How about that Adjunct Teaching Salary?

Question:

I am wondering about salaries. I am in the MA program w/spec. College Teaching. What do part time college teachers get paid? Is there a general amount per class for non-tenure staff at places like Santa Barbara City College, Antioch, Chapman, Univ. La Verne or online? I am wondering and so far the only answer I get is, "Oh college teachers at the MA level hardly make anything."

-Danielle M.

Reply:

Hi Danielle,

Good question! The quick answer: $40 - $60 / hour (starting salary) depending on which school you work for, what class you teach and your education/work experience. The pay range can be as high as $80/hr. with a Ph.D.

The reason why you are getting responses like, "Oh college teachers at the MA level hardly make anything.", is because usually working as a part-time adjunct, you may only get one or two classes to teach per semester with no job security for future semesters. Some adjuncts teach at two or three colleges in order to make the equivalent of a full-time salary. Also, keep in mind that adjuncts usually do not get paid health benefits.

If you want to know specifically what the salary is at a particular school, most community colleges post their pay scale information on their H.R. department website. For example, Santa Barbara Community College faculty pay scale is located at: http://www.sbcc.edu/hr/index.php?sec=2485 .

However, it's not all bad. Some adjuncts have teaching contracts, so they have more job security. Also, starting off as a part-time adjunct may help open doors for full-time tenure positions in the future.

Check out this online article from the Chronicle of Higher Education about Adjunct Teaching Salaries: http://chronicle.com/wiredcampus/index.php?id=1986 .

If anyone wants to share their experience with adjunct teaching, post a comment.

Hope that helps!

- Jessica