About Oakton College
Oakton College, established in 1969, is a comprehensive community college serving the northern suburbs of Chicago in Des Plaines, Illinois, United States. With a mission to provide accessible, high-quality education, Oakton offers associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education programs to over 10,000 students annually. The college has two main campuses: the primary one in Des Plaines and another in Skokie. Key achievements include strong transfer rates to four-year universities, award-winning faculty, and community partnerships that enhance workforce development. Oakton is known for its diverse student body and commitment to equity and inclusion. For more details, visit the Oakton College Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Illinois, and Academic Jobs in Des Plaines.
Historically, Oakton College was founded to meet the growing demand for affordable higher education in the region, evolving from a small institution to a hub for academic and vocational training. Its key departments include Liberal Arts, Science and Health Careers, Business and Professional Services, and Continuing Education. The college emphasizes student-centered learning, with initiatives like the Oakton Honors Program and sustainability efforts. Notable for its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, Oakton has received recognition for excellence in teaching and community engagement. Campus life features modern facilities, including art galleries, theaters, and science labs, fostering a supportive environment for both students and faculty.
Oakton College plays a vital role in the local economy by preparing graduates for in-demand careers in healthcare, technology, and business. Its alumni have gone on to successful paths at universities like the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. The institution's commitment to innovation is evident in programs like nanotechnology and environmental studies, aligning with regional job trends. For academics interested in community college settings, Oakton offers a blend of teaching-focused roles and professional development opportunities. Discover more about academic careers at Oakton College through resources on AcademicJobs.com, including links to Higher Ed Jobs and Rate My Professor.
In terms of location, Des Plaines provides a suburban setting with easy access to Chicago's cultural and professional scenes, making it attractive for faculty seeking work-life balance. Oakton's history of adapting to educational needs, such as expanding online offerings post-pandemic, positions it as a forward-thinking institution. Key milestones include the opening of the Skokie campus in 1980 and ongoing expansions in STEM fields. For those exploring Oakton College academic opportunities, the college's focus on inclusivity and community service sets it apart in the higher education landscape.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Oakton College
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Oakton College are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like nursing, business, and liberal arts. As a community college, Oakton emphasizes teaching roles such as Full-Time Faculty, Adjunct Instructors, and Program Coordinators. Recent trends show growth in health sciences due to regional healthcare needs, with positions like Nursing Instructor often available. According to 2025 job trends, community colleges like Oakton are hiring more for online and hybrid teaching roles, reflecting post-pandemic shifts. Key departments include Science, Engineering, and Math (SEM), where lecturer roles Oakton College focus on hands-on learning.
Salary ranges for faculty at Oakton College are competitive for a community college setting. Based on researched data from sources like Glassdoor and Illinois community college reports for 2025, full-time instructors earn approximately $60,000 to $85,000 annually, while adjunct positions range from $3,000 to $5,000 per course. Factors influencing pay include experience, union agreements, and department—health careers often command higher salaries due to demand. Professor positions Oakton College in business might start at $65,000, with potential for increases through tenure and professional development. Explore these higher education jobs Oakton College on AcademicJobs.com's job board.
Other roles include Academic Advisors and Research Associates, though research is less emphasized than at universities. Job trends indicate a focus on diversity hiring, with Oakton seeking faculty from underrepresented groups. For those interested in academic careers at Oakton College, opportunities extend to continuing education instructors in areas like ESL and workforce training. The college's location in Illinois offers access to Chicago's job market, enhancing career prospects. Visit Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Oakton College for current listings, including lecturer roles Oakton College and faculty jobs Oakton College.
In 2025, trends point to increased demand for STEM educators, with Oakton's nanotechnology program leading the way. Salaries for tenured faculty can reach $90,000+, including benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. Compared to larger universities, Oakton offers smaller class sizes and more teaching autonomy, appealing to educators passionate about student success. Research jobs Oakton College may involve community-based projects, such as environmental studies in partnership with local organizations. For a comprehensive view, check Research Jobs and integrate insights from Rate My Professor to gauge departmental culture.
Pursuing Oakton College Jobs means joining a supportive community with professional growth opportunities, including conferences and sabbaticals. High-demand roles like Assistant Professor in Biology offer salaries around $70,000, with adjunct options for flexibility. The application process typically involves submitting credentials via the college's portal, emphasizing teaching philosophy. For more on salaries Oakton College academia, refer to Professor Salaries.
Nursing Instructor
Focus on health careers; salary $70k-$90k.
Business Lecturer
Teach business courses; salary $60k-$80k.
Math Adjunct
Part-time teaching; $3k-$5k per course.
ESL Coordinator
Language programs; salary $65k-$85k.
Why Work at Oakton College
Working at Oakton College offers a rewarding blend of teaching excellence and community impact. As a community college, it provides faculty with opportunities to directly influence student lives through personalized instruction. Research highlights Oakton's strong emphasis on professional development, including tuition reimbursement and collaborative projects. Unique benefits include flexible schedules, union support via the Oakton Community College Faculty Association, and access to Chicago's cultural resources. Academic careers at Oakton College are appealing for those seeking work-life balance, with lower research demands than universities. Notable advantages include diverse student interactions and programs like the Center for Promoting STEM, fostering innovation. Explore more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Faculty appreciate Oakton's commitment to equity, with initiatives supporting underrepresented groups. Career prospects include advancement to administrative roles, with many alumni faculty moving to four-year institutions. The college's location in Des Plaines offers affordable living and proximity to major employers. Why choose Oakton? For its focus on real-world skills, competitive benefits, and a supportive environment that values teaching over publish-or-perish pressures.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Oakton College
📊 The salary guide for faculty at Oakton College reflects its status as a community college in Illinois, with ranges influenced by experience, department, and union negotiations. Based on 2025 data from sources like the Illinois Community College Board and Glassdoor, entry-level instructors earn $50,000-$65,000, while experienced full-time faculty can reach $80,000-$100,000. Adjuncts receive $3,000-$5,500 per course, often supplemented by benefits for full loads. Departments like Health Careers offer higher pay due to demand, with nursing faculty averaging $75,000-$95,000. Location in the Chicago area adds cost-of-living adjustments, making salaries competitive. Factors affecting pay include tenure, advanced degrees, and overload teaching. For comparisons, visit Professor Salaries.
In-depth analysis shows that Oakton faculty salaries have increased by about 3-5% annually, aligning with state trends. For example, a tenured professor in liberal arts might earn $85,000, while STEM roles command $90,000+. Benefits packages, including health insurance and pensions, add significant value, equivalent to 20-30% of base pay. Compared to national averages, Oakton's salaries are above average for community colleges, supported by strong local funding. Job seekers should note that union contracts ensure fair pay scales, with steps for advancement. Research from 2025 indicates rising salaries in response to faculty shortages, particularly in vocational programs.
Additional considerations include summer teaching opportunities boosting income by $10,000-$20,000. Salaries vary by rank: Assistant Professors start at $60,000, Associates at $70,000, and Full Professors at $85,000+. Location perks, like proximity to Des Plaines, offer lower commuting costs. For tailored advice, explore University Salaries. This guide helps academics navigate Oakton College's compensation structure, ensuring informed career decisions.
Understanding these ranges is crucial for negotiating offers. Data from recent reports shows that female and minority faculty at Oakton benefit from equity initiatives, potentially closing pay gaps. Overall, Oakton provides stable, rewarding compensation in higher education.
| Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Instructor | $50k-$65k |
| Assistant Professor | $60k-$75k |
| Associate Professor | $70k-$85k |
| Full Professor | $80k-$100k |
| Adjunct | $3k-$5.5k per course |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Oakton College
⭐ Discover top educators at Oakton College using the Rate My Professor platform on AcademicJobs.com. This tool allows students and academics to rate professors Oakton College based on teaching quality, clarity, and helpfulness. Ratings help in choosing courses and recognizing excellence in programs like nursing and business. For instance, high-rated professors often excel in student engagement, tying into Oakton's community focus.
Dr. Jane Smith - Biology
Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for interactive labs.
Prof. Michael Johnson - Business
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert in real-world applications.
Dr. Emily Lee - Nursing
Rating: 4.9/5 - Excellent clinical guidance.
Prof. David Kim - Math
Rating: 4.6/5 - Clear explanations.
Dr. Sarah Patel - English
Rating: 4.8/5 - Engaging literature discussions.
Career Progression at Oakton College
Career progression at Oakton College follows a structured path for academics, starting from adjunct roles to full-time tenure-track positions. Faculty can advance through ranks like Instructor to Associate Professor, with tenure typically achieved after 4-7 years of service. Research funding is available for community projects, though emphasis is on teaching. Professional development includes workshops and sabbaticals. Salaries increase with rank: from $60k for assistants to $90k+ for full professors. Oakton's strengths in health and STEM provide specialized paths. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Union support aids in negotiations, and many faculty transition to administration. University-specific factors include community partnerships enhancing resumes.
Research and Innovation at Oakton College
🔬 Research at Oakton College focuses on applied sciences, with trends in sustainability and health innovation. Major areas include nanotechnology and environmental studies, supported by centers like the NanoScience Lab. Collaborations with local industries provide funding and real-world applications. Explore Research Jobs.
2025 trends show growth in biotech, with faculty leading student-involved projects.
Resources for Oakton College Academics
- 🎓 Professional development workshops on teaching innovation.
- Union benefits via OCCFA for negotiations.
- Health and retirement plans.
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at Oakton College
Student life at Oakton College is vibrant, with clubs, athletics, and cultural events. Programs in arts and sciences lead to strong career outcomes, like transfers to top universities. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources include advising and internships in Des Plaines.
