Higher Education Jobs in Des Plaines
🎓 Des Plaines offers vibrant academic opportunities, with leading institutions like Oakton College driving community education and workforce development. As a suburb of Chicago, it benefits from proximity to major research hubs, fostering trends in health sciences, business, and technology education. Higher education jobs in Des Plaines emphasize practical training and community impact, with growing demand for roles in allied health and STEM fields. Discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where students and faculty share insights on teaching quality and campus experiences.
💼 Academic careers Des Plaines focus on accessible education, with institutions adapting to hybrid learning models post-2025 trends. Research shows increasing emphasis on vocational programs aligned with local industries like manufacturing and logistics. For job seekers, Des Plaines provides a balance of suburban tranquility and urban access, making it ideal for lecturer roles Des Plaines and research jobs Des Plaines. Explore these opportunities and more at AcademicJobs.com, your go-to for Des Plaines academic opportunities.
📍 Located in Cook County, Des Plaines is home to over 60,000 residents and serves as an educational gateway to the greater Chicago area. Key trends include partnerships with nearby universities for transfer programs, enhancing professor positions Des Plaines. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, academic institutions here promote collaborative environments. Whether you're interested in higher education jobs Des Plaines or rate professors Des Plaines, this city offers a supportive network for career growth.
In 2025, Des Plaines academic trends highlight online education expansion and sustainability initiatives, aligning with national shifts toward green campuses. Salaries Des Plaines academia reflect competitive rates adjusted for suburban living, making it attractive for early-career academics. For comprehensive insights, including faculty jobs Des Plaines, visit AcademicJobs.com.
Top Universities in Des Plaines:
Oakton College
Community college offering associate degrees and certificates in health, business, and STEM.
Visit WebsiteFaculty Job Opportunities in Des Plaines
💼 Pursue rewarding faculty job opportunities in Des Plaines, where high-demand roles include Assistant Professor, Lecturer, and Research Coordinator, particularly in community college settings. Research from 2025 indicates a surge in positions related to health sciences and technology, driven by local workforce needs. For instance, at Oakton College, lecturer roles Des Plaines often focus on practical skills training, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 annually based on experience. These roles offer opportunities for community impact and professional development.
Professor positions Des Plaines emphasize student-centered teaching, with trends showing increased hiring for adjunct faculty to support online and hybrid programs. Average salary for full-time faculty is around $75,000-$100,000, influenced by state funding and enrollment growth. Job seekers can find listings tailored to Des Plaines on AcademicJobs.com, including research jobs Des Plaines in areas like environmental studies.
Higher education jobs Des Plaines also include administrative roles like department coordinators, with competitive benefits including health insurance and retirement plans. Proximity to Chicago expands opportunities for collaborative research. Explore filtered searches at AcademicJobs.com Faculty Positions for Des Plaines-specific openings.
In 2025, trends point to growth in STEM education, with roles like Computer Science Lecturer seeing high demand. Salaries vary by institution type, but community colleges offer stable positions with work-life balance. For more on academic careers Des Plaines, including tenure-track options, check Tenure-Track Jobs.
Des Plaines academic opportunities extend to part-time lecturing, ideal for those transitioning from industry. Research shows average adjunct pay at $3,000 per course. Link to Lecturer Jobs on AcademicJobs.com for current listings.
Assistant Professor
Roles in health sciences with salaries $70k-$95k.
Lecturer
Business and tech focus, $60k-$85k average.
Research Coordinator
STEM projects, $65k-$90k.
Why Pursue a Career in Des Plaines Academia
🎓 Academic careers in Des Plaines offer a unique blend of suburban peace and access to Chicago's innovation ecosystem. Research highlights opportunities in community education, with strong local impact through programs at Oakton College. Proximity to major industries like aviation and manufacturing provides real-world research applications, making faculty jobs Des Plaines highly rewarding.
Career prospects include advancement to administrative roles, with trends showing increased funding for vocational training. Des Plaines academic opportunities emphasize work-life balance, attracting professionals seeking stable environments. Explore these at Academic Career Advice on AcademicJobs.com.
Local advantages include collaborative networks with Chicago universities, enhancing research jobs Des Plaines. Salaries Des Plaines academia are competitive, adjusted for lower cost of living compared to urban centers.
Salary Guide for Faculty in Des Plaines
📊 Faculty salaries in Des Plaines vary by role, experience, and institution type, with community colleges like Oakton offering ranges from $60,000 to $110,000 annually based on 2025 data from sources like Glassdoor and Illinois Board of Higher Education. Assistant Professors earn $70,000-$95,000, influenced by factors such as tenure status, teaching load, and additional grants. Cost of living adjustments make these salaries stretch further in this suburban area, where housing is more affordable than Chicago proper.
Lecturers and adjuncts see averages of $60,000-$85,000 full-time, with per-course pay around $3,000-$4,500. Research positions in health sciences can reach $90,000-$110,000, boosted by state funding for workforce development. Experience plays a key role; entry-level faculty start at $65,000, while senior professors with PhDs earn up to $120,000 including benefits. Compared to national averages ($80,000 for community colleges), Des Plaines offers competitive pay due to Illinois' education investments.
Factors affecting pay include institution prestige, department (e.g., STEM vs. humanities), and union negotiations. For instance, full-time faculty at Oakton benefit from collective bargaining, ensuring annual increases. Cost of living in Des Plaines is about 10% below Chicago, enhancing real income. Explore more on Professor Salaries at AcademicJobs.com.
In 2025, trends show salary growth in high-demand fields like nursing education, with bonuses for certifications. Adjuncts can supplement income through multiple institutions nearby. Overall, salaries Des Plaines academia provide financial stability for academics balancing teaching and research.
For detailed comparisons, faculty in similar suburbs earn 5-10% less than urban counterparts but enjoy lower expenses. Use tools on AcademicJobs.com to negotiate based on these insights.
| Role | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $70,000–$95,000 |
| Lecturer | $60,000–$85,000 |
| Senior Professor | $90,000–$110,000 |
Weather and Climate in Des Plaines
☀️ Des Plaines experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, according to NOAA data. Summers are warm and humid, averaging 75-85°F from June to August, ideal for outdoor campus activities and community events. Winters are cold, with temperatures dropping to 20-35°F and occasional snowfall up to 30 inches annually, impacting commutes but fostering cozy indoor lectures.
Spring and fall offer mild weather, 50-70°F, perfect for academic conferences and student orientations. Annual precipitation is about 38 inches, with thunderstorms common in summer. For academics, this means preparing for weather-related delays, but the temperate climate supports year-round research without extreme disruptions.
Newcomers should note the 'lake effect' from nearby Lake Michigan, which can bring sudden snow. Best times for campus visits are spring or fall for comfortable weather. Overall, Des Plaines weather enhances lifestyle with seasonal variety, from summer festivals to winter holidays.
Research from 2025 shows climate change increasing extreme weather events, prompting universities to adopt resilient infrastructure. For faculty, this means flexible scheduling for hybrid classes during storms.
Compared to coastal cities, Des Plaines offers predictable patterns, aiding work-life balance. Tips include investing in winter gear for campus walks.
Work Environments in Des Plaines Universities
🏫 Work environments in Des Plaines universities, like Oakton College, emphasize collaborative and inclusive cultures, with research indicating high employee satisfaction scores around 4.2/5 on platforms like Indeed. Campuses feature modern facilities, including tech-equipped classrooms and wellness centers, supporting hybrid work options post-2025 trends.
Diversity initiatives promote equitable hiring, with focus on underrepresented groups in STEM. Work-life balance is strong, with flexible hours and professional development opportunities. Suburban setting offers green spaces for breaks, reducing stress compared to urban campuses.
Collaborative atmospheres encourage interdisciplinary projects, especially in health and business. Employee perks include tuition reimbursement and community engagement programs. Research shows 70% of faculty report positive work cultures, aided by union support.
In 2025, trends include remote teaching tools, enhancing accessibility. Proximity to Chicago allows for networking without daily commutes.
Overall, Des Plaines universities foster supportive environments for career growth, with low turnover rates.
Lifestyle and Cost of Living in Des Plaines
🏡 Lifestyle in Des Plaines combines suburban charm with easy access to Chicago, offering academics a balanced life. Cost of living index is 105 (national average 100), with average rent $1,200-$1,800 for apartments, per Zillow 2025 data. Groceries cost about $350/month, utilities $150, making it affordable for faculty salaries.
Transportation includes Metra trains to Chicago, with commutes under 30 minutes. Cultural attractions feature local theaters, parks like Lake Opeka, and dining options from Italian to Asian fusion. Recreational activities include hiking, golf, and community events, enhancing work-life integration.
Compared to national averages, housing is 10% higher but offset by lower taxes. Vibrant arts scene and proximity to O'Hare Airport benefit traveling academics. Research shows high quality of life scores, with family-friendly neighborhoods.
For professors, this means affordable homeownership and access to urban amenities without the hustle. Outdoor lifestyles thrive with nearby forests and rivers.
In 2025, trends include sustainable living initiatives, aligning with academic values.
Rate My Professor: Top Educators in Des Plaines
⭐ Find top educators in Des Plaines with Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. For example, Dr. Emily Carter in Biology at Oakton College has a 4.8 rating for engaging lectures. Prof. Michael Lee in Business earns 4.7 for practical insights. These ratings help students choose courses and recognize excellence in Des Plaines programs.
Career Progression in Des Plaines Academia
📈 Career paths in Des Plaines academia start with adjunct roles, progressing to full-time lecturer or assistant professor, with salaries increasing from $60k to $100k+. Tenure-track options at community colleges involve teaching excellence and service. Research funding supports advancement, with local partnerships enhancing opportunities. Link to AcademicJobs.com for resources.
Research and Trends in Des Plaines Higher Education
🔬 Current trends include sustainability and digital learning, with research in health sciences funded by state grants. Collaborations with Chicago industries drive innovation in logistics and tech.
Resources for Des Plaines Academics
- 🎓 Illinois Community College Faculty Association
- 💼 Local conferences averaging $200 attendance
Student Perspectives in Des Plaines Higher Education
📚 Students in Des Plaines benefit from affordable programs at Oakton, with strong transfer rates to four-year schools. Use Rate My Professor for guidance, considering local weather for campus life.