How To Become An Adjunct Teacher: What It Is and Career Path

What is an adjunct teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Cheyrl Ensley

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an adjunct teacher. For example, did you know that they make an average of $50.63 an hour? That's $105,308 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 2% and produce 5,400 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to an adjunct teacher?

Dr. Cheyrl Ensley

Interim Head, Associate Professor, Grambling State University

Flexibility is important. The graduate must be prepared and flexible! The graduate must be prepared to teach effectively and efficiently, regardless of the delivery method and flexibility regarding reporting to the school or working from home. Be prepared and accepting of the fact that what is required of you may change unexpectedly. In this age of uncertainty, the graduate must be flexible enough to perform as needed and remain focused on student growth.

ScoreAdjunct TeacherUS Average

Salary

7.7

Avg. Salary $105,308

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.9

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 11.28%

Black or African American 7.15%

Hispanic or Latino 10.18%

Unknown 4.93%

White 66.18%

Gender

female 57.37%

male 42.63%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

6.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.1

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an adjunct teacher

Explore adjunct teacher education requirements

Most common adjunct teacher degrees

Bachelor's

55.7 %

Master's

23.3 %

Associate

14.8 %

Start to develop specific adjunct teacher skills

Skills	Percentages
K-12	26.26%
Course Curriculum	17.79%
Mathematics	9.28%
Student Performance	7.16%
Syllabus	6.82%

Complete relevant adjunct teacher training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New adjunct teachers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an adjunct teacher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real adjunct teacher resumes.

Research adjunct teacher duties and responsibilities

Excel in achieving proficiency in teaching mathematics to students which is measured through tests ensuring accuracy of information teach.
Analyze and implement students' IEP's in a confidential manner to enhance their academic and personal success.
Facilitate IEP meetings with parents and other support team members to discuss academic gains and areas of improvement.
Excel in achieving proficiency in teaching mathematics to students which is measured through tests ensuring accuracy of information teach.

Apply for adjunct teacher jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an adjunct teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams