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$118.5K

How much do philosophy professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for philosophy professor in the United States is $116,801.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you do with a PhD in philosophy?

A PhD in philosophy prepares individuals for academic careers as university professors or researchers. It also qualifies graduates for roles in ethics consulting, policy analysis, writing, editing, and positions in think tanks or non-profit organizations, often requiring strong critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

Is there a shortage of philosophy professors?

The demand for philosophy professors varies by region and institution, but overall, the supply of qualified candidates often exceeds available positions, leading to limited job openings. Factors such as advanced degrees, research experience, and publication records influence hiring prospects in academia. While some universities face shortages in specific disciplines, philosophy generally experiences stable or competitive employment conditions.

How do you become a professor of philosophy?

To become a philosophy professor, one typically needs to earn a doctoral degree in philosophy or a related field, such as a Ph.D. or equivalent, and gain teaching experience. Strong research skills, a publication record, and expertise in specific philosophical areas are also important for securing faculty positions at colleges or universities.

What Does a Philosophy Professor Do?

As a philosophy professor, your job is to teach philosophy courses to students at a college or university. Schools often treat teachers in different ways. Some institutions focus on education, while others expect professors to focus more on research. Course loads also vary by school, but you should expect to teach several classes each quarter. In this role, you may be asked to teach introductory or advanced classes, promote specific philosophical views, or contribute to the school's interdisciplinary dialogue. Common subjects include medieval philosophy, American philosophy, philosophy of race, and philosophy of science. Philosophy professors often guide graduate students, suggest areas of study, and participate in school events.

What is the difference between Philosophy Professor vs Philosophy Lecturer?

AspectPhilosophy ProfessorPhilosophy Lecturer
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Philosophy or related fieldMaster's degree or PhD, often with teaching experience
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, research institutionsUniversities, colleges, community colleges
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research centersEducational institutions, often part-time or adjunct roles
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic roles, career paths in philosophyExploring teaching opportunities, job requirements in academia

While both Philosophy Professors and Philosophy Lecturers work in academic settings and require advanced degrees, Philosophy Professors typically hold a doctorate and engage in research and curriculum development, often with tenure. Philosophy Lecturers may have a master's or doctorate and primarily focus on teaching courses, often in part-time or adjunct positions. Both roles contribute to philosophy education but differ in responsibilities and employment status.

What does a Philosophy Professor do?

A Philosophy Professor teaches courses on philosophical topics such as ethics, logic, metaphysics, and the history of philosophy at the college or university level. They conduct research, write scholarly articles or books, and may present their findings at academic conferences. Philosophy Professors also advise students, supervise research projects, and participate in curriculum development within their department. Their work aims to promote critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of philosophical concepts among students.

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

To thrive as a Philosophy Professor, you typically need an advanced degree (Ph.D.) in philosophy, expertise in philosophical theories, and a strong record of research and academic writing. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), academic databases, and citation software is important for teaching and research. Exceptional critical thinking, communication, and mentorship skills help build rapport with students and colleagues. These skills and qualifications are crucial for creating engaging courses, advancing philosophical scholarship, and fostering student development.

Is it hard to get a job as a philosophy professor?

Securing a position as a philosophy professor can be competitive due to limited academic openings and high qualification standards, including advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. in philosophy. Candidates often need strong research, publication records, and teaching experience to improve their chances in the hiring process.

How do Philosophy Professors typically balance teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities?

Philosophy Professors often manage a combination of teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, conducting and publishing original research, and participating in departmental or university committees. Balancing these duties requires strong time management skills, as teaching assignments and office hours must be coordinated with research deadlines and administrative meetings. Many professors find that collaborating with colleagues on research projects or curriculum development can help share the workload and foster a supportive work environment. Staying organized and setting clear priorities are essential for success in this multifaceted role.
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Philosophy Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Philosophy Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% As Needed, 62% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,801 per year, or $56.2 per hour.
Assistant Professor - Philosophy

Assistant Professor - Philosophy

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

241st of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Professor - Philosophy
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Assistant Professor - Philosophy at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
TheDepartment of Philosophy at Wayne State University in Detroit seeks to hire afull-time tenure-track faculty member at the rank ofAssistant Professor. This position is open to candidates whose scholarshipfocuses on the following areas. AOS: Black and Africana Philosophy, or Philosophy of Race & Racism with focuson Black experiences and perspectives. AOC: Open, but we are particularlyinterested in candidates whose work on issues of race and racism overlaps withother social and applied subdisciplines of philosophy, such as Bioethics, Feminist Epistemology, Social and PoliticalPhilosophy, or Philosophy of Language. Thecandidate should have completed a PhD in Philosophy, Black Studies, or anadjacent discipline by the time of appointment. The regular teaching load is2/2 (fall/winter semesters), which will include in-person teaching and likelysome online teaching as well. Teaching will also include mentorship of MA andPhD students.
This position is one of several searches underway in connection with the Black Studies Faculty Enhancement Initiative sponsored by the Mellon Foundation and Wayne State University. Components of the program include structured mentoring, resources for the establishment of an independent research program, and the support of a community committed to higher education. Additional personal and professional development guidance will also be provided by a brain trust or team of mentors. The faculty member will be expected to contribute to the Detroit Center for Black Studies in their teaching, research, and service.
Qualifications:
The candidate should have completed a PhD in Philosophy, Black Studies, or an adjacent discipline by the time of appointment.
Applicantsshould begin the process at jobs.wayne.edu; the reference number for thisposition is req2920. Applicants must submit the following materials to theonline hiring system:
CV
Cover letter
Writing sample
Contact information for three references
Evidence of teaching effectiveness
Inaddition, applicants must arrange to have their letters of recommendationemailed to jwilburn@wayne.edu.
Submission deadline: January 15th
Inquiries should be directed to the Department Chair, Dr.Josh Wilburn, at jwilburn@wayne.edu.
School/College/Division:
H12 - College of Liberal Arts & Science
Primary department:
H0320 - Philosophy
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Academic/Faculty
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
Working conditions:
This position must be filled pursuant to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, and as such may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member, should one apply.
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

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