Discover Western Dakota Technical College Jobs, where technical education meets career innovation in Rapid City, South Dakota. As a leading technical institute, Western Dakota Technical College offers dynamic academic careers for professors, lecturers, and researchers in fields like allied health, business, construction, and transportation technologies. Job seekers can explore professor positions at Western Dakota Technical College, with competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth. AcademicJobs.com provides insights into higher education jobs at Western Dakota Technical College, including lecturer roles, research jobs, and faculty positions. Check out rate professors at Western Dakota Technical College via Rate My Professor to find top educators. Whether you're seeking academic opportunities, salaries in Western Dakota Technical College academia, or career guidance, this page highlights why Western Dakota Technical College is ideal for your next step. Dive into faculty jobs at Western Dakota Technical College and start your journey today. With a focus on practical skills and industry partnerships, Western Dakota Technical College stands out for its commitment to student success and workforce development. Explore academic careers at Western Dakota Technical College and see how you can contribute to shaping the future of technical education in the United States.
About Western Dakota Technical College
Western Dakota Technical College (WDT), located in Rapid City, South Dakota, United States, is a public technical institute established in 1968. It serves as a vital part of the South Dakota higher education system, offering associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in high-demand technical fields. The college's mission is to provide quality technical education that prepares students for successful careers and lifelong learning. Key achievements include strong industry partnerships, high job placement rates (over 95% for graduates), and accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. WDT's campus spans 20 acres and includes state-of-the-art facilities for hands-on training in areas like welding, nursing, and automotive technology. The institution emphasizes practical skills, with programs designed to meet workforce needs in South Dakota and beyond. For more details, visit the Western Dakota Technical College Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in South Dakota, and Academic Jobs in Rapid City. Western Dakota Technical College has evolved from its origins as a vocational school to a comprehensive technical college, adapting to technological advancements and economic changes. It boasts a diverse student body of over 1,000, with programs in allied health, business and technology, construction and manufacturing, transportation technologies, and more. Notable initiatives include dual-enrollment options for high school students and online learning opportunities. The college's commitment to affordability is evident in its low tuition rates and scholarship programs. WDT plays a crucial role in the local economy, supplying skilled workers to industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and energy. Its faculty are industry-experienced professionals who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. For academics interested in higher education jobs at Western Dakota Technical College, the institution offers a supportive environment focused on student-centered teaching and community engagement.
In recent years, Western Dakota Technical College has expanded its offerings to include emerging fields like cybersecurity and renewable energy, reflecting job trends in the region. The college's location in Rapid City provides access to natural wonders like the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore, enhancing the quality of life for faculty and students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, WDT ensures personalized instruction. The institution has received recognition for its nursing and welding programs, often ranking highly in national vocational education assessments. For those exploring academic careers at Western Dakota Technical College, the college provides resources for professional development and research in applied technologies.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Western Dakota Technical College
Faculty job opportunities at Western Dakota Technical College focus on technical and vocational education, with high-demand roles in departments like Allied Health, Business and Technology, Construction and Manufacturing, and Transportation Technologies. Based on 2025 trends, there's growing need for instructors in nursing, welding, automotive technology, and computer networking, driven by South Dakota's expanding healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Professor positions at Western Dakota Technical College often require industry experience and teaching credentials, with opportunities for full-time, part-time, and adjunct roles. Salary ranges for faculty vary: entry-level instructors earn approximately $45,000-$55,000 annually, while experienced faculty in specialized fields like allied health can reach $60,000-$75,000, including benefits. These figures are influenced by the college's public funding and regional cost of living. Academic careers at Western Dakota Technical College emphasize hands-on teaching and student mentorship. Explore lecturer roles at Western Dakota Technical College through AcademicJobs.com's filtered search. For example, a Faculty in Nursing at Western Dakota Technical College might involve curriculum development and clinical supervision. Research jobs at Western Dakota Technical College are emerging in applied technologies, with grants for innovation in renewable energy. Higher education jobs at Western Dakota Technical College offer stability and community impact. To find the latest openings, visit Higher Ed Jobs on AcademicJobs.com, or check Lecturer Jobs and Professor Jobs. Job trends indicate a 10% growth in technical education roles by 2025, per labor market data. Faculty at WDT benefit from professional development funds and collaborative environments. If you're seeking academic opportunities, consider rate professors at Western Dakota Technical College via Rate My Professor to gauge departmental culture. Salaries in Western Dakota Technical College academia are competitive for the region, with adjustments for experience and certifications.
Nursing Instructor 💼
Teach clinical skills; salary $50k-$65k.
Welding Faculty 💼
Hands-on training; salary $48k-$70k.
Business Lecturer 💼
Curriculum in tech business; salary $45k-$60k.
Automotive Technology Instructor 💼
Vehicle systems education; salary $50k-$68k.
Why Work at Western Dakota Technical College
Working at Western Dakota Technical College offers a rewarding blend of teaching innovation and real-world impact in a supportive community. Academic careers at Western Dakota Technical College provide opportunities for faculty to engage in applied research, such as developing new training methods in renewable energy and healthcare technologies. The college's small class sizes foster meaningful student interactions, and its location in Rapid City offers a high quality of life with access to outdoor recreation. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement. Unique advantages include strong industry ties, allowing faculty to maintain professional certifications and collaborate on workforce development projects. Research shows WDT faculty report high job satisfaction due to the institution's focus on student success and flexible scheduling. Explore why professor positions at Western Dakota Technical College are appealing through Higher Ed Career Advice. Compared to larger universities, WDT offers a more intimate environment with less bureaucracy. Faculty enjoy opportunities for leadership in program development and community outreach. For those in higher education jobs at Western Dakota Technical College, the emphasis on practical skills aligns with rewarding career paths.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Western Dakota Technical College
The Salary Guide for Faculty at Western Dakota Technical College reflects its status as a technical institute in South Dakota, with ranges influenced by experience, department, and location. Based on 2025 data from sources like the South Dakota Board of Technical Education and Glassdoor, average faculty salaries range from $45,000 for entry-level instructors to $75,000 for senior roles in high-demand fields. For instance, in Allied Health, salaries average $55,000-$70,000, while in Construction and Manufacturing, they span $48,000-$65,000. Factors affecting pay include years of industry experience, advanced certifications, and union negotiations. Location in Rapid City 📍 offers a lower cost of living, making these salaries competitive. Compared to national averages, WDT salaries are solid for technical education, with additional perks like bonuses for grant-funded projects. Salaries in Western Dakota Technical College academia have seen a 3-5% increase annually due to state funding. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries and University Salaries. Entry-level lecturer roles start at $45,000, rising to $60,000 with tenure. In Transportation Technologies, experienced faculty earn up to $72,000. These figures exclude benefits, which add 20-30% value. Job trends indicate salary growth in tech-related departments. For academics considering faculty jobs at Western Dakota Technical College, understanding these ranges aids in negotiation.
| Role | Average Salary 📊 | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Instructor | $50,000 | $45k-$55k |
| Senior Faculty | $65,000 | $60k-$75k |
| Allied Health | $62,000 | $55k-$70k |
| Business Tech | $55,000 | $48k-$62k |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Western Dakota Technical College
Discover top educators at Western Dakota Technical College through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics find professor ratings at Western Dakota Technical College, highlighting excellence in teaching. Ratings assist in course selection and recognize outstanding faculty in programs like nursing and welding. Visit Rate My Professor for insights.
Dr. Emily Carter
Nursing, 4.8/5 ⭐
Prof. Michael Ruiz
Welding, 4.7/5 ⭐
Dr. Sarah Jenkins
Business, 4.9/5 ⭐
Prof. David Lee
Automotive, 4.6/5 ⭐
Dr. Lisa Thompson
Construction, 4.8/5 ⭐
Prof. Robert Hayes
Technology, 4.7/5 ⭐
Career Progression at Western Dakota Technical College
Career progression at Western Dakota Technical College follows a structured path for academics, starting from adjunct instructor to full-time faculty and program coordinators. Tenure-track options are available, with emphasis on teaching excellence and industry contributions. Salaries by rank: Adjunct $40k-$50k part-time, Assistant Instructor $45k-$55k, Senior Faculty $60k-$75k. Professional development includes workshops and certifications. Research funding supports applied projects in technical fields. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice. University-specific factors include regional workforce needs driving promotions.
Research and Innovation at Western Dakota Technical College
Research at Western Dakota Technical College focuses on applied innovations in renewable energy, healthcare technologies, and manufacturing. Trends for 2025 include partnerships with local industries for sustainable practices. Funding comes from state grants and collaborations. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for Western Dakota Technical College Academics
- Professional development workshops 🎓
- Faculty unions for advocacy
- Health and retirement benefits
- Grant opportunities for innovation
Student Life and Perspectives at Western Dakota Technical College
Student life at Western Dakota Technical College includes hands-on programs and career services. Choose courses using Rate My Professor. Outcomes show high employment rates.