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Professor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

UnityPoint Health

Assistant Professor-BSN

Waterloo, IA · On-site

An Assistant Professor is involved in the development and evaluation of the program and students enrolled in the program as directed by the School's Dean. An Assistant Professor is actively involved ...

UnityPoint Health

Assistant Professor-BSN

Waterloo, IA · On-site

An Assistant Professor is involved in the development and evaluation of the program and students enrolled in the program as directed by the School's Dean. An Assistant Professor is actively involved ...

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All JobsProfessor JobsProfessor Jobs in Iowa

Professor information

See Iowa salary details

$54.5K

$107.8K

$177.5K

How much do professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for professor in Iowa is $107,820.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $114,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professor vs Lecturer?

AspectProfessorLecturer
Required CredentialsDoctorate degree, extensive research, and teaching experienceMaster's or Doctorate, often less research-focused
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, academic settingsUniversities, colleges, sometimes part-time or adjunct roles
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research-focusedEducational institutions, teaching-focused

Professors typically hold a doctorate, engage in research, and have a long-term academic role, whereas lecturers focus primarily on teaching and may have less emphasis on research. Both roles are common in higher education but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are professors and what do they do?

Professors are academic professionals who teach at colleges or universities. Their primary responsibilities include delivering lectures, conducting research, mentoring students, and publishing scholarly work. In addition to teaching, professors often participate in academic committees and contribute to curriculum development. They may also advise undergraduate and graduate students, supervise research projects, and engage in community or professional service. Professors typically specialize in a particular field of study and help advance knowledge in their discipline.

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

To thrive as a Professor, you need advanced subject matter expertise, a doctoral degree in your field, and a strong record of research and teaching experience. Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard), academic publishing platforms, and citation tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and contribute to scholarly communities. These competencies ensure effective knowledge transfer, research innovation, and academic leadership.

What is the highest paying professor job?

The highest paying professor jobs are typically at research universities or medical schools, especially for those in specialized fields such as medicine, law, business, or engineering. Professors with tenure, extensive research funding, or leadership roles like department chairs often earn higher salaries. Salaries can vary widely based on discipline, experience, and institution type.

What can I do as a professor?

A professor is an academic professional who teaches courses, conducts research, publishes scholarly work, and mentors students at colleges or universities. They often specialize in a specific subject area and may participate in departmental service, committee work, and academic conferences. Professors typically hold advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. and require strong communication, research, and organizational skills.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

For a professor or similar roles, earning $3,000 a month without a degree is uncommon, as academic positions typically require advanced education. However, some entry-level or alternative jobs such as freelance writing, certain sales positions, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrician work can reach this income level with experience and certifications. These jobs often require specific skills, training, or licensing but not necessarily a college degree.

How do professors typically balance teaching, research, and service responsibilities within a university setting?

Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including teaching courses, conducting research, and contributing to departmental or university service such as committee work or student advising. The specific balance can vary by institution and department, but most professors allocate set hours to prepare lectures, meet with students, and pursue research projects. Time management and prioritization are essential skills, as professors frequently need to meet deadlines for publications or grant applications while fulfilling their teaching and service commitments. Collaboration with colleagues, both within and outside the university, is common, and many professors find that building a supportive network helps manage these diverse tasks effectively.

What Is a Professor?

A professor teaches courses at a college or a university in a specific subject. As a professor, your job duties consist of developing curricula, creating lessons, giving lectures, advising students, and grading coursework. Other responsibilities involve staying current in their field by performing research, reading academic materials, and attending conferences. You often start your academic career as an adjunct professor, working part-time and teaching a few courses. Some schools also have online courses run by online professors. After working for several years, college professors may gain tenure at their university, giving them a high level of job stability and freedom for their research.

How do I get a job as a professor?

To become a professor, typically a candidate needs a doctoral degree in their field, relevant research experience, and a strong record of publications. Academic positions often require applying through university job boards, demonstrating teaching ability, and participating in interviews. Building a professional network and gaining teaching experience can also improve chances of securing a professorship.
More about Professor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Professor jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Professor jobs in Iowa? For Professor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professor jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Professor jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Professor jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Professor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Professor jobs in IA? For Professor jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professor job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,820 per year, or $51.8 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics Two-Year Term (Start Fall 2026)

Assistant Professor of Mathematics Two-Year Term (Start Fall 2026)

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Grinnell College rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Department of Mathematics invites applications for one or more position of up to 2-years appointment with the possibility of renewal beginning Fall 2026. Assistant Professor (Ph.D.) preferred; Instructor (ABD) or Associate Professor possible. Research and teaching interests can be in any area of mathematics. The teaching load is five courses over two semesters.Additional information about our curriculum and faculty can be found at https://www.grinnell.edu/academics/majors-concentrations/math.
Qualifications
Assistant Professor (Ph.D.) preferred; Instructor (ABD) or Associate Professor possible.
Application Instructions
In letters of application, candidates should discuss their interest in developing as a teacher and scholar in a highly selective undergraduate liberal arts college that emphasizes close student-faculty interaction. They should also discuss their potential to contribute to a college community that maintains a diversity of people and perspectives as one of its core values. To be assured of full consideration applications should be received by January 31, 2026.
To apply, candidates will need to upload the following materials:
  • a letter of application that includes how the candidate can contribute to creating a sense of belonging for all students in mathematics, especially students who are underrepresented in mathematics
  • a curriculum vitae
  • Graduate transcripts (copies are acceptable)
  • a teaching statement
  • a one-page research summary
  • names and email addresses for three references (at least one of the references must primarily address teaching)

Questions about this search should be directed to the search chair, Professor Jeff Blanchard, at MathSearch@grinnell.edu.

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