varies, depending on the type of course, the contact ratio and contact hours. Please refer to our Part-Time Instructor Pay Matrix for detailed information.

Benefits Information: For information about benefits for Instructors and Hourly Employees, please see the Front Range Community College Benefits page.

Welcoming. Respectful. Inclusive. Together, we are FRCC.