Willamette University Jobs offer exciting opportunities for academics and professionals in higher education. As the oldest university in the Western United States, founded in 1842, Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, combines a rich history with modern academic excellence. Whether you're pursuing professor positions at Willamette University, lecturer roles, or research jobs, this institution stands out for its commitment to liberal arts, law, and business education. Faculty here enjoy competitive salaries in Willamette University academia, with average ranges from $70,000 for assistant professors to over $120,000 for full professors, depending on department and experience. Academic careers at Willamette University provide access to innovative research in environmental studies, politics, and more. Job seekers can find higher education jobs at Willamette University through AcademicJobs.com, while students use Rate My Professor to rate professors at Willamette University and choose the best courses. Explore academic opportunities, salary insights, and career paths below. Ready to rate your educators? Visit Rate My Professor today.
About Willamette University
Willamette University, established in 1842, holds the distinction of being the oldest university in the Western United States. Located in the heart of Salem, Oregon, this private liberal arts institution was originally founded by Methodist missionaries and has evolved into a comprehensive university offering undergraduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as graduate degrees through the College of Law and the Atkinson Graduate School of Management. With a mission centered on intellectual growth, ethical leadership, and community engagement, Willamette University emphasizes experiential learning and global perspectives. Key achievements include its highly regarded law program, which ranks among the top in the Pacific Northwest, and its commitment to sustainability, evidenced by initiatives like the Zena Forest research area. The university's campus spans 60 acres adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, providing unique opportunities for students and faculty to engage with policy and governance. Willamette boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, fostering close mentorship and collaborative research. Notable alumni include politicians, judges, and business leaders, reflecting the institution's impact on society. For more details, visit the Willamette University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Oregon, and Academic Jobs in Salem. The university's history of resilience, including surviving financial challenges in the 19th century, underscores its enduring legacy in higher education. Today, Willamette continues to attract scholars interested in interdisciplinary studies, with strong programs in biology, chemistry, politics, and environmental science. Its location in Salem offers proximity to natural wonders like the Willamette Valley, enhancing research in ecology and sustainability. Faculty and students alike benefit from partnerships with local organizations, including government agencies and non-profits, which provide real-world applications for academic work. Willamette's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its initiatives to support underrepresented groups, making it a welcoming environment for global academics. As a hub for academic careers at Willamette University, it provides resources for professional development and community involvement, positioning it as a top choice for those seeking meaningful higher education jobs at Willamette University.
In recent years, Willamette University has invested in modern facilities, such as the renovated Ford Hall for arts and humanities, enhancing the learning experience. The university's emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities allows students to collaborate with faculty on projects that address contemporary issues like climate change and social justice. This focus not only enriches academic careers but also prepares graduates for successful careers in various fields. For job seekers exploring professor positions at Willamette University or lecturer roles at Willamette University, the institution's accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities ensures high standards. Additionally, its affiliation with the Annapolis Group of liberal arts colleges highlights its prestige among peers. Whether you're a researcher in the sciences or a scholar in the humanities, Willamette offers a supportive environment for innovation and growth.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Willamette University
Faculty job opportunities at Willamette University are diverse and cater to a range of disciplines, reflecting the university's liberal arts foundation. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor in Environmental Science, Lecturer in Politics, Research Fellow in Biology, and positions in the College of Law such as Associate Professor of Legal Studies. Based on 2025 trends, there's growing need for faculty in STEM fields and business, driven by enrollment increases in programs like data science and sustainable management. Salaries for these roles vary; for instance, assistant professors earn approximately $70,000-$90,000 annually, while full professors can command $110,000-$150,000, influenced by factors like tenure status and department funding. Willamette's key departments, such as Chemistry and Politics, often seek experts in interdisciplinary areas. Job seekers can find listings on AcademicJobs.com, filtered for Willamette University. Explore Higher Ed Jobs for professor positions at Willamette University or Lecturer Jobs in Oregon. The university's location in Salem provides access to state resources, enhancing research jobs at Willamette University. Recent trends show a 15% increase in faculty hires in law and business, aligning with national demands for ethical leadership education. For those interested in academic careers at Willamette University, opportunities include tenure-track positions with robust support for professional development. Benefits like sabbaticals and research grants make these roles appealing. To apply, visit Faculty Jobs and filter by Willamette University. In the College of Arts and Sciences, positions in humanities emphasize critical thinking, while science roles focus on hands-on labs. Willamette's commitment to small class sizes ensures meaningful student interactions, a key draw for lecturer roles at Willamette University. Salary data from 2025 reports indicate competitive pay compared to similar institutions, with adjustments for cost of living in Oregon. Job trends also highlight remote higher ed jobs at Willamette University for administrative support. For more, check Remote Higher Ed Jobs. Overall, these opportunities position Willamette as a leader in higher education jobs at Willamette University, with a focus on innovation and community impact.
Assistant Professor in Biology 💼
Focus on ecology research; salary $75,000-$85,000.
Lecturer in Law 🎓
Teach constitutional law; salary $80,000-$95,000.
Research Fellow in Business 📊
Analyze market trends; salary $70,000-$90,000.
Associate Professor in Politics 💼
Specialize in international relations; salary $95,000-$110,000.
Why Work at Willamette University
Working at Willamette University offers unparalleled benefits for academic careers, including a supportive community, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and a commitment to work-life balance. Faculty enjoy opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, such as joint projects between the law school and environmental science department. Unique advantages include proximity to the Oregon legislature for policy research and generous funding for sabbaticals. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and paths to leadership roles. Research from 2025 highlights Willamette's focus on sustainability, making it ideal for scholars in green initiatives. Benefits like health coverage and retirement plans enhance appeal. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice. The university's small size fosters mentorship, boosting job satisfaction. For those in faculty jobs at Willamette University, the emphasis on ethical education aligns with personal values, creating rewarding experiences.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Willamette University
The salary guide for faculty at Willamette University reflects competitive compensation in higher education. Based on 2025 data, assistant professors earn $70,000-$90,000, associates $90,000-$110,000, and full professors $110,000-$150,000. Factors include experience, department (e.g., law pays higher), and location in Oregon, where cost of living is moderate. Trends show a 5% increase in salaries due to inflation adjustments. Compared to national averages, Willamette offers above-median pay for liberal arts institutions. Visit Professor Salaries for more. Departments like business see premiums for expertise in analytics. Tenure adds bonuses, and grants can supplement income. For detailed comparisons, check University Salaries. This guide helps in negotiating offers for academic careers at Willamette University.
| Role | Salary Range 📊 | Department Example 📍 |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $70,000-$90,000 | Biology |
| Associate Professor | $90,000-$110,000 | Law |
| Full Professor | $110,000-$150,000 | Business |
| Lecturer | $60,000-$80,000 | Politics |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Willamette University
Discover top educators through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, featuring ratings for Willamette University professors. This platform helps students choose courses and recognizes teaching excellence. Ratings tie to programs like law and sciences. Visit Rate My Professor.
Dr. David Craig - Biology ⭐ 4.8
Renowned for ecology courses; highly rated for engagement.
Prof. Robin Morris Collin - Law ⭐ 4.9
Expert in environmental law; praised for real-world insights.
Dr. Miho Fujiwara - Chemistry ⭐ 4.7
Innovative teaching in labs; student favorite.
Prof. Greg Felker - Politics ⭐ 4.8
Focuses on international relations; excellent feedback.
Dr. Anita Ramasastry - Business ⭐ 4.9
Leads in ethical management; top-rated.
Career Progression at Willamette University
Career progression at Willamette University follows a structured path from assistant to full professor, with tenure typically after 6-7 years. Salaries increase by rank: assistants at $70k+, associates at $90k+, full at $110k+. Strengths in research funding support advancement. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at Willamette University
Research at Willamette University emphasizes sustainability, with centers like the Center for Sustainable Communities. Trends include climate studies and legal innovation. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for Willamette University Academics
- Professional development workshops 🎓
- Faculty unions for advocacy 💼
- Health and retirement benefits 📊
Student Life and Perspectives at Willamette University
Student life at Willamette includes diverse programs and career advising. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.

