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$5

$16

$24

How much do social work instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for social work instructor in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Social Work Instructor vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Work InstructorSocial Worker
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in social work or related field, teaching certification (if applicable)Bachelor's or Master's degree in social work, state licensure
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, colleges, universitiesCommunity agencies, hospitals, schools, government
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, academiaHealthcare, social services, government agencies
Primary FocusTeaching, curriculum development, researchClient support, case management, advocacy

While both roles require social work credentials, Social Work Instructors focus on education and training future social workers, whereas Social Workers provide direct client services. The work environments differ, with instructors in academic settings and social workers in community or healthcare settings. Both roles are vital in the social services industry but serve different functions within the field.

What Does a Social Work Instructor Do?

As a social work instructor, you teach courses on subjects like social services, family studies, and anthropology to students in college. You explain what social workers do, how conditions like autism affect the people social workers support, and how other people in a support network contribute to worker efforts. Social work instructors often teach topics like group behaviors, societal trends, cultural differences, and how to explain complex issues to people with mental disabilities. Some instructors develop original instructional materials, write books or articles, or research social work. On rare occasions, you may be asked to advise government agencies that provide social services.

What are social work instructors?

Social work instructors are educators who teach courses related to social work in colleges, universities, or training programs. They are responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, developing curriculum, and evaluating students' progress. Many social work instructors also conduct research and stay current with trends and best practices in the field. Their goal is to prepare students for careers in social work, emphasizing ethical practice, cultural competence, and effective intervention strategies.

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

To thrive as a Social Work Instructor, you typically need an advanced degree in social work (MSW or PhD), substantial field experience, and a solid understanding of social work theory and practice. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), online teaching tools, and accreditation standards is often required. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help instructors engage students and foster a supportive learning environment. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, professional development for students, and adherence to educational standards in a dynamic academic setting.

How do Social Work Instructors typically balance teaching responsibilities with staying current in the field of social work practice?

Social Work Instructors often balance their teaching duties with ongoing professional development to ensure their knowledge remains relevant. This may involve participating in conferences, engaging in research, maintaining licensure, or consulting with community organizations. Many institutions encourage instructors to integrate real-world case studies and up-to-date best practices into their curriculum. Collaboration with practicing social workers and interdisciplinary faculty is also common, helping instructors provide students with practical and contemporary insights. Balancing these responsibilities requires effective time management and a commitment to lifelong learning.
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Social Work Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Work Instructor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 26% Full Time, 72% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,333 per year, or $16 per hour.
Adjunct Instructor in Social Work

Adjunct Instructor in Social Work

Union University

Jackson, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Adjunct Instructor in Social Work
Division
School of Social Work (DIV)
Department
School of Social Work
Location
Jackson
Job Summary
The position of Adjunct Instructor in the School of Social Work will help to prepare students with the knowledge, practice skills, and critical thinking skills for a successful career in the social work field.
About Union University
Founded in 1823, Union University is a private, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, with a total enrollment of about 2,600. The main campus is located in Jackson, Tenn., with additional campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville. A national leader among colleges and universities in promoting a Christian worldview and a Christ-centered approach to education, Union is consistently ranked among the nation's premier Christian universities.
Essential Job Duties
This position will prepare students with the following knowledge and skills:
  • Imparting or communicating knowledge and skills.
  • Using alternative and innovative methods of delivery.
  • Preparing and delivering creative and energized presentations.
  • Overseeing internships, field experience and/or student research.
  • Encouraging self-disciplined learning by instruction, example, experience, exploration, and fair and valid student assessment.
  • Mentor students while promoting an ethical stance in faculty/student relationships.
  • Model professionalism in the discipline.
  • Present enthusiastic, well-prepared, organized, and clear lectures and classroom activities consistent with the course syllabus.
  • Provide students with a complete syllabus containing course guidelines, grading criteria, and learning objectives on the first day of class.
  • Provide students with timely information and feedback on their academic progress relative to quizzes, tests, homework, and projects.
  • Evaluate instruction and learning by means of appropriate assessment methods.
  • Maintain a student-oriented approach to education.
  • Maintain and submit accurate and current reports and records involving student accountability, attendance, performance, and follow-up.
  • Assist department chair and/or program coordinator, faculty, and department staff in maintaining an effective program.
  • Maintain communication with the Dean/Program Director related to student issues such as absence from class, unprofessional/unethical conduct or communication, or failure to participate in class activities/assignments.

Other Job Duties
Adjunct instructors should report any personal absences from class in order that students may be notified in a timely manner. Adjunct instructors must be skillful in IT to instruct students either in-person or via Zoom/Teams for online classes. Must be familiar with or trained to use Canvas as Union's learning management system. Adjunct instructors must complete annual training to ensure awareness of any university or program related updates/changes.
Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master of Social Work degree or master's degree in a related field and at least two (2) years practical experience post degree in the social work field.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference may be given to candidates with prior teaching experience.
Christian Requirement
Successful candidates must be professing Christians who are active members of a local church, enthusiastically support Union University's Identity, Mission, and Core Values, and articulate a Christian worldview in their work and life. More information may be found at https://www.uu.edu/about/what-we-believe.cfm/.
Physical Requirements
The work performed by this position is of a general office/administrative nature. It requires the ability to operate a computer and communicate via phone and email. Work performed may require some walking on campus for in-person classes, extended periods of time sitting and standing, and some daily instances of bending, stooping, and carrying items up to 25 pounds.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F074P
Special Instructions to Applicants

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