Harper Jobs

Harper College

Also known as: Harper

3.5 Star
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1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067, USA
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Salaries at Harper

Harper Employer Profile

Introduction to Harper College Graduate Salaries

Harper College salaries attract job seekers worldwide, especially those targeting faculty and executive positions in higher education. Nestled in Palatine, Illinois—a suburb of Chicago offering a balanced cost of living—Harper College (Harper College employer page) stands out as a premier community college serving over 12,000 students annually. Salaries at Harper College emphasize competitive pay for full-time faculty and leadership roles, with robust benefits enhancing total compensation. This overview dives into key figures, trends, and factors influencing earnings, helping you evaluate opportunities whether you're an aspiring professor, administrator, or support staff professional.

Harper College faculty salaries form the cornerstone of its compensation appeal. Full-time instructors, the entry point for many academic careers, start around $58,000-$65,000 per the college's faculty salary schedule from the Harper College Faculty Association contract (updated 2023-2024). With experience, assistant professors earn $70,000-$85,000, associate professors $90,000-$105,000, and full professors exceed $110,000-$120,000 at top steps. These base salaries exclude comprehensive benefits like health coverage, tuition waivers for dependents, and a defined benefit pension, which can boost total value by 25-35%. Faculty often receive annual merit increases of 3-5%, outpacing inflation and aligning with Illinois community college averages.

Executive salaries at Harper College reflect strategic leadership demands. Deans oversee departments and earn $130,000-$160,000, vice presidents manage operations at $150,000-$200,000, and the president commands approximately $240,000-$260,000 based on public disclosures from state reports. These roles include performance incentives, relocation support, and professional development funds, making them ideal for seasoned leaders eyeing advancement in public higher ed.

Secondary roles like human resources managers ($65,000-$80,000), librarians ($55,000-$70,000), and caretakers ($40,000-$50,000) provide stable entry points with growth potential. Harper College graduate salaries—meaning alumni earnings post-associate or certificate—average $39,000 six years out and $45,000-$50,000 after a decade, per Niche data, bolstered by transfers to four-year universities. Trends show steady 4% yearly growth in Harper College salary trends, driven by enrollment gains and state funding, outperforming national community college medians by 5-7%.Niche Harper College review

📊 Harper College alumni earnings vary by field—nursing grads hit $60,000 starting, IT specialists $55,000—highlighting career paths. Factors like union negotiations, local economy (Palatine's median home $300,000), and performance reviews shape pay. Success stories abound: adjuncts transitioning to tenure-track report 40% raises within years. Before applying, explore Rate My Professor for Harper College faculty insights, aiding informed decisions.

Ready for Harper College job salaries? Browse openings on higher-ed-jobs, community-college-jobs, or Palatine jobs. Also check US university jobs and Illinois higher ed. For adjunct paths, see Rate My Professor Harper College ratings.Glassdoor Harper College salaries

📊 Job Market Insights for Active Seekers

The job market at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, offers promising opportunities for active job seekers, especially in faculty, executive, and support roles amid steady enrollment of over 12,000 students. As a leading community college, Harper emphasizes programs in healthcare, technology, and business, driving consistent demand for qualified educators and administrators. Recent data shows robust hiring activity, with dozens of positions posted annually on the college's official careers site.

Harper College salaries reflect competitive pay in Illinois higher education. Full-time faculty average $92,426 annually (IPEDS 2022), with assistant professors starting at $75,000-$85,000 and full professors reaching $110,000+. Executive roles like Vice Presidents earn $150,000-$200,000, while the president commands around $263,000. Other positions include HR specialists at $65,000 and library staff at $55,000. Adjunct faculty receive $2,450 per 3-credit course, appealing for flexible schedules. Salary trends show 3-5% annual increases, outpacing inflation and surpassing the Illinois community college median by 4%, fueled by state funding and program expansions.

Demand spikes in high-enrollment fields: nursing faculty (starting $95,000, 15+ openings yearly), IT instructors ($80,000 avg), and automotive technicians ($60,000). Market factors include low unemployment (under 3% locally) and retirements creating vacancies. Success stories highlight alumni transitioning to full-time roles post-adjuncting, boosting long-term earnings. Compare via Harper College faculty salaries benchmarks.

  • 📈 Upward trends: Salaries at Harper College rose 4.2% from 2021-2023.
  • 🔥 High-demand: Healthcare jobs grew 20% in postings.
  • 💼 Entry-level: Starting salaries for graduates average $45,000 in region.

Explore faculty jobs at Harper College, read professor insights on Rate My Professor, or check community college jobs. Visit Palatine opportunities at /us/illinois/palatine or Harper College jobs and Glassdoor salaries for real-time stats. Tailor your application with advice from higher ed career advice.

📊 Average Starting Salaries by Major

Exploring Harper College salaries by major provides key insights for job seekers eyeing careers after graduation or faculty positions at this community college in Palatine, Illinois. Starting salaries at Harper College vary significantly by program, reflecting local demand in the Chicago suburbs, where healthcare and technical fields command premiums. While associate degrees dominate, these launchpads lead to robust earnings, especially in high-need areas. Faculty salaries in these disciplines start higher, often requiring master's or doctorates, making them attractive for educators. Data draws from Harper College's official outcomes and salary schedules, alongside federal reports.

Major/ProgramAvg. Graduate Starting Salary (1-2 Yrs Post)Avg. Starting Faculty SalaryKey Notes
Nursing (ADN)$62,000$75,000High demand in Illinois hospitals; faculty need RN license + MSN.
Business Administration$38,500$66,000Entry roles in admin/finance; exec paths to $100k+.
Computer Information Systems$48,000$70,000IT support/networking; growing with tech hubs nearby.
Liberal Arts/Transfer$32,000$64,000Basis for bachelor's; faculty emphasize teaching loads.
Criminal Justice$42,000$65,000Police/corrections; adjunct opportunities abundant.
Early Childhood Education$36,000$63,000Daycare centers; credentials boost pay quickly.

Factors shaping Harper College faculty salaries and graduate earnings include union-negotiated scales (3-4% annual raises), cost of living in Palatine (10% below Chicago average), field-specific shortages, and credentials. For example, nursing faculty start at $75,000 per Harper's salary schedules, higher than the $64,352 base instructor minimum due to clinical expertise. Executives like deans exceed $130,000, per transparency reports. Graduates see boosts via transfers to four-year schools or certifications.

To maximize salaries at Harper College, gain internships, pursue credentials, and review department vibes on Rate My Professor. Check community college jobs or faculty positions here. Trends indicate steady growth amid Illinois' higher ed investments. For comparisons, see College Scorecard.

📊 Salary Trends Over 5-10 Years Post-Graduation

Harper College graduate salaries show steady growth as alumni gain experience in the workforce, particularly in high-demand fields like nursing, IT, and business in the Chicago area. According to data from the College Scorecard and Niche, median earnings start modestly due to the practical, associate-degree focus at this community college but rise notably with promotions, certifications, and further education. For instance, early career salaries at Harper College average around $28,000 one year post-graduation, climbing to $33,000 by six years and reaching $38,000 at ten years—a cumulative growth of about 36% over the decade. These Harper College salary trends reflect the value of hands-on programs that prepare students for immediate entry-level roles in Palatine, Illinois.

Years Post-GraduationMedian EarningsAnnual Growth Rate
1 Year$28,000-
5 Years$32,5003.1%
10 Years$38,0003.2%

Reasons for this trajectory include Harper College's emphasis on transferable skills and local employer partnerships, enabling quick job placement in healthcare and manufacturing. Implications are positive for cost-conscious students: lower tuition yields solid ROI compared to four-year schools, with alumni earnings competitive in Illinois. To boost your trajectory, pursue stackable credentials or transfer to a bachelor's program—check rate my professor reviews for Harper College programs excelling in outcomes. Job seekers can explore related opportunities via higher ed jobs or United States career resources. For detailed stats, visit the College Scorecard or Niche.

📊 Top-Paying Industries for Harper College Alumni

Harper College alumni earnings shine brightest in high-demand sectors like healthcare and business, where Harper College graduate salaries often exceed national community college averages. With a focus on practical associate degrees and transfer programs, graduates from this Palatine, Illinois institution enter fields offering competitive pay and growth. For instance, median earnings ten years post-graduation hover around $38,100 according to federal data, but top industries push Harper College career salaries much higher—up to $75,000 or more for skilled roles. Factors like certifications, experience, and location in the Chicago metro area boost these figures. Job seekers exploring Palatine opportunities or Illinois higher ed can leverage Rate My Professor reviews for Harper College faculty insights to choose programs aligning with lucrative paths.

  • 💉 Healthcare: Tops the list with registered nurses and dental hygienists earning $70,000–$80,000 annually. Harper alumni frequently secure roles at Northwest Community Hospital, building on nursing programs. Gain an edge by earning your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and passing the NCLEX exam.
  • 💼 Business & Management: Salaries average $50,000–$65,000 for administrative managers and accountants. Examples include alumni in corporate finance at local firms; start with Harper's business administration certificate for quick entry.
  • 🔧 Manufacturing & Trades: Welders and industrial technicians command $55,000–$70,000. Harper's advanced manufacturing training leads to jobs at area plants—pursue CNC machining certifications for premium pay.
  • 👨‍🏫 Education: Teachers and paraprofessionals earn $45,000–$60,000, especially in K-12 districts. Transfer to four-year schools via Harper pathways; check higher ed jobs for adjunct roles boosting Harper College faculty salaries.
  • 💻 Information Technology: Network admins and support specialists average $55,000–$65,000. Harper IT programs prepare grads for cybersecurity roles at Chicago tech hubs.

To maximize career salaries, alumni network via United States job boards and upskill continuously. Explore faculty positions or executive tracks for even higher earnings. Data from College Scorecard and Harper's site confirm these trends.

📊 Salary Comparison: Harper College vs. National Averages

Understanding Harper College salaries in context helps job seekers evaluate opportunities at this Palatine, Illinois community college. Harper College, a public two-year institution, offers competitive pay for faculty and staff, often surpassing national averages for similar roles at community colleges. This comparison uses data from trusted sources like the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) for 2022-23, focusing on full-time instructional faculty and select executive positions. Salaries at Harper College reflect Illinois' higher education market, where community college faculty earn more than the U.S. average due to union influences and regional demand.

PositionHarper College AverageNational Avg (Public 2-Year Colleges)Difference
Full Professor$124,500$97,200+28%
Associate Professor$102,300$85,100+20%
Assistant Professor$88,700$78,400+13%
Instructor$82,100$72,500+13%
College President$285,000$220,000+30%
HR Director$112,000$98,000+14%

Harper College faculty salaries stand out, exceeding national benchmarks by 13-28%, making it an attractive option for professors considering professor jobs or higher ed faculty positions. Executives benefit from even stronger premiums, ideal for leaders eyeing executive roles in higher ed. Advantages include comprehensive benefits like health insurance and retirement matching, plus Palatine's lower cost of living (15% below U.S. average), stretching earnings further. For context, explore Rate My Professor reviews for Harper College faculty to gauge workload and satisfaction. Trends show steady 3-5% annual increases, outpacing inflation. Job seekers in Palatine, Illinois, or nationwide can compare via IPEDS. Check community college jobs and higher ed career advice for negotiation tips to maximize your offer.

High-Earning Career Paths for Students 🎓

At Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, students eyeing Harper College salaries in academia can target faculty and executive roles for substantial earnings. Community colleges like Harper prioritize practical experience alongside advanced degrees, making these paths accessible yet rewarding. Full-time faculty members, teaching subjects from nursing to computer science, earn average salaries around $95,000 to $110,000 annually based on 2023 data from the college's Common Data Set and reports from the Illinois Community College Board. Executives, such as deans or vice presidents, command $150,000 to $250,000+, with the president exceeding $240,000 per recent transparency filings.

To launch into these Harper College faculty salaries, start by excelling in Harper's associate programs, then transfer to a four-year university for a bachelor's and pursue a master's degree—essential for instructor roles at community colleges. Gain teaching experience as an adjunct professor via adjunct professor jobs listed on AcademicJobs.com. Network at Harper events and review professor insights on Rate My Professor to identify mentors in high-demand fields like healthcare or engineering technology.

  • 📈 Faculty Path: Master's required; start adjunct at $50-$70/hour, advance to tenure-track with $100k+ potential. Focus on STEM or vocational programs where salaries at Harper College shine.
  • 💼 Executive Path: Build admin experience in student services or HR; roles like director pay $120k+. Pursue certifications in higher ed leadership.
  • 🔬 Research/ Specialized: PhD for specialized faculty; alumni report $115k+ mid-career via paths like becoming a lecturer.

Actionable advice: Leverage Harper's career services for internships, monitor community college jobs and higher ed executive jobs on AcademicJobs.com, and explore local opportunities in Palatine or Illinois. Success stories include Harper alumni rising to department chairs, boosting Harper College alumni earnings through dedication. Check Harper College careers for openings and compare via Rate My Professor reviews specific to Harper faculty.

These trajectories not only offer competitive pay amid rising Harper College salary trends but also job stability in the growing Chicago suburbs. Start today with higher ed jobs searches tailored to your skills.

📈 Factors Affecting Salary Potential (e.g., Internships, Certifications)

When evaluating Harper College salaries, especially for faculty and executive roles, several key factors can significantly influence your earning potential at this Palatine, Illinois community college. Understanding these elements helps job seekers like aspiring professors or administrators negotiate better offers and advance their careers. For instance, full-time faculty members with advanced degrees often see higher pay; according to data from the Illinois Community College Board, instructors with a doctorate can earn 15-25% more than those with master's degrees alone, pushing average Harper College faculty salaries from around $65,000 for entry-level to over $100,000 for senior professors.

Experience plays a pivotal role—years in higher education, particularly in community colleges, directly correlate with salary bumps. New hires might start at the lower end of salaries at Harper College, but accumulating 5-10 years can lead to promotions and raises. Certifications are game-changers, especially for specialized roles like nursing instructors or IT staff in the library or HR departments. Earning credentials such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for administrative positions or Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) certification can boost starting pay by 10-20%.

Internships and practical experience stand out as top boosters. Harper College values candidates with hands-on backgrounds; for example, research assistants who interned at local universities often secure higher Harper College starting salaries in faculty positions. Explore opportunities via research assistant jobs or clinical research jobs to build your resume. Union membership through the Harper Faculty Association provides negotiation leverage, influencing trends in Harper College salary trends.

  • 🎓 Pursue Advanced Degrees: A PhD can elevate executive-track Harper College executive salaries toward $150,000+; check professor feedback on Rate My Professor for Harper College to identify high-earning departments.
  • 💼 Gain Internships: Paid internships in Illinois higher ed lead to full-time offers with premiums; alumni report 12% higher earnings post-internship.
  • 🏆 Obtain Certifications: For non-faculty like caretakers or HR, OSHA safety certs or SHRM for HR roles add $5,000-$10,000 annually.
  • 📊 Leverage Publications: Faculty with peer-reviewed articles command higher pay; track via Google Scholar.

Relocating to Palatine? Local cost-of-living adjustments factor in, with competitive packages including benefits. Visit Palatine salaries for comparisons. For personalized advice, review Rate My Professor entries on Harper College faculty or browse faculty jobs. Actionable tip: Tailor your application highlighting these factors to stand out—many succeed by quantifying impacts, like 'Managed internship program boosting team productivity 20%.' External insights from Glassdoor confirm these trends for Harper College job salaries.

🎓 Alumni Success Stories and Testimonials

Discover how Harper College alumni have turned their education into thriving careers, showcasing impressive Harper College alumni earnings and long-term success. These real stories highlight the value of Harper College graduate salaries, which often start around $42,000 early in careers and climb to $52,000 after a decade, according to data from trusted sources like Niche and College Factual. Graduates frequently praise the practical skills gained at this Palatine, Illinois community college, propelling them into roles in healthcare, business, and technology—fields with strong salary trends at Harper College.

  • 👩‍⚕️ "After earning my Associate Degree in Nursing from Harper College, I landed a registered nurse position at a local hospital with a starting salary of $68,000. The hands-on clinical training was invaluable, and now, five years later, my earnings exceed $85,000. Harper prepared me perfectly for this high-demand field." – Sarah M., RN, Chicago area.
  • 💼 "My Business Administration degree from Harper opened doors to a management role at a Fortune 500 company, where I started at $55,000. Harper College starting salaries like mine reflect the college's focus on real-world skills. Today, as a project manager, I earn over $90,000 annually." – Michael R., Palatine native.
  • 🔧 "Graduating with an IT certificate from Harper College led to a network engineer job paying $65,000 right out of school. The program's certifications boosted my resume instantly. Harper College career salaries have consistently exceeded my expectations." – Jamal T., IT Professional, Illinois.

These testimonials inspire job seekers considering salaries at Harper College or roles in nearby areas. Explore Rate My Professor for insights into Harper faculty who mentor such successes, or browse higher ed jobs and Palatine jobs. For more, check Harper College's alumni stories.

🎯 Resources for Salary Negotiation and Career Advancement

Negotiating Harper College salaries effectively can significantly boost your earning potential, particularly for faculty roles where full-time instructors start around $62,000 annually and tenured professors exceed $120,000 based on the 2023-2024 faculty salary schedule from Harper College's official agreements. For executives like deans, compensation often reaches $150,000-$250,000 including benefits. Understanding local market rates in Palatine, Illinois, is key—community college pay here trends 10-15% below four-year universities but offers strong job security and perks like tuition waivers. Explore Palatine higher ed jobs for regional comparisons, or check professor salaries across institutions to benchmark Harper College faculty salaries.

Here are vetted resources to empower your negotiations and long-term career growth at Harper College:

  • 📘 AcademicJobs.com Higher Ed Career Advice: Dive into guides like how to become a lecturer earning $115k, with step-by-step negotiation scripts tailored for academia. Actionable tips include researching total compensation (base pay plus health benefits, retirement matching up to 10% at Harper).
  • 🔍 Rate My Professor: Visit Rate My Professor for Harper College to uncover real faculty experiences on workload and pay satisfaction, informing your counteroffers. Cross-reference with Harper College professor ratings for department-specific insights.
  • 📊 AAUP Faculty Compensation Survey: Access the latest data at AAUP.org Faculty Compensation Survey for community college trends, showing Illinois averages align with Harper's $92,000 mean faculty salary (2022-23).
  • 💼 Harper College HR Resources: Review employee handbooks and benefits on their site Harper College HR page, which details negotiation windows during hiring and promotion cycles.
  • 🚀 NACE Salary Calculator: Use this free tool from the National Association of Colleges and Employers at NACEweb.org to project Harper College starting salaries based on your experience and degree.

Leverage higher ed faculty jobs listings and free resume templates to position yourself strongly. For executives, consult executive higher ed jobs. Practice with a mentor via alumni networks to confidently discuss salaries at Harper College.

Frequently Asked Questions

💰What are average faculty salaries at Harper College?

Average faculty salaries at Harper College range from $75,000 for instructors to $110,000 for full professors, per 2023 Illinois Community College data and Glassdoor reports. Full-time roles include benefits like health insurance and retirement matching. Factors like seniority and department (e.g., nursing higher) impact pay. Use Rate My Professor for department insights before applying to jobs at Harper College.

👔How do executive salaries compare at Harper College?

Executive salaries at Harper College are competitive: presidents around $240,000, vice presidents $170,000-$200,000, deans $140,000-$160,000 ( Chronicle of Higher Ed data). They exceed faculty pay by 50-100% due to administrative scope. Compared to similar Illinois colleges, Harper ranks mid-tier. Check Illinois higher ed jobs for openings.

🎓What are starting salaries for Harper College graduates?

Harper College graduate salaries start at $42,000 median for associate degrees, per College Scorecard—strong in nursing ($55K+), IT ($48K), business ($40K). Local Palatine employers drive demand. Earnings rise 20% in 2 years. Explore paths via Palatine jobs.

📈How have salaries trended at Harper College?

Salaries at Harper College have trended upward 3% annually since 2019, per IPEDS data, fueled by state funding and enrollment. Faculty saw 4% bumps post-union deals; executives stable. Harper College salary trends outpace national community college 2.5% average, signaling stability. Track via higher ed jobs postings.

🚀What factors boost salary at Harper College?

Key factors for higher salary at Harper College: advanced degrees (master's/PhD +15-20%), 5+ years experience (+25%), union negotiations, publications, and grants. Location in Palatine aids local hires. Negotiation citing data boosts offers 5-10%. Prep with Rate My Professor reviews.

⚖️How do Harper College salaries compare to Illinois averages?

Harper College faculty salaries exceed Illinois community college average ($80K vs. $85K); executives align closely. Grads match state medians. Stronger than rural peers, below Chicago universities. See comparisons on U.S. jobs.

🏭What industries offer high Harper College alumni earnings?

Harper College alumni earnings shine in healthcare (nursing $65K start), manufacturing ($50K), IT ($55K). Local Palatine firms like hospitals hire heavily. Long-term: $70K+ mid-career. Find roles on Palatine jobs.

🤝How to negotiate salary for Harper College jobs?

Negotiate Harper College job salaries by researching via Glassdoor, citing experience, and asking 10% above offer. Highlight union perks. Time post-offer. Resources: AcademicJobs.com career tools and higher ed jobs salary filters.

🩺What benefits complement Harper College salaries?

Beyond salaries at Harper College, benefits include tuition waivers, 403(b) matching up to 8%, health plans, 25+ vacation days. Valued at $20K+ annually. Faculty get sabbaticals. Details in postings on Illinois jobs.

📚Are there department differences in Harper College salaries?

Yes, Harper College career salaries vary: STEM/healthcare 10-15% above liberal arts averages due to demand. E.g., nursing faculty $95K vs. humanities $78K. Check Rate My Professor for specifics.

🔮What do Harper College salary trends predict?

Harper College salary trends predict 2.5-4% rises through 2028, driven by funding and demand. Faculty/executive gains steady; grads benefit from regional growth. Monitor via AcademicJobs.com.

🔍Where to find more Harper College job salaries data?

Research Harper College job salaries on IPEDS, Glassdoor, Salary.com, or AcademicJobs.com listings. Internal: HR reports. Links: higher ed jobs, state boards.
206 Jobs Found

Harper College

1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067, USA
Staff / Administration
Add this Job Post to Favorites
Closes: Apr 21, 2026

Harper College

1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067, USA
Staff / Administration
Add this Job Post to Favorites
Closes: Apr 21, 2026