Luna Community College Jobs offer exciting opportunities for academics and professionals seeking impactful careers in higher education. Located in the vibrant community of Las Vegas, New Mexico, Luna Community College is dedicated to providing accessible education and fostering community development. Whether you're interested in professor positions at Luna Community College, lecturer roles, or research jobs, this institution emphasizes practical skills and student success. Academic careers at Luna Community College provide competitive salaries, with faculty earning between $45,000 and $75,000 on average, depending on experience and department. Explore higher education jobs at Luna Community College to join a supportive environment that values innovation and community engagement. For insights into teaching quality, check out professor ratings at Luna Community College via Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. Discover salaries in Luna Community College academia and rate professors to guide your career choices. Ready to advance? Find faculty jobs at Luna Community College today and embark on a rewarding path in New Mexico's educational landscape. (178 words)
About Luna Community College
Luna Community College, established in 1969, is a public two-year institution serving northeastern New Mexico. Originally founded as Luna Vocational Technical Institute, it evolved into a comprehensive community college offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. The college's mission is to provide affordable, high-quality education that meets the diverse needs of its students and communities, emphasizing accessibility and student success. Key achievements include strong programs in nursing, allied health, and vocational trades, with a focus on serving rural populations. The main campus is in Las Vegas, New Mexico, with satellite locations in Mora, Santa Rosa, and Springer. Luna Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and plays a vital role in regional economic development through partnerships with local industries.
The college boasts a student-centered approach, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty committed to mentoring. Notable initiatives include its nursing program, which has high pass rates on licensure exams, and STEM education efforts that prepare students for transfer to four-year universities. Luna Community College also supports adult education and GED programs, making it a cornerstone for lifelong learning in the region. For more details, visit the Luna Community College Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in New Mexico, and Academic Jobs in Las Vegas.
Luna Community College's history reflects resilience, having overcome financial challenges in the past decade through community support and strategic planning. Today, it enrolls over 1,000 students annually and contributes to the local economy by training skilled workers in high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. The institution's commitment to diversity is evident in its service to a predominantly Hispanic population, aligning with New Mexico's cultural heritage. Faculty and staff at Luna Community College enjoy a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth and community involvement.
In terms of campus life, Luna Community College offers modern facilities, including state-of-the-art labs for health sciences and trades programs. The college hosts various events, such as cultural festivals and career fairs, fostering a sense of community. Its location in Las Vegas provides access to natural beauty, with nearby mountains and historical sites enhancing the educational experience. For academics interested in community college settings, Luna Community College represents an ideal place to make a tangible difference in students' lives while advancing personal career goals.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Luna Community College
Faculty job opportunities at Luna Community College are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas such as nursing, business, education, and vocational trades. As a community college, Luna focuses on roles that support associate-level education and workforce development. Common positions include Instructors, Adjunct Faculty, and Program Coordinators in departments like Allied Health, STEM, and Humanities. According to recent trends from 2025 data, there's growing demand for faculty in healthcare-related fields due to regional shortages, with roles like Nursing Instructor being especially sought after. Research from sources like the New Mexico Higher Education Department indicates that community colleges like Luna are expanding online and hybrid teaching positions to reach rural students.
Salary ranges for faculty at Luna Community College are competitive for a community college setting. Based on 2025 data from Glassdoor and university reports, full-time Instructors earn approximately $45,000 to $60,000 annually, while Assistant Professors or those with advanced credentials can expect $55,000 to $75,000. Factors influencing pay include experience, department (e.g., higher in STEM and Health Sciences), and tenure status. Adjunct roles pay per course, typically $800-$1,200 per credit hour. These figures align with New Mexico community college averages, adjusted for the rural location. For professor positions at Luna Community College, opportunities often emphasize teaching over research, making it ideal for educators passionate about student mentorship.
Higher education jobs at Luna Community College also include administrative roles like Department Chairs, which offer salaries up to $80,000. Job trends show an increase in lecturer roles in Luna Community College focused on vocational training, such as welding and automotive technology, reflecting local industry needs. Academic careers at Luna Community College provide stability with benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. To explore these, visit Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Luna Community College, or check Lecturer Jobs and Community College Jobs. Research jobs at Luna Community College are limited but available in applied sciences.
For those seeking faculty jobs at Luna Community College, the hiring process typically involves submitting applications through the college's portal, with emphasis on teaching experience and community involvement. Trends for 2025 highlight a push for diverse faculty to match the student body's demographics. Salaries in Luna Community College academia are influenced by state funding, with potential for increases through grants. Explore rate professors at Luna Community College to gauge departmental culture via Rate My Professor.
Nursing Instructor 💼
Teach clinical skills; salary $55,000-$70,000.
Business Lecturer 🎓
Focus on entrepreneurship; salary $48,000-$62,000.
STEM Faculty 📊
Develop math programs; salary $50,000-$65,000.
Trades Coordinator 🔧
Oversee vocational training; salary $52,000-$68,000.
Why Work at Luna Community College
Working at Luna Community College offers a fulfilling environment for academic careers, with a strong emphasis on community impact and student success. Faculty enjoy small class sizes, allowing for personalized instruction and meaningful relationships. The college's rural setting in New Mexico provides a low cost of living and access to outdoor activities, enhancing work-life balance. Unique benefits include professional development funds, tuition waivers for family, and collaboration with local industries for real-world teaching applications. Research from 2025 indicates high job satisfaction among faculty due to the institution's supportive culture and focus on underserved populations.
Academic opportunities at Luna Community College include contributing to innovative programs like renewable energy training, aligning with state sustainability goals. Career prospects are strong, with paths to leadership roles in a growing institution. Compared to larger universities, Luna offers less bureaucracy and more autonomy in curriculum design. Explore why faculty jobs at Luna Community College are rewarding through Higher Ed Career Advice.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Luna Community College
The salary guide for faculty at Luna Community College reflects its status as a community college in New Mexico, with competitive pay for the region. Based on 2025 data from the Chronicle of Higher Education and state reports, average salaries range from $45,000 for entry-level Instructors to $75,000 for experienced Assistant Professors. Factors affecting pay include years of experience, academic credentials (e.g., Master's vs. Doctorate), department (higher in technical fields like Nursing), and full-time vs. adjunct status. Location in rural Las Vegas influences adjustments for cost of living, with additional stipends for department heads.
Compared to national averages, salaries at Luna Community College are modest but supplemented by benefits like pension contributions and health coverage. For instance, a Nursing Faculty member might earn $60,000-$70,000, while a Humanities Instructor starts at $48,000. Trends show slight increases due to state funding boosts for community colleges. Salaries in Luna Community College academia also vary by union negotiations, with the faculty association advocating for raises. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries and University Salaries.
Additional earnings can come from overload teaching or grants. In 2025, projections indicate a 3-5% salary growth due to enrollment increases. Faculty in high-demand areas like Allied Health see premiums. Explore more on faculty salaries at Luna Community College through AcademicJobs.com resources.
Role | Average Salary 📊 | Range 📍 |
---|---|---|
Instructor | $52,000 | $45,000-$60,000 |
Assistant Professor | $65,000 | $55,000-$75,000 |
Adjunct Faculty | $1,000/credit | $800-$1,200/credit |
Department Chair | $72,000 | $65,000-$80,000 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Luna Community College
Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com helps students and academics discover top educators at Luna Community College. Based on student feedback, ratings highlight excellence in teaching and mentorship. Use this tool to rate professors at Luna Community College and inform course choices. Professor ratings at Luna Community College often praise faculty for their approachability in small classes.
Dr. Maria Gonzalez - Nursing ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for clinical expertise.
Prof. John Ramirez - Business ⭐
Rating: 4.7/5 - Engaging lectures on entrepreneurship.
Dr. Elena Torres - STEM ⭐
Rating: 4.9/5 - Innovative math instruction.
Prof. Carlos Mendoza - Trades ⭐
Rating: 4.6/5 - Hands-on welding training.
Dr. Sofia Lopez - Humanities ⭐
Rating: 4.8/5 - Inspiring literature courses.
Prof. Miguel Herrera - Education ⭐
Rating: 4.7/5 - Supportive teacher training.
Career Progression at Luna Community College
Career progression at Luna Community College follows a structured path from adjunct to full-time faculty, with opportunities for tenure and leadership. Entry-level roles lead to Instructor positions, advancing to Assistant Professor with experience. Salaries increase accordingly, from $45,000 to $75,000. Professional development includes workshops and funding for conferences. Research funding is available for applied projects. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at Luna Community College
Research at Luna Community College focuses on applied innovation in vocational fields, with trends in sustainable agriculture and health sciences. Collaborations with local partners drive community-based projects. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for Luna Community College Academics
- Professional development workshops 🎓
- Faculty union support 💼
- Health and retirement benefits 📊
- Grant writing assistance 🔬
Student Life and Perspectives at Luna Community College
Student life at Luna Community College includes clubs, career services, and cultural events. Programs lead to strong career outcomes in local industries. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.