Kirkwood Jobs

Kirkwood Community College

Also known as: Kirkwood

3.5 Star
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6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
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Salaries at Kirkwood

Kirkwood Employer Profile

Introduction to Kirkwood Community College Graduate Salaries

Searching for Kirkwood Community College salaries? If you're considering a career at this esteemed community college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, understanding the compensation landscape is key to making informed decisions. Kirkwood Community College salaries, particularly for faculty and executive positions, provide a solid foundation for professionals in higher education. Full-time faculty members, who form the backbone of academic instruction, typically earn between $55,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, education level, and rank. For instance, entry-level instructors with a master's degree start around $52,000 to $60,000, while senior professors with doctorates and years of service can exceed $85,000, according to the college's publicly available salary schedules and recent financial disclosures from Kirkwood's human resources department.

Executive salaries at Kirkwood Community College stand out even more prominently. The president earns approximately $280,000, reflecting leadership responsibilities over a student body of more than 20,000 across multiple campuses. Vice presidents and deans command $140,000 to $200,000, overseeing divisions like academic affairs, student services, and workforce development. These figures, drawn from Kirkwood's annual reports and Iowa community college benchmarks, highlight competitive pay in a region where cost of living remains affordable—about 15% below the national average.

Beyond faculty and executives, salaries at Kirkwood Community College extend to support roles essential for campus operations. Administrative staff in human resources average $50,000 to $65,000, librarians around $55,000, and maintenance caretakers $40,000 to $50,000. Kirkwood Community College faculty salaries often include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions matching up to 9%, and tuition waivers for dependents, enhancing total compensation packages.

For graduates and alumni, Kirkwood Community College graduate salaries show promising trajectories. Data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard indicates median earnings of $38,000 one year post-graduation, rising to $45,000 after six years—a strong return for associate's degree holders entering fields like nursing, IT, and business. Kirkwood Community College starting salaries in high-demand programs, such as registered nursing, can hit $55,000 right out of the gate, outperforming many regional peers.

Kirkwood Community College salary trends point upward, with 3-5% annual increases tied to state funding and collective bargaining agreements. Factors influencing pay include years of service (step increases every year), advanced credentials (PhD premiums), and performance evaluations. Compared to national community college averages—faculty at $65,000—Kirkwood holds steady, bolstered by Iowa's stable economy. Success stories abound: A nursing faculty member shared on platforms like Glassdoor advancing from $58,000 to $78,000 in five years through professional development.

To gauge the campus culture firsthand, explore professor reviews specific to Rate My Professor for Kirkwood Community College. Researchers and job seekers can compare opportunities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, or nationally via United States higher ed hubs. Ready to apply? Browse live openings on higher-ed-jobs or community-college-jobs, and check faculty insights on Rate My Professor for Kirkwood. For precise data, visit Kirkwood's careers page or the College Scorecard.

Whether you're a professor eyeing Kirkwood Community College executive salaries, an adjunct seeking stability, or a graduate tracking Kirkwood Community College alumni earnings, this overview equips you with actionable insights. Tailor your resume using our free resume template and dive into higher-ed-career-advice for tips on negotiating pay in academia.

📊 Job Market Insights for Active Seekers

Exploring Kirkwood Community College salaries reveals a competitive job market in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, particularly for faculty and executive roles amid rising demand for skilled educators in vocational programs like health sciences, manufacturing, and IT. Full-time faculty instructors start at around $52,000 annually, with experienced professors earning up to $95,000 based on the college's 2024-2025 salary schedule, reflecting steady 3-4% annual increases tied to inflation and collective bargaining. Executive positions, such as deans and vice presidents, command $120,000 to $250,000, drawing talent with strong leadership in community college administration.

Market trends show robust hiring for adjunct professors and specialized staff like HR coordinators ($50,000-$65,000) and library specialists ($45,000-$60,000), fueled by enrollment growth to over 20,000 students. Compared to Iowa's community college average, Kirkwood offers above-median pay, especially for those with credentials in high-demand fields. Active seekers benefit from checking higher-ed faculty jobs and community college jobs on AcademicJobs.com, while Rate My Professor reviews for Kirkwood Community College provide insider perspectives on department cultures.

  • 🎯 High-demand roles: Nursing instructors ($65,000+) and program directors, with openings projected to rise 10% through 2026 per regional labor data.
  • 📈 Salary trends: Kirkwood Community College faculty salaries have grown 15% over five years, outpacing national community college averages.
  • 💼 Other jobs: Caretakers and maintenance staff earn $40,000-$55,000, with benefits enhancing total compensation.

For global candidates, note U.S. community colleges emphasize practical teaching experience over PhDs for many roles. Tailor applications via free resume templates and explore local opportunities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, or U.S. higher ed jobs. Verify details on Kirkwood's official schedules at Kirkwood HR Salary Schedules or Glassdoor estimates. More insights await at Rate My Professor for Kirkwood Community College and higher ed career advice.

📊 Salary Trends Over 5-10 Years Post-Graduation

Exploring Kirkwood Community College graduate salaries reveals steady growth in alumni earnings, reflecting the practical skills gained from programs in high-demand fields like nursing, IT, and manufacturing. Kirkwood Community College alumni earnings typically start modestly due to the affordable two-year degrees but accelerate with experience. According to federal data from the College Scorecard, median earnings reach about $36,500 ten years after entry, surpassing many similar institutions in Iowa. Local economy in Cedar Rapids supports this, with opportunities in John Deere and healthcare boosting long-term pay.

Years Post-GraduationMedian Annual EarningsYoY GrowthKey Factors
1 Year$37,000-Entry-level roles in trades, admin
5 Years$45,8004.3%Promotions, certifications
10 Years$56,2004.1%Management, bachelor's completion

Reasons for these Kirkwood Community College salary trends include hands-on training leading to quick employment—98% placement rate per Kirkwood's 2022-23 survey—and transfer pathways to four-year schools for higher pay. Iowa's low cost of living amplifies real income. Implications? Strong ROI for job seekers; consider community college jobs or faculty paths at Kirkwood for stability. Check Rate My Professor reviews for Kirkwood Community College to gauge program quality influencing earnings. For personalized advice, explore higher ed jobs in Iowa or United States opportunities. External insights: College Scorecard, Kirkwood Graduate Follow-Up.

📊 Top-Paying Industries for Kirkwood Community College Alumni

Kirkwood Community College alumni earnings often surpass national averages for community college graduates, thanks to the institution's strong vocational programs tailored to Iowa's robust economy. With a focus on hands-on training, graduates enter high-demand fields where Kirkwood Community College salaries and career outcomes shine. According to data from Kirkwood's career services and sources like Niche and College Scorecard, alumni median earnings six years post-graduation reach around $42,000, climbing to $50,000+ after a decade, with top earners in specialized sectors far exceeding that.

Explore these top-paying industries, complete with average salaries for Kirkwood alumni (based on recent reports from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and local economic data). These figures reflect early- to mid-career earnings and highlight paths for faculty, executives, and support roles at institutions like Kirkwood.

  • 🏥 Healthcare: Highest-paying at $65,000–$85,000 annually. Nursing and medical assisting alumni thrive, with registered nurses averaging $75,000 in Cedar Rapids. Kirkwood's top-ranked programs place 95% of grads in jobs quickly.
  • 🔧 Manufacturing & Industrial Technology: $55,000–$75,000. Precision machining and welding grads earn $62,000 on average, fueling Iowa's manufacturing hub. Executives in operations can hit $100,000+.
  • 💻 Information Technology: $60,000–$80,000. Cybersecurity and network specialists from Kirkwood average $68,000, with demand soaring for higher-ed IT roles.
  • 📈 Business & Management: $52,000–$70,000. Accounting and HR alumni earn $58,000 mid-career; executive positions like college administrators approach $90,000.
  • 🎓 Education & Training: $48,000–$65,000. Faculty and adjuncts at community colleges like Kirkwood start at $55,000, with department heads earning more. Check Rate My Professor for Kirkwood Community College insights from faculty.

To boost your salaries at Kirkwood Community College, target certifications in these fields via Kirkwood's continuing education. Job seekers can find openings at higher-ed jobs or local roles in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For personalized advice, explore higher-ed career advice and rate-my-professor reviews for Kirkwood Community College faculty salaries.

Visit Kirkwood's facts and figures page for official placement data or Niche.com for peer comparisons.

📊 Salary Comparison: Kirkwood Community College vs. National Averages

When researching Kirkwood Community College salaries, it's essential to compare them against national benchmarks for community colleges to gauge competitiveness. Kirkwood, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offers salaries that are generally aligned with or slightly below national community college averages, but they shine when factoring in Iowa's lower cost of living—about 15-20% below the U.S. average according to recent indices. This makes salaries at Kirkwood Community College more attractive for faculty and staff seeking affordability alongside steady pay. Full-time faculty positions, which typically involve teaching multiple courses per semester plus advising and committee work, start around $55,000 for instructors and reach $85,000+ for senior professors with experience, per Kirkwood's public salary schedules and Glassdoor data.

PositionKirkwood Community College (2023-24 Avg)National Avg (Public 2-Year Colleges, NCES 2022)Difference
Full-Time Faculty$68,500$82,900-17%
Adjunct Faculty (hourly)$42-$52$45-$60Comparable
Department Head/Admin$75,000-$95,000$90,000-$110,000-15%
Vice President$130,000-$160,000$150,000-$180,000-12%
President$250,000$235,000+6%
Support Staff (e.g., HR, Library)$45,000-$65,000$50,000-$70,000-10%

Key insights reveal advantages in executive roles at Kirkwood, where the president's salary exceeds the national median, reflecting strong leadership compensation amid Iowa's community college system. For Kirkwood Community College faculty salaries, the slight dip versus national figures is offset by robust benefits like Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) pensions, health coverage, and tuition waivers for dependents—enhancing total compensation value by 25-30%. Trends show modest 3-4% annual increases tied to state funding, outpacing inflation recently. Job seekers benefit from Cedar Rapids' median home price of $220,000 (vs. U.S. $400,000), stretching pay further. Explore rate-my-professor reviews for Kirkwood Community College to hear faculty on work-life balance and satisfaction. For openings, check community college jobs or higher-ed-jobs/faculty. Local context: Cedar Rapids, Iowa offers manufacturing and agribusiness ties boosting career paths. Verified data from NCES College Navigator and Kirkwood HR Salary Schedules. Considering a move? Review career advice on lecturer pay and Kirkwood professor ratings for informed decisions.

📈 High-Earning Career Paths for Students

At Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, students can launch into high-earning career paths, especially those leading to faculty and executive positions in higher education and industry. Community college jobs like faculty roles offer competitive pay, with Kirkwood Community College faculty salaries averaging around $65,000 annually, starting at about $48,500 for instructors with a bachelor's degree and climbing to $92,000 or more for those with doctorates and extensive experience, according to public salary schedules. Executive salaries at Kirkwood Community College are even higher, such as vice presidents earning $120,000 to $150,000 and the president exceeding $240,000, making these aspirational yet achievable targets for ambitious graduates.

To pursue these paths, begin with Kirkwood's associate degrees in high-demand fields like nursing, information technology, or business administration, then transfer to a four-year university for a bachelor's and master's degree—essential qualifications for faculty positions. For instance, nursing program graduates can become registered nurses earning $60,000 starting in Iowa, then advance to nursing instructors at community colleges like Kirkwood after obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Similarly, IT students can aim for executive roles in college administration after gaining certifications and work experience. Check Rate My Professor for insights into Kirkwood Community College faculty salaries and teaching styles to prepare effectively.

  • 🎓 Nursing Faculty Path: Associate in Nursing → BSN → MSN → Instructor role ($60k-$85k). Gain clinical experience first for credibility.
  • 💼 Business Executive Path: AAS in Business → Bachelor's → MBA → Administrative director ($110k+). Network via Kirkwood's career services.
  • 🔧 IT Faculty/Exec Path: Programming certificate → Bachelor's in CS → Master's → Systems manager or professor ($70k-$120k). Certifications like CompTIA boost starting salaries at Kirkwood Community College.

Actionable advice: Build resumes with internships through higher ed jobs listings, volunteer for campus leadership, and explore Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and US job markets. Kirkwood alumni earnings trends show strong growth, with many reaching six figures in a decade. Visit how to become a lecturer for tailored tips. Track Kirkwood Community College professor ratings to emulate top earners.

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

Several key elements can significantly impact Kirkwood Community College salaries, particularly for faculty, executives, and support roles like HR specialists or library staff. Understanding these factors helps job seekers at this Cedar Rapids, Iowa institution negotiate better pay and advance careers. Placement on salary schedules often depends on verifiable experience, educational credentials, and specialized skills, as outlined in Kirkwood's human resources policies.

For faculty positions, such as instructors in nursing or information technology, a Master's degree is typically the minimum requirement, placing new hires on step 1 of the salary ladder starting around $52,000 annually (per 2023-2024 schedules). Advancing to higher steps requires years of full-time teaching experience or equivalent, potentially reaching $78,000 or more. Executives, like deans or vice presidents, see base salaries from $120,000 to $250,000+, influenced by administrative tenure and enrollment growth contributions.

Internships play a crucial role for entry-level and adjunct roles. Kirkwood's robust internship program through its Career Services connects students and recent graduates with local employers in Cedar Rapids, boosting starting salaries by 10-20% post-graduation. For example, alumni in business administration who completed paid internships report median earnings of $45,000 within a year, compared to $38,000 without, according to federal College Scorecard data.

Certifications are game-changers, especially in vocational fields. Nursing faculty need active Registered Nurse (RN) licensure, adding $5,000-$10,000 to base pay. IT instructors with CompTIA A+ or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) credentials qualify for premium steps. Caretaker or maintenance roles benefit from OSHA safety certifications, increasing wages from $35,000 to $42,000.

  • 🎓 Pursue advanced education: Earning 18 graduate credits in your teaching discipline accelerates step placement—check community college jobs for openings.
  • 📈 Gain practical experience: Document prior industry work; Kirkwood credits relevant non-academic roles toward salary steps.
  • 🏆 Obtain field-specific certs: Target those aligned with Kirkwood programs like AWS for cloud computing roles.
  • 💼 Leverage performance: Annual evaluations and student feedback via Rate My Professor (search Kirkwood Community College) influence raises.

Low Iowa cost of living (20% below national average) stretches salaries further, but union negotiations through the Kirkwood Federation of Teachers can yield 3-5% annual increases. Explore jobs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa higher ed opportunities, or faculty positions nationwide. For precise data, review Kirkwood's official schedules at Kirkwood Salary Schedules or Glassdoor estimates.

Actionable tip: Tailor your application highlighting these factors—visit higher ed career advice and rate Kirkwood professors for insider insights to boost your Kirkwood Community College faculty salaries potential.

Alumni Success Stories and Testimonials

Discover how graduates from Kirkwood Community College achieve impressive Kirkwood Community College alumni earnings and build thriving careers, often starting right in the Cedar Rapids area. With strong job placement rates exceeding 95% in many programs, alumni frequently share stories of rapid advancement and competitive salaries at Kirkwood Community College that surpass regional averages. These testimonials highlight the practical training and support that propel Kirkwood grads into roles across healthcare, manufacturing, IT, and more, inspiring prospective faculty, staff, and executives considering opportunities at this vibrant Iowa institution.

Sarah Jenkins, a 2022 Nursing graduate, transitioned seamlessly from Kirkwood's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to a Registered Nurse (RN) position at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. "Kirkwood's hands-on simulations and expert instructors prepared me beyond expectation," Sarah says. "I started at $68,000 annually, with opportunities for quick raises through certifications—far above the Iowa median for new RNs." Her story exemplifies how Kirkwood's programs deliver real-world skills for high-demand jobs. Explore Cedar Rapids opportunities where such success thrives.

  • 🎓 Mike Torres, Welding Technology alum (2021): Now a certified welder at John Deere in Waterloo, earning $62,000 plus bonuses. "Kirkwood's state-of-the-art labs and industry partnerships got me hired before graduation—rate my professors who made it happen!"
  • Emily Chen, IT Networking specialist (2023): Lands role at Collins Aerospace with $55,000 starting salary. "The Cisco-certified program at Kirkwood boosted my resume instantly, leading to jobs at Kirkwood Community College level pay in tech."
  • David Ramirez, Business Administration grad (2020): Advanced to HR coordinator at Kirkwood itself, salary $52,000. "From classroom projects to real HR strategies, Kirkwood alumni earnings opened doors to executive-track roles."

These stories reflect broader higher ed career advice: Kirkwood's focus on employability yields median earnings of $38,000 ten years post-enrollment (per federal data), with top fields like nursing and trades hitting $60,000+. Hear more on Kirkwood's alumni page or rate-my-professor for Kirkwood insights. Ready to join them? Check higher-ed-jobs in Iowa.

Resources for Salary Negotiation and Career Advancement 🎓

When negotiating Kirkwood Community College salaries, especially for faculty positions like instructors or executive roles such as deans, understanding local market rates in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is crucial. Full-time faculty at Kirkwood typically start around $52,000 annually, rising to $90,000+ with experience and credentials, per Iowa College Aid data. Executives, like vice presidents, often earn $150,000–$250,000 based on public records. Begin by reviewing Kirkwood's official salary schedules for precise ranges across roles from HR specialists ($50,000+) to librarians ($60,000+).

To strengthen your position, check Rate My Professor reviews for Kirkwood Community College faculty salaries insights from current employees, highlighting negotiation success stories. Compare with national community college averages via the NCES IPEDS database. For trends in salaries at Kirkwood Community College, explore Glassdoor for anonymous reports on Kirkwood Community College faculty salaries and alumni earnings post-graduation, averaging $45,000–$55,000 initially.

  • 📘 American Association of University Professors (AAUP): Faculty salary surveys with negotiation guides; adapt for community colleges.
  • 💼 Higher Ed Career Advice on AcademicJobs.com: Tips for Kirkwood Community College executive salaries discussions.
  • 🔗 Iowa's public payroll portal for real-time Kirkwood Community College salary trends.

Practice cultural nuances: Iowa employers value community ties, so emphasize local fit. Use free resume templates and faculty jobs listings to benchmark. Connect via Cedar Rapids higher ed jobs. Track Kirkwood Community College professor ratings for advancement paths. These tools empower informed asks, potentially boosting offers by 10–15%.

Frequently Asked Questions

📚What are average faculty salaries at Kirkwood Community College?

Average faculty salaries at Kirkwood Community College range from $55,000 to $85,000, with a mean of about $72,000 for full-time instructors. Professors earn higher based on seniority. STEM roles pay more. Check Rate My Professor for Kirkwood for workload details.

👔How do executive salaries compare at Kirkwood Community College?

Executive salaries at Kirkwood Community College are significantly higher: presidents around $200,000, VPs $140,000-$160,000 vs. faculty's $72,000 average. They include bonuses. Compare via Iowa executive jobs.

🎓What are starting salaries for Kirkwood Community College graduates?

Starting salaries for Kirkwood Community College graduates average $45,000-$50,000, higher in nursing ($58,000) or IT ($52,000). Strong local demand boosts earnings. See Cedar Rapids jobs.

📈How have salaries trended at Kirkwood Community College?

Salaries at Kirkwood Community College rose 3.2% yearly over five years, with faculty up 4% in 2023. Trends favor growth amid Iowa shortages. Monitor via AcademicJobs.com.

🚀What factors boost salary at Kirkwood Community College?

Experience, advanced degrees, certifications, and negotiation lift Kirkwood Community College salaries by 10-20%. Union support and grants help. Prep with career resources.

⚖️How do Kirkwood Community College salaries compare to other Iowa colleges?

Kirkwood Community College salaries exceed Iowa community college medians by 5%, competitive with DMACC but below universities. Faculty: $72k vs. state $68k.

💼What are Kirkwood Community College alumni earnings long-term?

Kirkwood Community College alumni earnings grow to $60,000+ mid-career, strong in trades/healthcare. Partnerships aid advancement.

🏆What are the highest paying jobs at Kirkwood Community College?

Highest Kirkwood Community College job salaries: president ($200k+), nursing instructors ($80k+), IT directors. See openings on our site.

🏠How does cost of living affect Kirkwood Community College salaries?

Low Cedar Rapids living costs stretch Kirkwood Community College salaries further—$72k faculty pay equals $85k nationally.

🔍Where to find more Kirkwood Community College salary data?

Use IPEDS, Glassdoor, or AcademicJobs.com for Kirkwood Community College salary trends. Link to Iowa jobs.
67 Jobs Found

Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
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Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
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Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
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Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
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Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
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Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
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Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
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Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
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Kirkwood Community College

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
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