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Virtual Professor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Virtual Professor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29

$69

$81

How much do virtual professor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for virtual professor in Chicago, IL is $69.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68.85 and $72.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Virtual Professor, you need subject matter expertise, a relevant advanced degree (typically a master's or doctorate), and experience in curriculum development and online instruction. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), video conferencing platforms, and digital assessment tools is essential. Strong communication, adaptability, and time management skills help foster student engagement and navigate the unique challenges of remote teaching. These skills and qualities ensure effective knowledge delivery, student support, and successful learning outcomes in a virtual environment.

How does a Virtual Professor effectively engage students and foster participation in an online classroom environment?

A Virtual Professor typically uses a variety of interactive tools and strategies to engage students, such as live video lectures, discussion forums, polls, and breakout rooms for group work. Building a sense of community is essential, so professors often encourage regular communication, provide timely feedback, and establish clear expectations for participation. Successful virtual teaching requires adapting traditional in-person teaching methods to the digital format and remaining responsive to students' needs. Professors may also collaborate with instructional designers and IT support to enhance the learning experience.

What is a Virtual Professor?

A Virtual Professor is an academic instructor who teaches courses online, rather than in a traditional classroom setting. They use digital platforms to deliver lectures, facilitate discussions, assign coursework, and assess student progress. Virtual Professors often interact with students through video calls, forums, and email, making education more accessible to learners worldwide. Their responsibilities also include curriculum development, grading, and providing academic support, all conducted remotely.

What is the difference between Virtual Professor vs Online Instructor?

AspectVirtual ProfessorOnline Instructor
CredentialsTypically requires a doctoral degree or terminal degree in the fieldUsually requires a bachelor's or master's degree, depending on the course
Work EnvironmentPrimarily academic institutions, often with research responsibilitiesVarious platforms, including colleges, training programs, or private companies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, and higher education institutionsEducational platforms, online course providers, corporate training
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic roles and qualificationsFinding online teaching opportunities

The main difference between a Virtual Professor and an Online Instructor lies in their qualifications, work environment, and employer settings. Virtual Professors typically hold advanced degrees and work within higher education institutions, often engaging in research. Online Instructors may have lower-level degrees and teach courses through various online platforms or corporate training programs. Both roles involve online teaching but differ in scope, credentials, and institutional affiliation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Professor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Professor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Virtual Professor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Virtual Professor jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Virtual Professor job openings:
Instructional Professor (Open Rank) - Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics

Instructional Professor (Open Rank) - Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description
The Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics at the University of Chicago invites applications for an Instructional Professor position at rank of Assistant, Associate or Full Instructional Professor. Applicants in all fields of Economics will be considered. This is a full-time, career-track teaching position to begin on or after July 1, 2026. The Instructional Professor will teach up to six courses in the undergraduate and master's curriculum. In addition to teaching, the candidate will advise and mentor undergraduate students, organize student activities, advise and mentor MA students, contribute to recruitment and admissions of MA students and oversee and plan the curriculum under the direction of the Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Director of MA programs. The terms and conditions of employment for this position are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Service Employees Union (SEIU) and the University.
This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Economics and an excellent record of teaching economics courses at the undergraduate level. Consideration for the hiring level will be granted conditional on professional qualifications. The successful applicant will have outstanding in-person, written, and virtual communication skills and the ability to teach audiences with diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of knowledge about economics.
Application Instructions
Applicants must apply online at the University of Chicago's Interfolio academic job board at: apply.interfolio.com/177203. Applicants are required to submit; 1) curriculum vitae, 2) teaching statement, 3) student evaluations, 4) two published or unpublished research papers, and 5) three letters of recommendation.
Review of applications will begin on December 7, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled or the search has ended.

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