The Average Salary of a Community College Teacher

Community college teachers reach millions of students every semester.

In 2006, community college teachers taught 11.6 million students in over 6 million courses. Teaching at community college is an increasingly attractive job, as of 2010, with a salary near what professors make at public four-year schools, plus additional benefits.

Features

According to the American Association of University Professors, the average salary for a community college teacher is between $44,174 and $71,910, as of 2008. By comparison, professors at four-year public universities make between $44,349 and $80,408, as of 2008. Employment often includes flexible work hours. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that teachers are able to set their own schedules regarding planning, grading and office hours. In addition, 29 percent of college teachers worked part time in 2008.

Types

Community college teacher salaries vary, depending on rank. Full professors earn 63 percent more than community college instructors. Assistant professors, associate professors and lecturers earn in the midrange of the salary reported by the AAUP.

Misconceptions

Community college teachers are, on average, lower paid than professors at four-year universities. However, a 2003 report in the "Chronicle of Higher Education" notes that community colleges are often in more rural locations, where the cost of living is significantly lower. Many community colleges also offer insurance and retirement benefits, and they supplement continuing education for teachers, all of which contribute to the overall value of the college's compensation package.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11, Postsecondary Teachers
• Inside Higher Ed: Faculty Salaries and Priorities
• Chronicle of Higher Education: Not a Bad Gig
• Modern Language Association: A Community College Teaching Career