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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 ...

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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 Aug 3, 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:
Infographic showing various Philosophy Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,882 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Philosophy Instructor

Triton College, IL

River Grove, IL • On-site

$1.0K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

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 Department Chairperson or appropriate administrator
Qualifications
Education: Master's degree in Philosophy or Master's degree with 18 graduate level credit hours in Philosophy
Responsibilities
1. Utilizes active learning and student success strategies in the classroom.
2. Keeps up-to-date in teaching area/discipline including licenses, training or certificates as applicable.
3. Teaches to pre-approved course objectives.
4. Instructs students in the facts and skills pertaining to the assigned course(s).
5. Considers the general and special needs of all students, and when necessary, seeks additional help from and/or refers students to other college support services.
6. Electronically submit syllabi to appropriate department or division office.
7. Creates, updates, and distributes to all students every semester a course syllabus according to the format required by Board policy.
8. Prepares and delivers according to assigned schedule a final exam unless exception is preapproved by Dean.
9. Submits midterm enrollment verification forms and final grade reports, notices, attendance records by due dates and any other reports pertaining to assigned course within fourteen days.
10. Informs department chairperson/program coordinator and dean in writing of any pending problem the instructor is aware or should be aware of that may have a detrimental effect on department, school, or college.
11. Keeps students informed of course progress both verbally and electronically as appropriate.
12. Informs students of relevant educational and occupational opportunities.
13. Commits best resources to success of all of students by recognizing, understanding and embracing diversity.
14. Conducts classes as scheduled and approved by dean's office.
15. Cooperates with department chairperson/program coordinator, department members, and the appropriate administrators in the development of curriculum, in the preparation and update of course syllabi, course outlines, selection of textbooks and assessment activities.
16. Welcome to attend regular department/program meetings and college meetings as available.
17. Holds office hours for students as outlined in course syllabus and in space available by college.
18. Utilizes appropriate written and oral communication skills.
19. Understands and appropriately utilizes all instructional technology as available in classrooms and labs.
20. As appropriate maintains classroom and/or lab equipment in good order and, when needed, maintains an inventory of assigned equipment and supplies.
21. When needed, recommends library books and other instructional materials and places reading materials on reserve in the library.
22. Follows Student Handbook policies and procedures.
23. Performs other duties as requested or assigned. These other duties shall be restricted to those duties which the adjunct faculty member would or should normally perform for the current semester that they are assigned.
Posting Date
11/10/2025
Closing Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
1. Rate of pay of $1000.00 LHE;
2. Official transcripts required prior to employment;
3. Recommended candidate for hire will be subject to pre-employment screenings;
4. Triton College is an AA/EOE
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobopenings.triton.edu/postings/2263