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Sociology Instructor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Sociology Instructor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$40.4K

$84.6K

$193.6K

How much do sociology instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for sociology instructor in Seattle, WA is $84,618.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $92,200.00 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Sociology Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Sociology Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Sociology Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sociology Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Sociology Instructor jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Sociology Instructor job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,570 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Sociology for Professionals Instructor - Non-Tenure Track Faculty Vacancy Pool

Western Washington University

Poulsbo, WA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Engage students actively in their own learning through discussion, writing, and analysis.

  • Provide students with feedback on their coursework and examinations.

  • Be available to students through regularly scheduled office hours.


Western Washington University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

293rd of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Sociology for Professionals Instructor - Non-Tenure Track Faculty Vacancy Pool
Work type: NTT Faculty
Location: Poulsbo, WA
Categories: College of Humanities & Social Science
Position Title Sociology for Professionals Instructor - Non-Tenure Track Faculty Vacancy Pool
About the University
Western Washington University, with over 15,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western has additional sites in Anacortes, Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, and Poulsbo. Western is recognized nationally for its successes, such as being named one of the top public master's-granting institutions in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report.
Western Washington University is committed to achieving excellence through advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and based on innovative scholarship, research, and creative activity. Western's greatest strength is the outstanding students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae who make up its community. Western supports an inclusive governance structure for all and provides a learning and working environment in which everyone can thrive. In pursuit of this excellence, individual employees are expected to establish and maintain productive and effective inclusive working relationships amongst diverse populations including staff, faculty, administration, student, and external constituents. Further, individual employees are expected to have the ability to operationalize sustainability concepts (economic, societal, environmental) into all aspects of performing their job duties.
About the Department
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Sociology support Western's mission, which states that together with our students, staff, and faculty, we are committed to making a positive impact in the state and the world with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement. We encourage applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and with diverse experiences interested in this opportunity.
The Department of Sociology is comprised of thirteen permanent full-time faculty engaged in a wide range of research activities who often involve undergraduate students in research and teaching. The Sociology Department is one of sixteen departments in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). For more information, please visit the Department website.
Sociology at WWU on the Peninsulas program equips students with essential skills and knowledge to advance their careers. The curriculum consists of courses in professional development, program evaluation, and applied sociological theory, preparing students for real-world challenges. With a focus on critical thinking, writing proficiency, and statistical analysis, graduates are prepared for careers in social work, law, education, and criminal justice, where they can address complex societal issues with expertise and insight.
Sociology for Professionals, Western on the Peninsula website.
About the Position
The Sociology Department maintains a vacancy pool of qualified persons interested in temporary teaching for Western on the Peninsula, Sociology for Professionals at the Olympic College locations in the Bremerton and Poulsbo, WA region. In anticipation of possible openings throughout the academic year and summer sessions, applications are accepted continuously for temporary non-tenure track teaching positions on a part-time basis with occasional opportunities for temporary, full-time appointments. Positions may become available at any time and are typically filled on a quarterly basis.
Position Responsibilities:
The department, college and University value teaching, and we expect you to be an excellent teacher; to be current in your discipline; to engage students actively in their own learning including discussion, writing, and analysis; and to set high standards regarding course content. You are expected to provide students with feedback on their coursework and examinations, and to be available to students through regularly scheduled office hours in keeping with department policy. You must have your students evaluate your course(s) using the standard University evaluation forms, or others approved by the provost, and you must make those evaluations available to the department chairs and faculty for annual review.
Required Qualifications
  • MA in Sociology or closely related social science field
  • Demonstrated potential for excellent teaching in sociology
  • Demonstrated ability and commitment to cultivating learning environments that are equitable and inclusive of students with diverse social identities and backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D. or ABD in Sociology or closely related discipline
  • Successful prior teaching experience
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Evidence of scholarship

Conditions of Employment All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.
Salary
Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Benefits Information Benefits Overview for Faculty Positions
Bargaining Unit
United Faculty of Western Washington
Application Instructions
A cover letter and curriculum vitae are required and should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications.
You will be asked to provide contact information of three references.
For information about the department and potential openings, contact Seth Feinberg, Sociology Department Chair at 360-650-3864 or feinbes@wwu.edu.
This vacancy pool is refreshed annually; please see applicable close date information below. Applicants who continue to remain interested in being considered for on-going opportunities should re-submit updated materials to the new pool, once posted.
Closing Date Notes
Applications are accepted continuously for potential NTT faculty openings; please apply at your earliest convenience. Vacancy pool closes 12/31/2026.
Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU's Policies on Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class and Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sex. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu
WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay).
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("The Clery Act"). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western's campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of Student Life at student.life@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires and rehires, which includes a sexual misconduct background check.
Job no: 503046
Advertised: May 08 2026 09:00 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Dec 31 2026 23:55 Pacific Standard Time
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