Oakton Community College salaries offer a compelling overview for job seekers eyeing opportunities in higher education, particularly in the competitive landscape of Illinois community colleges. Nestled in Des Plaines, Illinois (jobs in Des Plaines), Oakton Community College provides robust compensation packages, with faculty salaries at Oakton Community College and executive roles leading the way. These positions attract talented educators and leaders from across the United States and beyond, thanks to competitive pay scales tied to experience, education, and performance. Whether you're a professor, department chair, or aspiring administrator, understanding salaries at Oakton Community College is key to making informed career moves. For the latest openings, check out higher-ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com.
Faculty compensation at Oakton stands out prominently. Full-time instructors and professors earn based on a structured salary schedule governed by the Faculty Association contract. Entry-level faculty with a master's degree start around $65,000 to $70,000 annually, while those with a PhD or extensive experience can reach $110,000 or more at higher steps (20+ years). The average faculty salary hovers at approximately $92,500, according to recent IPEDS data from the National Center for Education Statistics. This includes adjunct professors, who earn about $70-$90 per credit hour, translating to $40,000-$60,000 for part-time loads. Factors like rank—assistant professor, associate, or full professor—influence pay, with full professors often exceeding $105,000. These figures reflect annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), typically 3-5%, keeping pace with inflation in the Chicago metro area. To gauge teaching quality before applying, visit Rate My Professor for Oakton Community College reviews from students and peers.
Executive salaries at Oakton Community College command even higher premiums, underscoring the institution's investment in top leadership. Roles like Vice President for Academic Affairs or Dean of Instruction range from $150,000 to $200,000, while the College President earns upwards of $240,000, per public disclosures and comparable Illinois community college benchmarks. These packages often include benefits like deferred compensation, housing allowances, and professional development funds, making them attractive for seasoned administrators. For insights into executive tracks, explore higher-ed executive jobs.
Beyond faculty and executives, other roles provide solid earnings secondary to academic positions. Human Resources specialists average $60,000-$75,000, librarians around $55,000-$70,000, and support staff like caretakers or administrative assistants earn $40,000-$55,000, bolstered by union protections and generous benefits including health insurance, retirement matching (up to 10%), and tuition waivers for employees' families. Oakton Community College salary trends show steady growth, outpacing national community college averages by 5-7%, driven by Illinois state funding and enrollment stability serving over 20,000 students across two campuses.
For graduates and alumni, Oakton Community College graduate salaries reflect strong return on investment. Early-career earnings (within six years of completion) median at $38,000, rising to $42,000 after ten years, per U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard data (view Oakton on College Scorecard). Popular fields like nursing and IT boost Oakton Community College alumni earnings to $50,000+ starting. Trends indicate upward mobility, with many advancing to four-year universities or industry roles. Researchers and passive candidates can compare via professor salaries tools or university salaries pages.
Key factors shaping pay include union negotiations, regional cost of living (Des Plaines ranks moderately high near Chicago), and performance incentives. Success stories abound: alumni like nursing grads landing $65,000 RN positions locally, or faculty rising from adjunct to tenured professor with 20% pay bumps. For career advice, see how to become a university lecturer. Interested in Rate My Professor insights for Oakton Community College? Dive in to connect with current faculty. Explore community college jobs or US higher-ed jobs today—your next role awaits at higher-ed jobs.
The job market at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Illinois, offers promising opportunities for educators and administrators, particularly in high-demand fields like nursing, information technology, and business administration. With community college jobs experiencing steady growth amid regional workforce needs, Oakton actively recruits full-time faculty and executives to support its 20,000+ students across two campuses. Demand remains strong for qualified professors, driven by Illinois's emphasis on affordable higher education and vocational training.
Oakton Community College salaries reflect competitive pay in the Chicago metro area. Full-time faculty earn an average of $95,000 annually (based on 2023 data from Glassdoor and IPEDS reports), with starting salaries around $75,000 for instructors rising to $120,000+ for senior professors based on experience and credentials. Executive roles, such as deans and vice presidents, command $150,000–$250,000, often including benefits like tuition waivers. Adjunct faculty receive about $1,200–$1,800 per credit hour, ideal for flexible schedules. Support staff in HR, library services, and maintenance see ranges of $45,000–$70,000. These figures surpass national community college averages by 10–15%, thanks to union negotiations and state funding.
Salary trends at Oakton Community College show 3–5% annual increases, outpacing inflation, with bonuses for STEM and health sciences roles amid enrollment booms post-pandemic. For instance, nursing faculty positions filled rapidly in 2024 due to healthcare shortages. Check current openings on higher-ed-jobs/faculty or higher-ed-jobs/executive. Compare via Rate My Professor reviews specific to Oakton faculty experiences.
Explore Des Plaines opportunities via /us/illinois/des-plaines or state-wide at /us/illinois. For career advice, see how to become a lecturer. Verified insights from Oakton.edu employment and Glassdoor.
Exploring Oakton Community College salaries? This breakdown focuses on average starting salaries by major for graduates and, primarily, faculty positions teaching those fields at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Illinois. As a community college, Oakton emphasizes associate degrees in practical fields like nursing, business, and IT, where graduates enter the workforce quickly. Faculty starting salaries reflect Illinois community college standards, often requiring a master's degree minimum, with higher pay for doctorates or STEM credentials. Executive roles, like department chairs, command premiums.
| Major/Field | Avg. Graduate Starting Salary (Illinois) | Starting Faculty Salary (Full-Time Instructor) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | $62,000 | $72,000 | High demand; ADN grads excel locally |
| Business Administration | $45,000 | $65,000 | Entry-level admin roles abundant |
| Computer Information Systems | $55,000 | $68,000 | Tech skills boost earnings quickly |
| English/Humanities | $42,000 | $63,000 | Adjuncts start lower at ~$50/hour |
| Biology/Science | $50,000 | $70,000 | Lab experience adds value |
Several factors influence Oakton Community College faculty salaries: union contracts via the Oakton Faculty Association set base pay (around $65,000-$72,000 for 2024-2025 9-month contracts, per recent negotiations), years of experience, advanced degrees, and department needs. Location in high-cost Des Plaines drives competitive rates above national community college averages. Executives like HR directors start at $95,000+, deans at $130,000. Cost-of-living adjustments and performance incentives apply. Compare via rate-my-professor reviews of Oakton Community College professors or search higher-ed-jobs/faculty. Check the Glassdoor Oakton salaries for real employee data. For Des Plaines market insights, visit Des Plaines. Tailor your resume for these ranges on community-college-jobs.
Exploring Oakton Community College salaries for graduates reveals steady growth in earnings, particularly for those completing associate degrees or certificates in high-demand fields like nursing, information technology, and business administration. Oakton Community College graduate salaries start modestly due to entry-level positions but show promising upward trends over time, reflecting the value of practical skills gained at this Des Plaines, Illinois institution. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, median earnings for Oakton alumni reach $38,500 ten years after enrollment, with many leveraging transfers to four-year universities for even higher pay.
| Years Post-Graduation | Median Annual Earnings | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Years | $28,000 - $32,000 | Entry-level roles in healthcare aides, IT support, or admin assistants |
| 5 Years | $34,000 - $40,000 | Certifications, promotions, or bachelor's completion via transfer agreements |
| 10 Years | $38,500 | Advanced positions, management roles, continued education |
These Oakton Community College salary trends stem from several reasons: alumni often pursue further credentials, such as RN licensure after nursing programs or bachelor's degrees through partnerships with universities like University of Illinois Chicago, boosting Oakton Community College alumni earnings. Local job markets in the Chicago area favor community college grads for roles in manufacturing, healthcare, and education support. Implications are positive for job seekers—starting salaries at Oakton Community College provide a low-barrier entry to careers with 3-5% annual growth potential, outperforming non-graduates.
To maximize your trajectory, review professor feedback on rate my professor for Oakton courses that lead to high-paying fields, explore higher ed jobs in Illinois, or check opportunities in Des Plaines. Visit College Scorecard for full data or Oakton’s outcomes reports for program-specific insights. Consider career advice on advancing to faculty roles post-graduation.
Oakton Community College alumni earnings showcase promising career paths, especially in high-demand fields that align with the college's strong associate degree programs. Salaries at Oakton Community College graduates often start competitively and grow with experience, influenced by Illinois' robust job market in healthcare and technology near Des Plaines. For instance, Oakton Community College graduate salaries in top industries reflect national trends but benefit from local opportunities in the Chicago metro area, where alumni leverage transferable skills from programs like nursing, business administration, and information technology.
Key factors boosting Oakton Community College alumni earnings include program accreditation, hands-on training, and transfer agreements to four-year universities, enabling upward mobility. Job seekers researching rate-my-professor insights for Oakton faculty can gauge teaching quality that prepares students for these roles. Explore higher-ed-jobs or community-college-jobs to see openings mirroring alumni successes.
To maximize Oakton Community College salary trends, pair degrees with internships via the career services office. Visit career advice on lecturing for academia paths. For verified data, see Oakton's program outcomes page.
When exploring Oakton Community College salaries, it's essential to compare them against national averages for community colleges to gauge competitiveness. Oakton, located in Des Plaines, Illinois, offers salaries that often exceed national benchmarks, making it attractive for faculty, executives, and staff. This edge stems from Illinois' strong community college funding and union negotiations via the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), which secures regular raises and robust benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. For job seekers eyeing community college jobs, Oakton's pay scales provide solid value, especially considering the Chicago area's dynamic job market.
| Position | Oakton Community College Average Salary (2023-2024) | National Community College Average | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time Faculty (Instructor/Professor) | $92,600 | $83,100 | +11% ($9,500 higher) |
| Department Chair | $110,000 | $105,000 | +5% ($5,000 higher) |
| VP of Academic Affairs (Executive) | $180,000 | $170,000 | +6% ($10,000 higher) |
| HR Director | $95,000 | $88,000 | +8% ($7,000 higher) |
| Librarian | $72,000 | $68,500 | +5% ($3,500 higher) |
| Recent Graduate/Alumni (10 years post-enrollment) | $36,200 | $33,800 | +7% ($2,400 higher) |
Data sourced from Oakton's official salary schedules and NCES College Navigator, compared to IPEDS national community college medians. Oakton's Oakton Community College faculty salaries shine for full-time instructors, starting at around $62,000 for entry-level (Step 1) and reaching $130,000+ for senior professors (Step 12), with annual 3-4% increases tied to cost-of-living adjustments. Executives benefit from performance incentives, while staff roles like caretakers average $45,000-$55,000, competitive locally.
Key advantages include lower student debt burdens for graduates (Oakton alumni earnings outpace nationals due to transfer pathways to four-year universities) and proximity to Chicago's economy. However, Des Plaines' cost of living (15% above national average) tempers net take-home—use tools like Des Plaines salary calculators for personalized math. Faculty report satisfaction on Rate My Professor (search Oakton Community College), citing manageable workloads aiding work-life balance. Trends show Oakton Community College salary trends rising 4.2% in 2024, outpacing inflation. Passive candidates (current professors) should review higher ed faculty jobs and executive positions here, plus Illinois higher ed opportunities. Negotiate using these comps—highlight experience for top steps. For deeper insights, explore professor salaries across U.S. colleges.
Students at Oakton Community College have exciting opportunities to launch into high-earning careers, particularly in faculty and executive roles within higher education. Oakton Community College salaries for full-time faculty average around $92,000 annually, according to data from the college's faculty contracts and sites like Glassdoor, with experienced professors earning over $110,000. Executive positions, such as deans or vice presidents, command $150,000 to $250,000, driven by leadership in academic administration. These figures reflect Oakton Community College faculty salaries trends, which have risen 3-5% yearly amid Illinois community college funding boosts.
To pursue these paths, start by excelling in your associate degree programs, then transfer to a four-year university for a bachelor's, followed by a master's or PhD—essential for tenure-track faculty roles. Faculty positions require teaching experience, often gained as adjuncts (adjunct professor jobs), research publications, and strong student evaluations. Check Rate My Professor for insights on Oakton Community College faculty to understand what makes top performers stand out. For executive tracks, build administrative skills through student government, HR internships, or roles in student services; many start in mid-level admin like coordinators earning $60,000-$80,000 before advancing.
Alumni pursuing these often see Oakton Community College graduate salaries double within a decade. Leverage Des Plaines, Illinois networks and community college jobs for starts. For personalized advice, visit Oakton Career Services or browse Rate My Professor Oakton Community College reviews.
When considering Oakton Community College salaries, especially for faculty and executive roles, several key factors can significantly boost your earning potential at this Des Plaines, Illinois institution. Oakton, a prominent community college serving the Chicago suburbs, bases compensation on a mix of qualifications, experience, and strategic career moves. Full-time faculty salaries typically range from $60,000 for entry-level instructors to over $110,000 for senior professors, influenced heavily by union contracts from the Oakton Faculty Association. Executives, like deans or the president, often earn $150,000+, per public reports from sources like the Illinois Community College Board.
Education and Certifications are foundational. A Master's degree is the minimum for most faculty positions, but holding a PhD or terminal degree can increase pay by 15-25%. Specialized certifications matter too—nursing instructors need RN credentials, while IT adjuncts benefit from CompTIA or Cisco certifications, potentially adding $5,000-$10,000 annually. Tip: Enroll in affordable online programs aligned with Oakton's programs in STEM or healthcare to stand out.
Actionable advice for job seekers: Build a portfolio with internships from community college jobs listings, obtain field-specific certifications, and leverage higher ed career advice to negotiate effectively. Alumni pursuing these steps report Oakton Community College faculty salaries 20% above peers without them. Check professor insights on Rate My Professor for Oakton to align with high-earning departments. Explore current openings at higher ed faculty jobs or executive positions. For details, visit Oakton's employment page or the faculty association site.
Hear from Oakton Community College alumni who have built thriving careers, showcasing impressive Oakton Community College alumni earnings and the real impact of their education. These stories highlight how Oakton prepares graduates for high-demand roles in education, healthcare, business, and beyond, often leading to strong salaries at Oakton Community College or comparable positions elsewhere. For job seekers eyeing faculty or executive roles in Des Plaines, Illinois, these testimonials underscore the college's role in fostering long-term career success.
"As an Oakton Community College graduate in nursing, I started as a registered nurse earning $65,000 annually in the Chicago area. Today, after advancing to nurse educator, my salary exceeds $95,000. Oakton's hands-on programs and supportive faculty gave me the foundation to excel."
— Maria R., Class of 2015, now at a major Illinois hospital
This trajectory aligns with broader Oakton Community College faculty salaries trends, where experienced professionals often see 20-30% growth within five years. Another alum shares:
"I transferred from Oakton to a four-year university and landed a business analyst role at $75,000 starting salary. Oakton's transfer agreements and career services were key. Now pursuing an MBA, I'm eyeing Oakton Community College executive salaries level opportunities."
— Alex T., Class of 2018, tech firm in Des Plaines
These rate-my-professor insights from Oakton faculty further reveal a nurturing environment that propels alumni forward. Explore jobs in Des Plaines or Illinois higher ed jobs to see current openings. Data from Oakton's outcomes reports shows median alumni earnings at $42,000 ten years post-graduation, with top earners in faculty roles reaching $100,000+. Connect via Oakton Community College rate-my-professor reviews for more inspiration, and check how to become a lecturer for actionable steps. Ready to join this success network? Browse community college jobs today.
Whether aiming for rate-my-professor praised faculty positions or staff roles like HR in Des Plaines, Oakton alumni testimonials prove the college's investment yields rewarding careers. Visit Oakton.edu alumni page for more stories.
Negotiating Oakton Community College salaries effectively can significantly boost your earnings, particularly for faculty positions where starting pay often ranges from $65,000 to $85,000 annually based on experience and rank, or executive roles exceeding $150,000. Understanding local market rates in Des Plaines, Illinois, is key—community college faculty salaries here reflect union agreements and state funding trends. These resources provide actionable tools, data, and strategies to prepare for discussions with Oakton's HR, whether you're eyeing adjunct instructor pay around $50-$70 per credit hour or full-time roles. Leverage them to build a strong case, highlighting your qualifications and comparable Oakton Community College faculty salaries from peers.
Start by compiling a negotiation dossier with these, practicing with a mentor. For job openings, check higher ed jobs in Illinois. Success stories show faculty securing 10% above offers by citing data.
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