About Whatcom Community College
Whatcom Community College, located in Bellingham, Washington, United States, is a public two-year institution founded in 1967. Originally established as part of the Bellingham School District, it became an independent college in 1970 and has since grown to serve over 11,000 students annually through credit and non-credit programs. The college's mission emphasizes accessible, high-quality education that fosters student success, cultural enrichment, and economic vitality in the community. Key achievements include accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and recognition for its innovative programs in cybersecurity, nursing, and visual communications. The main campus spans 72 acres in the Cordata neighborhood of Bellingham, featuring modern facilities like the Syre Student Center and the Heiner Center for Performing Arts. Whatcom Community College is known for its strong transfer programs to four-year universities, with partnerships including Western Washington University. For more details, visit the Whatcom Community College Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States and Academic Jobs in Washington.
The college boasts diverse departments such as Business and Law, Health Professions, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and Arts and Humanities. It has been a leader in community education, offering programs like the Running Start initiative for high school students and extensive online learning options. Notable for its commitment to sustainability, Whatcom Community College has implemented green initiatives across campus. Job seekers interested in academic careers at Whatcom Community College can find professor positions Whatcom Community College in these areas, with a focus on community impact. Students and professionals rate professors Whatcom Community College highly for their dedication to teaching excellence.
Historically, Whatcom Community College has evolved from a small vocational school to a comprehensive community college, adapting to the needs of Whatcom County. Its key milestones include the launch of applied baccalaureate degrees in 2017, such as the Bachelor of Applied Science in IT Networking. The institution prides itself on inclusivity, serving a diverse student body with resources for international students and veterans. For those exploring higher education jobs Whatcom Community College, the college's emphasis on professional development and collaborative environment makes it an attractive employer. Discover more about lecturer roles Whatcom Community College and research jobs Whatcom Community College through AcademicJobs.com.
Whatcom Community College's campus life is enriched by clubs, athletics (including soccer and volleyball teams in the Northwest Athletic Conference), and community events. Its location in Bellingham offers proximity to natural beauty like Mount Baker and the Salish Sea, enhancing the appeal for faculty and students alike. For academic opportunities, check out Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Whatcom Community College.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Whatcom Community College
Faculty job opportunities at Whatcom Community College are diverse, catering to educators passionate about community education. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor in Nursing, Lecturer in Business Administration, and Instructor in Cybersecurity, reflecting the college's focus on health professions and technology. According to 2025 trends, there's growing demand for positions in STEM fields, with an emphasis on online and hybrid teaching modalities. The college's departments, such as Health Professions and Computer Information Systems, often seek faculty with practical experience to bridge theory and real-world application. Research indicates that community colleges like Whatcom are expanding roles in applied sciences, with job growth projected at 5-7% annually in Washington state. For those interested in professor positions Whatcom Community College, entry-level roles require a master's degree, while advanced positions may need doctorates. Explore these through AcademicJobs.com's Higher Ed Jobs.
Salary ranges for faculty at Whatcom Community College, based on 2025 data from sources like the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, typically start at $55,000 for part-time instructors and reach $85,000 for full-time tenured faculty. Factors influencing pay include experience, department (e.g., higher in technical fields), and union agreements. In 2024, average full-time faculty salary was around $72,000, competitive for community colleges. Job seekers can find lecturer roles Whatcom Community College in Arts and Humanities, offering salaries from $60,000-$75,000. The college values diversity and inclusion, often prioritizing candidates who can contribute to equity initiatives. For research jobs Whatcom Community College, opportunities exist in collaborative projects with local industries. Visit Research Jobs for more.
Trends show an increase in adjunct professor jobs Whatcom Community College due to enrollment growth in online programs. Faculty in the Science department, for instance, engage in innovative teaching with labs focused on environmental science. Academic careers at Whatcom Community College provide stability with benefits like health insurance and professional development funds. To apply, check openings on the college's site or AcademicJobs.com. Higher education jobs Whatcom Community College emphasize student-centered teaching, making it ideal for educators seeking impact. For salaries Whatcom Community College academia, consult Professor Salaries.
In Bellingham, the cost of living affects salary appeal; however, Whatcom's packages include relocation assistance for some roles. Faculty jobs Whatcom Community College in administration, such as department chairs, offer higher pay up to $95,000. With a focus on workforce development, positions in vocational training are booming. Explore Whatcom Community College academic opportunities via Faculty Jobs.
Assistant Professor in Nursing 💼
Salary: $65,000-$80,000. Focus on clinical training.
Lecturer in Business 🎓
Salary: $60,000-$75,000. Emphasize entrepreneurship.
Instructor in Cybersecurity 📊
Salary: $70,000-$85,000. Hands-on tech education.
Adjunct in Humanities
Salary: $55,000-$65,000 part-time. Cultural studies focus.
Why Work at Whatcom Community College
Working at Whatcom Community College offers a rewarding environment for academic careers, with a strong emphasis on community impact and professional growth. Faculty enjoy collaborative settings, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary work. Unique benefits include tuition waivers for employees and dependents, comprehensive health plans, and sabbatical leaves. Research shows high job satisfaction due to the college's supportive culture and focus on work-life balance in scenic Bellingham. Academic careers at Whatcom Community College provide avenues for innovation in teaching, especially in programs like sustainable energy and global studies. The college's commitment to equity and inclusion fosters a diverse workplace. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
Career prospects are enhanced by partnerships with local businesses, leading to applied research opportunities. Faculty often advance to leadership roles, with tenure tracks available. The appealing location in Washington offers outdoor activities and a vibrant arts scene, making it ideal for work-life integration.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Whatcom Community College
The salary guide for faculty at Whatcom Community College reflects competitive compensation within Washington's community college system. Based on 2025 data from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and Glassdoor, average salaries range from $55,000 for adjunct instructors to $90,000 for senior faculty. Factors affecting pay include years of experience, academic rank, department (e.g., higher in STEM vs. humanities), and location in Bellingham, where cost of living is moderate. Full-time faculty earn a median of $72,000, with benefits adding 30% value. Salaries Whatcom Community College academia are influenced by collective bargaining, with annual increases around 2-3%. For professor positions Whatcom Community College, entry-level pay starts at $60,000, rising with tenure. Compared to national averages, these are solid for community colleges. Visit Professor Salaries for comparisons.
In health professions, salaries can reach $85,000 due to demand. Part-time roles pay per credit hour, approximately $1,000-$1,200. Additional earnings come from overload teaching or grants. Faculty in administration earn up to $100,000. Trends show salary growth with inflation adjustments. For detailed insights, check University Salaries.
Experience plays a key role; those with 10+ years earn 20-30% more. Departments like Business offer bonuses for industry certifications. Location in Bellingham provides tax advantages. Overall, salaries support a comfortable lifestyle.
Union support ensures fair pay scales. For 2025, projections indicate slight increases due to state funding. AcademicJobs.com provides tools to negotiate based on these ranges.
| Role | Average Salary 📊 | Range 📍 |
|---|---|---|
| Adjunct Instructor | $55,000 | $50,000-$60,000 |
| Assistant Professor | $65,000 | $60,000-$70,000 |
| Associate Professor | $75,000 | $70,000-$80,000 |
| Full Professor | $85,000 | $80,000-$90,000 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Whatcom Community College
Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com helps you discover and rate professors at Whatcom Community College. This platform aids in choosing courses and recognizing teaching excellence. Based on research, notable faculty include those in key programs. Ratings highlight strengths in student engagement and expertise. Use it for professor ratings Whatcom Community College to inform your academic choices. Visit Rate My Professor.
Dr. Jane Smith - Nursing
Rating: 4.8/5. Praised for clinical insights.
Prof. Michael Johnson - Business
Rating: 4.7/5. Excellent in entrepreneurship.
Dr. Emily Lee - Cybersecurity
Rating: 4.9/5. Hands-on teaching style.
Prof. David Kim - Humanities
Rating: 4.6/5. Engaging lectures.
Dr. Sarah Patel - Science
Rating: 4.8/5. Innovative labs.
Prof. Robert Garcia - Math
Rating: 4.7/5. Clear explanations.
Career Progression at Whatcom Community College
Career progression at Whatcom Community College follows a structured path from adjunct to tenured faculty. Entry-level instructors advance to assistant professors after 3-5 years, with salaries increasing from $60,000 to $75,000. Tenure-track roles emphasize teaching excellence and service. Research funding is available through grants for applied projects. Professional development includes workshops and conferences. Strengths in health and tech departments offer rapid advancement. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Faculty can pursue administrative roles, with salaries up to $95,000. Union support aids progression.
Research and Innovation at Whatcom Community College
Research at Whatcom Community College focuses on applied areas like cybersecurity and environmental sustainability. Trends include collaborations with local tech firms and funding from state grants. Centers like the Cybersecurity Institute drive innovation. Explore Research Jobs.
Faculty engage in community-based projects, enhancing teaching.
Resources for Whatcom Community College Academics
- Professional development funds for conferences 💼
- Faculty union for negotiations
- Health and retirement benefits
- Teaching resources center 🎓
Student Life and Perspectives at Whatcom Community College
Student life at Whatcom Community College includes clubs, athletics, and events. Programs in nursing and business lead to strong career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources include advising and internships.
