Unlock Your Future in Higher Education: Thriving Careers Await!
Higher education jobs encompass a dynamic world of teaching, research, and leadership at universities and colleges. Aspiring professors, experienced academics, and administrative professionals find unparalleled opportunities to influence generations. AcademicJobs.com features thousands of openings, from entry-level lecturers to executive deans. Front-load your search with higher education faculty jobs, administration jobs, and specialized roles like postdocs.
For students and parents, academia offers prestige and intellectual fulfillment. Pursue a PhD after bachelor's and master's degrees, often 5-8 years total, with postdocs extending training. Evaluate potential mentors via Rate My Professor for higher education instructors. Job seekers benefit from competitive pay; full professors average $144,000 annually per AAUP 2022-23 data. Dive into professor salaries for breakdowns by rank and region. Trends include rising demand for diverse hires and hybrid teaching post-2020, with 8% growth projected by BLS through 2032. Fringe quirk: Adjuncts in California community colleges earn up to $10,000 per course amid union pushes, contrasting gig-like national averages of $4,000.
Diverse Higher Education Job Opportunities
Higher education jobs span faculty, staff, and support roles. Target lecturer jobs, professor jobs, or adjunct professor jobs. Remote options grow via remote higher ed jobs.
Faculty & Research
Tenure-track and research assistant positions drive innovation. Link programs to research jobs.
Apply NowAdministration & Executive
Deans and HR roles manage campuses. See executive higher ed jobs.
View ListingsSupport & Specialty
Postdocs, clinical research, and community college gigs. Explore community college jobs.
Find RolesProfessor Salaries and Earnings
Earnings vary by rank, institution, and location. Public doctoral institutions lead with full professors at $143,982 (AAUP 2022-23). Private elites like Ivy League exceed $200,000. Check professor salaries for precise data.
| Rank | Average Salary (Public Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $89,360 |
| Associate Professor | $102,326 |
| Full Professor | $143,982 |
Hotspots: California and New York offer premiums. Use university salaries tool.
Career Paths for Students and Aspiring Professors
From Student to Tenure
Start with undergrad, advance to PhD (median 6 years). Gain experience via TAships. Rate courses on Rate My Course and professors on Rate My Professor. Post-PhD, adjunct or postdoc leads to tenure-track.
Fringe: Youngest U.S. tenured professor, Alondra Nelson, achieved at 37. Parents note job stability despite market saturation.
Get Career AdviceTrends, Prestige & Quirks in Higher Education
Demand surges for STEM and DEI-focused hires. Ivy League prestige shines; review Ivy League schools. Quirks: UK lecturer salaries lag U.S. (~£45,000 start), see UK academic jobs. Adjunct boom creates 70% non-tenure workforce nationally. Use free resume template for applications.
Global: UniJobs for international. Track calendars via academic calendar.
Associations for Higher Education
International Association of Universities
A global membership-based organization that promotes higher education and university cooperation worldwide.
American Council on Education
The major coordinating body for higher education institutions in the United States, advocating for policy and leadership development.
European University Association
An organization representing universities across Europe to influence EU policies and promote best practices in higher education.
Universities Canada
The national organization representing Canadian universities, focusing on advocacy, research, and international partnerships.
Universities Australia
The peak body advocating for Australia's university sector, promoting policy, research, and innovation.
Universities UK
The collective voice of universities in the United Kingdom, focusing on policy influence and sector-wide collaboration.
Association of Pacific Rim Universities
A network of leading universities in the Asia-Pacific region dedicated to advancing economic, scientific, and cultural collaboration through higher education.

