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Sociology Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Sociology Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$37.6K

$78.8K

$180.3K

How much do sociology instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for sociology instructor in Portland, OR is $78,809.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sociology instructor do?

A Sociology Instructor teaches students about human society, social behavior, and various aspects of social life. They design and deliver lectures, create assignments, and assess student understanding on topics such as culture, social institutions, inequality, and social change. Sociology Instructors may also guide class discussions, supervise research projects, and stay current with developments in the field. Their goal is to help students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of social dynamics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sociology instructor?

To thrive as a Sociology Instructor, you need a strong foundation in sociological theory, research methods, and a relevant advanced degree, such as a master's or Ph.D. in sociology or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), data analysis software like SPSS, and curriculum development tools is often required. Outstanding communication, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to engage and inspire diverse learners are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure effective teaching, foster critical thinking, and create an inclusive, stimulating learning environment for students.

How do sociology instructors typically collaborate with other faculty and support staff within an academic institution?

Sociology Instructors often work closely with colleagues across social sciences to develop interdisciplinary curricula, participate in departmental meetings, and share teaching strategies. They may collaborate with academic advisors to support student success, and coordinate with librarians or instructional designers to enhance course materials. This teamwork fosters a dynamic learning environment and provides opportunities for professional growth through workshops, research projects, and committee involvement. Building these relationships is key to both student engagement and ongoing career development within academia.

What is the difference between Sociology Instructor vs Sociology Professor?

AspectSociology InstructorSociology Professor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree or master's in sociology or related field; teaching certification may be preferredDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in sociology or related field; extensive research and publication experience
Work EnvironmentCommunity colleges, technical schools, or adult education programsUniversities and research institutions, often with research responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions offering undergraduate courses, focusing on teachingHigher education institutions emphasizing both teaching and research

While both roles involve teaching sociology, Sociology Instructors typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and focus on classroom instruction at community colleges or similar settings. Sociology Professors usually possess a Ph.D. and engage in research alongside teaching at universities. The main difference lies in educational requirements and job responsibilities, with professors often involved in scholarly work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sociology Instructor jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Sociology Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Sociology Instructor jobs in Portland, OR?

For Sociology Instructor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sociology Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,809 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Instructor - Sociology (Part-Time Interest Pool 2026)

Mt. Hood Community College

Gresham, OR โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Gresham Campus, OR
Job Type: Part-time Faculty and Tutor
Job Number: 2024-00194
Division: Instruction
Department: Humanities and Social Sciences
Opening Date: 01/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary and Responsibilities/Duties
This posting is to establish an applicant pool for potential openings in 2026. While a position is not guaranteed, we encourage interested candidates to apply so they may be considered if a vacancy becomes available.
Job Summary
Provides quality instruction that will contribute to the learning experiences necessary for each student to meet the objectives of the course and to be successful in both their education and career development experiences.
Essential Duties
  1. Instructs students in a classroom, lab, learning center, or other setting as appropriate.
  2. Provides student contact before or after class or through telephone or email exchanges or office hours where facilities and schedules permit.
  3. Prepares, distributes, and utilizes instructional support materials, including course syllabi, supplementary materials, instructional media, and other devices as appropriate; incorporates the latest classroom technology when available and appropriate into instructional activities.
  4. Structures classes and curriculum to correspond with the overall program objectives; prepares clear objectives for students each course. Maintains and revises curriculum to maintain currency.
  5. Understands, develops, and provides a learning environment that supports diversity and incorporates sensitivity to diversity within the College community.
  6. Maintains classroom, laboratory, and departmental equipment and provides for the security of facilities and instructional materials as appropriate.
  7. Understands and abides by College policies and regulations and other policies, procedures and materials as required by the College, departments or divisions.
  8. Convenes classes on time and as scheduled.
  9. Maintains evaluation and grading records for assigned students; enters grades and provides all necessary documentation for incompletes within established College timelines.
  10. Ensures and emphasizes safe working and classroom conditions and practices.

Additional Duties
  1. Participates in professional development activities as required.
  2. Attends in-service sessions and division meetings as required.
  3. Directs aides and work-study students as assigned.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree (or higher) in sociology OR a master's degree in any discipline and 24 graduate credits in sociology

Preferred Qualifications
  • College level teaching experience, preferably at a community college
  • Experience utilizing high engagement instructional practices and incorporating cultural literacy into instruction
  • Experience utilizing open education resource (OER) materials.

Additional Qualifications and/or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to use a variety of strategies to effectively address the learning needs of a diverse population
  • Knowledge of and ability to incorporate high engagement instructional practices and cultural literacy into instruction
  • Knowledge of open education resource (OER) material

Working Conditions and Important Information
Working Conditions
Work is typically performed in a normal office environment and classroom setting.
Salary
Salary placement will be based on applicable education and/or years of relevant equivalent experience at the sole discretion of the College, per the guidelines in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. Please include all relevant education and full and part-time experience in your application that you want the College to review towards potential placement. Hired employees will not have an opportunity to update past education and/or experience or appeal initial placement after the time of hire.
Compensation and Benefits Information for Part-Time Instructors
Part-time Instructors may teach classes within a variety of programs, including credit-based, Community Education, and ABE, GED, and ESL programs. There is no guaranteed minimum teaching load or hours worked.
Credit-based classes: Part-time Instructors for credit-based classes are paid per instructional load credit (ILC) according to the salary schedule below. Salary level will be based on educational level and total accumulated ILCs as part-time instructors at the College;initial placement will not exceed Level 2.
LevelAccumulated ILCs$ Per Term Per ILC10 - 44.9$991.36245 - 89.9$1035.98390 - 134.9$1082.604135 - 179.9$1131.325180 - 224.9$1182.246225 - 269.9$1235.437270 - 314.9$1291.048315 - 359.9$1349.159360 - 404.9$1409.8610405 - 449.9$1473.2911450 - 494.9$1539.5812495 -539.9$1608.8613540 or more$1681.26?
Community Education: Part-time Instructors for Community Education classes and represented by the Part-Time Faculty and Tutor Association (PFTA) are paid based on accumulated work hours according to the salary schedule below; all new employees will start at level 1.
Level*Accumulated Work HoursLecture/DemonstrationLecture/Discussion10 - 1000$43.20$52.3721001 - 2000$45.18$54.7232001 or more$47.18$57.18
ABE, GED, and ESL programs: Part-time Instructors for ABE, GED, and ESL programs classes are paid based on accumulated work hours according to the salary schedule below; all new employees will start at level 1.
Level*Accumulated Work HoursABE, GED, ESL Instructors10 - 1000$90.1621001 - 2000$95.2632001 - 3000$99.5143001 - 4000$104.0054001 - 5000$108.6565001 - 6000$113.5476001 - 7000$118.6487001 - 8000$123.9898001 - 9000$129.57109001 - 10000$135.401110001 - 11000$141.491211001 or more$147.851312001 or more$154.51
Sick Leave
New hires will receive eight (8) hours of sick leave upon hire. An ILC instructor will receive one hour per term of paid sick leave per ILC, which includes Special Loading. An hourly instructor or tutor will receive one hour of paid sick leave per 11 hours of employment. Unused sick leave will accumulate up to a maximum of 80 hours and be available for use in subsequent academic terms.
Tuition Waiver Plan
Each employee will be eligible for a full tuition waiver, which is equivalent to 24 credits, for each term in which the employee is working for the College. Such waiver may be used for tuition for credit courses or the fee in lieu of tuition for noncredit courses (commonly called Fee B). Such tuition waivers are not cumulative. However, an employee may use a tuition waiver in the term immediately following the term in which the waiver was earned. Employees and their spouses/domestic partners will pay only course-specific fees. Tuition waiver(s) may be assigned by the employee to his/her immediate family (to one or amongst the family) to be used in the term in which the waiver is earned by the employee or the term immediately following the term in which the waiver was earned.
01
Do you have a Master's degree (or higher) in sociology OR a master's degree in any discipline and 24 graduate credits in sociology?
  • Yes
  • No

02
This position requires on-campus teaching at the Mt. Hood Community College campus in Gresham, Oregon. The position may be eligible for remote work on a hybrid basis. Any remote work requires prior approval and must comply with MHCC Remote Work policies and administrative regulations. Remote work must be within the states of Oregon or Washington.Do you understand and acknowledge these requirements?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question