ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Philosophy Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPhilosophy Instructor Jobs

Philosophy Instructor information

See salary details

$42K

$87.9K

$123.5K

How much do philosophy instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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.

Are philosophers in high demand?

Philosophers, including philosophy instructors, typically face limited demand in the job market, with many positions available in academia, research, and education. Employment opportunities often depend on advanced degrees, research experience, and institutional needs, and competition can be high for tenure-track roles.

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 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 higher in philosophy or a related field is required, along with strong critical thinking and communication skills. Teaching experience and familiarity with curriculum development can also be beneficial, and some positions may require certification or a teaching credential depending on the educational level and institution.

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 roles typically include university tenured professors, especially those in prestigious institutions or with administrative responsibilities, and philosophy consultants or analysts in corporate or government sectors. These positions often require advanced degrees, research, and specialized expertise, with salaries varying based on experience and location.

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 ethics. Employment opportunities depend on factors such as academic qualifications, experience, and institutional needs, and competition can be high for tenure-track positions. Overall, philosophy teaching positions are available but may be limited compared to other disciplines.
More about Philosophy Instructor jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Philosophy Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Philosophy Instructor jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Philosophy Instructor jobs? For Philosophy Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Philosophy Instructor jobs near you
Adjunct Philosophy Instructor (Online Assignment Possibilities)

Adjunct Philosophy Instructor (Online Assignment Possibilities)

Antelope Valley College

Lancaster, CA • On-site

$87.04 - $94.12/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Salary: $87.04 - $94.12 Hourly
Location : 3041 W. Avenue K, Lancaster, CA
Job Type: Adjunct - Instructional
Job Number: RN25-21
Department: Social & Behavioral Sciences
Opening Date: 09/25/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
ANTICIPATED START DATE: Establishing a Pool
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Letter of Intent
Current Resume
Scanned Copy of Transcripts
Two Letters of Professional Reference
RANGE: Adjunct instructors are hired on a semester basis and are paid per lecture hour equivalent (LHE). Minimum (less than a masters) and Maximum (Doctorate).
DESCRIPTION
Antelope Valley College invites applications for our adjunct (Temporary, part-time) faculty applicant pool for the following: Philosophy Adjunct Instructor.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
  • Instruct students in the assigned discipline
  • Assignment may include teaching courses during the day, evening, on-line courses and/or off-campus sites

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
(Applicant must meet one of the following requirements)
  • Master's in philosophy OR bachelor's in philosophy AND Master's in humanities or religious studies, OR the equivalent

Antelope Valley College Equivalency: Equivalency approved April 17, 2025, expires April 17, 2028
  • Bachelor's degree in philosophy AND
    • master's degree in ethics, or
    • master's degree in religion, or
    • master's degree in bioethics
OR
  • Any master's degree AND
    • 12 units of graduate-level philosophy courses, or
    • 12 units of any combination of graduate-level logic, argumentation theory, philosophy of language, critical thinking, or ethics courses

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience and/or willingness to teach dual enrollment courses.
  • Experience and/or willingness to teach prison courses.

OTHER INFORMATION
APPLICATION PROCESS - PLEASE READ
This position requires the following documents to be attached to your online application in order to be considered:
  • Application
  • Current resume
  • Letter of intent that addresses minimum and desirable qualifications.
  • Scanned copy of official transcripts with required degree(s).
    • Foreign transcripts and degrees require official certification of equivalency to U.S. transcripts and degrees by a certified U.S. review service at the time of application and must identify graduate level coursework.
    • Any evaluation service member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) http://www.naces.org/ is acceptable.
  • Two (2) current letters of professional reference signed and dated within the last year.
  • Travel expenses for pre-employment interviews and employment processing will not be authorized.

Applications with incomplete information (i.e., statements such as "see resume") or missing documents will not be considered.
VISA
Please be advised that AVC:
  • Does not sponsor employment visas,
  • Does not participate in E-Verify, and
  • Does not complete documentation related to STEM OPT or other F-1 visa programs.

ACCOMMODATIONS
If you have, any questions or concerns/if you require accommodations for the application process in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the People, Culture and Talent (Human Resources) department at (661) 722-6311.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITYAntelope Valley Community College District (AVC) is committed to employing administrators, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student success. AVC recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students.
AVC is committed to hiring processes that support equal opportunity, diversity, and provide equitable consideration for all candidates as required in federal and state laws and regulations. To find out more about AVC, please visit our website at avc.edu.
Thank you for your interest in employment opportunities with Antelope Valley Community College District.
Annual Security Report is provided by Antelope Valley College for prospective students and employees. A copy of this report is available at http://www.avc.edu/administration/police/

Apply