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Philosophy Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Select Team Member OverviewMatt Matt was going to be a philosophy professor but got into tech instead. He's built mobile apps and web apps, worked on a data science team, and founded a VC-backed ...

Team Member Overview Matt was going to be a philosophy professor but got into tech instead. He's built mobile apps and web apps, worked on a data science team, and founded a VC-backed startup. Was ...

Select Team Member Overview Matt Matt was going to be a philosophy professor but got into tech instead. He's built mobile apps and web apps, worked on a data science team, and founded a VC-backed ...

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Philosophy Professor information

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$11K

$118.5K

How much do philosophy professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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.
What cities are hiring for Philosophy Professor jobs? Cities with the most Philosophy Professor job openings:
What states have the most Philosophy Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Philosophy Professor jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Philosophy Professor jobs? For Philosophy Professor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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.
Philosophy Adjunct Professor

Philosophy Adjunct Professor

Dominican University New York

Orangeburg, NY • On-site

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Philosophy Adjunct Professor

Dominican University of New York seeks qualified adjunct faculty to teach undergraduate philosophy courses within the general education curriculum. These courses are offered in person on campus, with most sections scheduled during daytime hours. We have particular need for instructors who can teach Introductory Logic, writing-focused courses in the history of philosophy, or Bioethics. We especially welcome applications from candidates who have experience teaching a small liberal arts institution.

Please submit the following materials a cover letter addressing your qualifications and your current curriculum vitae. Please be certain to include in one of those documents contact information for three professional references. We would also welcome teaching evaluations if available.

Required Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Philosophy or closely related field
  • Flexibility to teach courses during weekdays and in Rockland county.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Philosophy
  • Experience teaching introductory-level philosophy courses
  • Demonstrated teaching experience at the college level

Dominican University New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The aim of Dominican University New York is to promote educational excellence, leadership, and service in an environment characterized by respect for the individual and concern for the community and its needs. Founded by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt, the University is an independent institution of higher learning, Catholic in origin and heritage. In the Dominican tradition, it fosters the active, shared pursuit of truth and embodies an ideal of education rooted in the values of reflective understanding and compassionate involvement. Committed to building its programs upon a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, the University maintains a student-centered climate and serves a diverse community of students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

Dominican University New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to excellence through equity and inclusion, and, in this spirit, particularly welcomes applications from members of historically underrepresented groups. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected category in accordance with applicable law.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.

AA/EOE

$2,820/per 3 credit course