Higher Education Jobs in Des Plaines
Des Plaines offers vibrant academic opportunities, with leading institutions like Oakton Community College driving higher education in the region. Known for its accessible programs and diverse student body, Des Plaines is a hub for academic careers Des Plaines seekers. Whether you're pursuing professor positions Des Plaines or exploring research jobs Des Plaines, this city provides a supportive environment for growth. Discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com and connect with the academic community.
Located just outside Chicago, Des Plaines benefits from proximity to a major metropolitan area while maintaining a suburban charm. This unique position offers academics access to vast resources, networking opportunities, and cultural experiences. Explore careers and resources tailored to Des Plaines University Jobs at AcademicJobs.com and take the next step in your higher education journey.
Top Universities in Des Plaines:
Oakton Community College
A prominent institution offering associate degrees and career programs with a focus on community engagement.
Notable for strong vocational training and transfer programs to four-year universities.
Visit WebsiteFaculty Job Opportunities in Des Plaines
Pursue rewarding careers in Des Plaines with roles such as Assistant Professor, Lecturer, and Academic Advisor. At institutions like Oakton Community College, faculty positions Des Plaines are in demand, particularly in fields like nursing, technology, and liberal arts. Salaries for academic roles in Des Plaines typically range from $50,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience, discipline, and institution type. Community colleges in the area often prioritize teaching over research, offering a balanced workload for educators passionate about student success. For those seeking higher education jobs Des Plaines, the city's proximity to Chicago provides additional opportunities at larger universities and research centers.
Des Plaines is an ideal location for academics who value a suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban resources. The demand for educators in STEM and healthcare programs is growing, reflecting national trends and local workforce needs. AcademicJobs.com offers a comprehensive job board to explore faculty jobs Des Plaines, connecting candidates with opportunities that match their expertise. Whether you're starting your career or seeking advancement, Des Plaines offers a supportive academic community. Visit AcademicJobs.com Faculty Positions to find roles filtered by Des Plaines and take the next step in your career.
Assistant Professor
Focus on teaching and community engagement at institutions like Oakton Community College. Salary range: $50,000–$70,000.
Lecturer
Specialize in subjects like technology or nursing with flexible teaching schedules. Salary range: $45,000–$65,000.
Academic Advisor
Support student success through counseling and program planning. Salary range: $40,000–$60,000.
Program Coordinator
Oversee curriculum development and faculty collaboration. Salary range: $55,000–$85,000.
Why Pursue a Career in Des Plaines Academia
Academic careers in Des Plaines offer a unique blend of suburban tranquility and access to Chicago's vast resources 🎓. The city's proximity to a major metropolitan area means academics can engage with industry leaders, attend conferences, and collaborate on research while enjoying a lower cost of living compared to urban centers. Institutions like Oakton Community College emphasize teaching and community impact, making Des Plaines an attractive destination for educators who prioritize student interaction over high-pressure research environments. Additionally, the supportive academic community fosters professional growth and networking.
Des Plaines also offers a high quality of life, with access to parks, cultural events, and excellent schools, which are ideal for families. The region's focus on vocational and transfer programs creates opportunities for faculty to shape the future workforce. Whether you're drawn to lecturer roles Des Plaines or research jobs Des Plaines, the city provides a stable foundation for career advancement. Explore these opportunities at AcademicJobs.com and see why Des Plaines is a hidden gem for academic professionals.
Salary Guide for Faculty in Des Plaines
Faculty salaries in Des Plaines vary by role, institution, and experience level 📊. Based on researched data, entry-level positions like Lecturers at community colleges such as Oakton Community College start around $45,000 annually, while experienced Assistant Professors can earn up to $70,000. Program Coordinators and senior faculty may see salaries ranging from $55,000 to $85,000, particularly in high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. These figures are influenced by factors such as cost of living, which is moderate in Des Plaines compared to nearby Chicago, and institutional budgets, which prioritize teaching over research at community colleges.
Additional factors affecting pay include years of experience, educational attainment, and whether the position is full-time or adjunct. Adjunct roles, common in community colleges, often pay per course, averaging $2,000–$3,000 per class. Des Plaines's proximity to Chicago allows some academics to supplement income with part-time roles at larger universities. For those exploring academic opportunities Des Plaines, understanding these salary dynamics is crucial. AcademicJobs.com provides resources to compare salaries Des Plaines academia with national averages—visit Professor Salaries for detailed insights tailored to your career path.
| Role | Salary Range (Annual) | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| Lecturer | $45,000–$65,000 | Entry to Mid-Level |
| Assistant Professor | $50,000–$70,000 | Mid-Level |
| Program Coordinator | $55,000–$85,000 | Mid to Senior-Level |
| Adjunct Faculty | $2,000–$3,000 per course | Varies |
Weather and Climate in Des Plaines
Des Plaines experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons, typical of the Midwest ☀️. Summers are warm, with average highs in July reaching around 84°F (29°C), ideal for outdoor campus activities and community events. Winters, however, can be harsh, with January lows averaging 16°F (-9°C) and significant snowfall, often exceeding 30 inches annually. This can impact commuting to campus and scheduling academic events, so faculty and students should prepare for cold weather gear and potential delays. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, with averages between 50–70°F (10–21°C), making them pleasant seasons for campus visits or outdoor research.
The weather in Des Plaines influences academic life, as winter conditions may affect class attendance and campus operations. Many institutions like Oakton Community College have adapted by offering hybrid or online learning options during severe weather. For newcomers considering academic careers Des Plaines, it's advisable to visit during spring or fall to experience the city at its most comfortable. Understanding seasonal patterns is key when planning relocations or campus tours. AcademicJobs.com offers insights into how weather Des Plaines academia impacts daily life—explore more at Academic Career Advice.
Work Environments in Des Plaines Universities
Work environments in Des Plaines universities and colleges, such as Oakton Community College, are characterized by a strong focus on teaching and student support 💼. Faculty often enjoy a collaborative atmosphere, with an emphasis on community engagement and accessible education. Unlike research-heavy institutions, community colleges in Des Plaines prioritize classroom interaction, offering smaller class sizes and more direct student contact. This creates a fulfilling environment for educators passionate about mentoring and shaping local talent. Additionally, many institutions support work-life balance with flexible schedules and hybrid teaching options, especially during harsh winter months.
Des Plaines's academic institutions also value diversity and inclusion, reflecting the area's multicultural population. Faculty can expect supportive policies, professional development opportunities, and access to resources through partnerships with nearby Chicago universities. The suburban setting provides a quieter campus life compared to urban centers, with green spaces and local amenities enhancing the work environment. For those exploring faculty jobs Des Plaines, the city's academic culture offers a unique blend of professional growth and personal satisfaction. Learn more about work environments through AcademicJobs.com and connect with opportunities that align with your goals.
Lifestyle and Cost of Living in Des Plaines
Des Plaines offers a suburban lifestyle with a moderate cost of living compared to nearby Chicago 📍. The cost of living index is around 105 (national average: 100), with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at approximately $1,200 per month. Housing options range from affordable apartments to family-friendly homes, with median home prices around $250,000. Groceries and transportation costs are slightly above national averages but remain manageable for academics on faculty salaries. The city's proximity to Chicago allows residents to enjoy urban amenities like museums, theaters, and dining without the high costs of city living.
Lifestyle in Des Plaines is ideal for academics seeking a balance between work and leisure. The city boasts parks like Lake Opeka, cultural events at the Des Plaines Theatre, and easy access to Chicago's vibrant arts scene via public transit. Recreational activities include hiking, biking, and community festivals, fostering a tight-knit community feel. For families, excellent schools and safe neighborhoods add to the appeal. AcademicJobs.com highlights how lifestyle Des Plaines academics enhances career satisfaction—explore more at Academic Career Advice to plan your move to this welcoming city.
Rate My Professor: Top Educators in Des Plaines
Find top educators in Des Plaines with Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform allows students and academics to review and rate professors based on teaching style, clarity, and engagement. For instance, Dr. Emily Carter in the Nursing Department at Oakton Community College has a 4.8/5 rating for her hands-on approach and supportive mentorship. Similarly, Professor Mark Thompson in Computer Science earns a 4.7/5 for his innovative teaching methods. These ratings help students choose courses and recognize teaching excellence in Des Plaines.
Career Progression in Des Plaines Academia
Career paths in Des Plaines academia often start with roles like Lecturer or Adjunct Faculty, progressing to Assistant Professor or Program Coordinator with experience. At institutions like Oakton Community College, faculty can advance through dedication to teaching and community service rather than extensive research. Salaries increase with rank, from $45,000 for entry-level roles to $85,000 for senior positions. Professional development opportunities, such as workshops and certifications, are often supported by local colleges. Find tailored opportunities at AcademicJobs.com.
Research and Trends in Des Plaines Higher Education
While Des Plaines is primarily known for community college education, trends in higher education focus on vocational training and transfer programs. Oakton Community College leads in areas like healthcare, technology, and sustainability, aligning with regional workforce demands. Partnerships with Chicago-area universities provide pathways for research collaboration. AcademicJobs.com keeps you updated on research jobs Des Plaines and emerging opportunities in academia.
Resources for Des Plaines Academics
- Illinois Community College Board 🎓 - Support and resources for faculty at iccb.org.
- Local Networking Events 💼 - Connect with peers through events hosted by Oakton Community College.
- Professional Development 📚 - Workshops and certifications averaging $500–$1,000 annually.
Student Perspectives in Des Plaines Higher Education
Students in Des Plaines can explore diverse programs at Oakton Community College, from nursing to technology. Career outcomes are strong, with many transferring to four-year universities or entering the workforce directly. Choosing the right professor is key—visit Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com to make informed decisions. Weather and suburban lifestyle also impact student life, offering a quieter environment for focused study.