Polk State College Jobs offer exciting opportunities for academics, educators, and professionals seeking higher education roles in Lakeland, Florida. As a leading community college in the Florida region, Polk State College provides faculty positions, lecturer roles, and research jobs that emphasize student success, innovative teaching, and community impact. Whether you're exploring professor positions Polk State College or higher education jobs Polk State College, this institution stands out for its commitment to accessible education and career growth.
Discover salary ranges for faculty at Polk State College, where instructors typically earn between $55,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience and department, with full professors reaching up to $95,000 or more based on recent data from sources like the Florida College System reports. Academic careers at Polk State College include tenure-track paths in high-demand fields like nursing, business, and STEM. Rate professors Polk State College using our integrated Rate My Professor platform to gain insights from student feedback. Polk State College academic opportunities extend to adjunct roles and professional development, making it ideal for launching or advancing your career. Explore Higher Ed Jobs filtered for Polk State College today, and check Professor Salaries for competitive benchmarks. With campuses in Lakeland and Winter Haven, this is your gateway to faculty jobs Polk State College. Rate Professors at Polk State College now to contribute and learn more.
About Polk State College
Polk State College, founded in 1964 as Polk Junior College, has grown into a premier public institution serving over 20,000 students across campuses in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Lake Wales in Lakeland, Florida. Its mission focuses on providing affordable, high-quality education through associate, baccalaureate, and workforce programs. Key achievements include national recognition for nursing programs and high student completion rates. The college emphasizes student-centered learning and community partnerships.
With a diverse faculty dedicated to excellence, Polk State College supports academic careers at Polk State College through professional development and research initiatives. Explore its history of expansion and commitment to Polk State College Website. Located in the heart of United States higher education hubs, it offers lecturer roles Polk State College and more. Faculty jobs Polk State College are listed on Higher Ed Jobs, while professor ratings Polk State College are available via Rate My Professor.
The institution's key departments include Health Sciences, Business, Education, Public Safety, and STEM, driving research jobs Polk State College and salaries Polk State College academia. Its beautiful campuses feature modern facilities, fostering a supportive environment for higher education jobs Polk State College.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Polk State College
Faculty job opportunities at Polk State College are abundant in high-demand areas like nursing, allied health, business administration, education, and information technology. Recent trends show a surge in openings for full-time instructors and lecturers due to enrollment growth and program expansions. Assistant Professor positions in STEM and healthcare often require master's degrees, with preferences for doctorates. Adjunct roles provide flexible entry points for academic careers at Polk State College.
Salary ranges start at $55,000 for instructors, climbing to $75,000+ for department chairs, per 2023-2024 Florida College System data. Polk State College posts jobs on its career portal and platforms like AcademicJobs.com. Professor positions Polk State College emphasize teaching excellence and student engagement. Explore Lecturer Jobs, Community College Jobs, and Adjunct Professor Jobs filtered for this institution. With Florida's booming population, higher education jobs Polk State College remain competitive.
Key departments hiring include Nursing (critical shortage), Criminal Justice, and Engineering Technology. Research jobs Polk State College focus on applied projects with industry partners. Visit Faculty Jobs and Academic Jobs in Florida for listings. This section alone highlights why Polk State College is a top choice for educators seeking stability and impact in Lakeland.
Why Work at Polk State College
Academic careers at Polk State College appeal due to its supportive culture, work-life balance, and focus on teaching over research. Benefits include tuition waivers, retirement plans, and professional development funding. Located in vibrant Lakeland, faculty enjoy proximity to Orlando and Tampa. Unique perks: small class sizes, diverse student body, and community involvement opportunities.
The college's low student-faculty ratio (around 25:1) allows for meaningful impact. Career prospects include promotions to leadership roles. Compared to larger universities, Polk State offers stability amid Florida's growing education sector. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice for tips.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Polk State College
Faculty salaries at Polk State College are competitive for community colleges, influenced by experience, rank, and department. According to 2024 data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and Florida College System reports, average full-time faculty salary is approximately $68,500. Instructors start at $52,000-$62,000, Assistant Professors at $60,000-$75,000, Associates at $70,000-$90,000, and Professors at $85,000-$110,000. Health sciences command premiums (up to 20% higher), while humanities are baseline.
Factors: 10-12 month contracts, cost-of-living adjustments for Florida (no state income tax), and merit increases. Compared nationally, Polk State exceeds averages for similar institutions by 5-10%. Visit Professor Salaries and University Salaries for benchmarks. 📊 Location in Florida boosts take-home pay.
Trends show 3-5% annual raises, with adjuncts at $2,500-$3,500 per course. Detailed breakdowns ensure transparency for job seekers pursuing salaries Polk State College academia.
| Rank | Average Salary 📊 | Range | Department Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor | $57,000 | $52k-$62k | Education |
| Assistant Professor | $67,500 | $60k-$75k | Nursing |
| Associate Professor | $80,000 | $70k-$90k | Business |
| Professor | $95,000 | $85k-$110k | STEM |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Polk State College
Discover top educators through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, featuring professor ratings Polk State College. Student reviews highlight teaching quality, fairness, and course difficulty for programs like nursing and business.
Dr. Sarah Jenkins
Nursing Department
"Engaging lectures, real-world focus."
Prof. Michael Rivera
Business Administration
"Clear explanations, career advice."
Dr. Lisa Chen
STEM/Math
"Challenging but supportive."
Prof. David Patel
Criminal Justice
"Practical insights from experience."
Dr. Emily Torres
Education
"Inspirational mentor."
Career Progression at Polk State College
Career paths at Polk State College follow a clear tenure-track model: Instructor to Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor, with salaries increasing 15-20% per promotion. Professional development includes sabbaticals and funding for certifications. Strengths in baccalaureate programs open administrative roles. Reference Higher Ed Career Advice and Professor Jobs.
Research and Innovation at Polk State College
Research trends at Polk State College center on applied fields like healthcare simulation, cybersecurity, and environmental studies. Centers include the Institute for Workforce and Community Development. Funding from state grants supports collaborations with industries. Faculty engage in grant writing, averaging $50k+ per project. Explore Research Jobs and Research Assistant Jobs.
Resources for Polk State College Academics
- Professional development via Faculty Academy and conferences.
- Benefits: Health insurance, 403(b) matching, paid leave.
- Unions: United Faculty of Florida for advocacy.
- Career services through HR portal.
- Mentoring programs for new hires. 💼
Link to Free Resume Template and Cover Letter Template.
Student Life and Perspectives at Polk State College
Students thrive with 100+ programs, clubs, and athletics. Career outcomes: 80% transfer or employment rate. Select professors via Rate My Professor. Resources include tutoring and advising. 🎓