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How much do university instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for university instructor in Kentucky is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a university instructor?

University instructors are educators who teach courses at colleges or universities. They are responsible for developing and delivering lectures, leading discussions, creating assignments, evaluating student work, and providing academic guidance. Instructors may also conduct research in their field of expertise and participate in departmental or university service. Their primary goal is to help students gain knowledge and skills within a specific academic discipline. University instructors typically hold at least a master's degree, and often a doctorate, in their subject area.

What are some common challenges university instructors face in balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities?

University Instructors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including preparing and delivering lectures, conducting research, advising students, and participating in departmental meetings or committees. Balancing these tasks can be challenging, especially during peak times like exam periods or grant submission deadlines. Time management and prioritization skills are essential, and instructors often collaborate with colleagues to share resources and strategies. Many institutions offer professional development workshops to help instructors effectively manage these competing demands and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

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

To thrive as a University Instructor, you need expertise in your subject area, a relevant advanced degree (often a master's or doctorate), and experience in teaching or academic research. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard, as well as virtual teaching tools such as Zoom, is commonly expected. Strong communication, organization, and mentorship skills help instructors engage students and foster an effective learning environment. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality education, supporting student success, and contributing positively to the academic community.

What is the difference between University Instructor vs College Lecturer?

AspectUniversity InstructorCollege Lecturer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often a master's or higher for some institutionsBachelor's degree; often a master's for college-level teaching
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, academic settingsColleges, community colleges, academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, universitiesCommunity colleges, colleges, some universities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a University Instructor and a College Lecturer lies in their typical work environment and the level of education required. University Instructors often work at universities and may hold advanced degrees, focusing on teaching and research. College Lecturers usually teach at colleges or community colleges, often with a bachelor's or master's degree, primarily focusing on instruction. Both roles are essential in higher education, but their specific responsibilities and settings differ slightly.

How do you get a job teaching at a university?

To become a university instructor, candidates typically need at least a master's degree or Ph.D. in the relevant field, along with teaching experience or research credentials. Applying through university job boards or academic networks, preparing a strong CV and teaching portfolio, and demonstrating expertise in the subject area are essential steps in the hiring process.

How to become a university instructor?

To become a university instructor, typically a candidate needs at least a master's degree in the relevant field, with many positions requiring a doctoral degree. Relevant teaching experience, strong communication skills, and subject expertise are also important, along with familiarity with academic research and publishing. Certification is generally not required, but a strong academic record and professional development can enhance prospects.

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for University Instructor jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most University Instructor job openings:

University Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Instructor job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,304 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Full-Time Instructor

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

University Of Kentucky rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

335th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Job Title Full-Time Instructor Requisition Number FE04888 Working Title Department Name 8E110:Political Science Work Location Lexington, KY Type of Position Faculty Position Time Status Full-Time Tenure Track Status Non-Tenure Track Required Education
PhD in Political Science as of August 1, 2026. Those with advanced degrees closely related to the teaching responsibilities (e.g., JD) may also be considered.
Required Related Experience
None
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Job Summary
Temporary Full-Time Instructor in Political Science
Department of Political Science
University of Kentucky

The Department of Political Science in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky invites applications for a temporary Full-Time Instructor for the 2026-2027 academic year, to begin August 1, 2026. This position requires teaching four Political Science and/or Law and Justice courses each semester (fall and spring), with a primary focus on American political and legal institutions.

Applicants should have extensive teaching experience as well as a PhD in Political Science as of August 1, 2026. Those with advanced degrees closely related to the teaching responsibilities (e.g., JD) may also be considered.

Applicants must include the following: 1) letter of application (upload as Cover Letter), 2) CV, and 3) Teaching statement (upload as Specific Request 1). In addition, please provide the names and contact information of three references when prompted in the academic profile. This information will be utilized to solicit recommendation letters from your references within the employment system.
Questions about this search should be addressed to Dr. Michael Zilis, Department Chair, Department of Political Science, University of Kentucky (Michael.zilis@uky.edu).
Review of applications will begin on April 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Multiple positions available. 

Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with rewards, focusing on your total well-being and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees' retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience Deadline to Apply Open Until Filled Yes Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

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The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865

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