How much does an Instructor make?

The average salary for an Instructor is $75,430 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 27775 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by an Instructor employees in United States.

The highest salary for an Instructor in United States is $103,985 per year.

The lowest salary for an Instructor in United States is $56,572 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming an Instructor or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of an Instructor.

Universities generally provide full-time instructors with comfortable salaries, although the candidates could earn even more in non-academic positions. Instructors enjoy many non-monetary perks including intellectually stimulating work, free coursework at their universities, highly accomplished colleagues and the freedom to self-manage. Instructors with greater teaching or industry work experience, as well as those who teach at private and prestigious institutions that charge higher tuition, typically earn higher salaries. Additionally, pay may be higher for instructors with relevant industry certifications including a Certified Public Accountant or Registered Nurse license.

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Glassdoor's ratings reveal how instructors feel about their jobs, including personal salary satisfaction. Among instructors, that percentage stands at 63%. Instructors can potentially earn $5,780.83 every year through bonuses and profit sharing, and they have benefits in the role such as education reimbursement, paid vacation, and job flexibility.

If you're considering following an instructor career path, your salary will generally fall between $43,749.20 and $138,036.26. The average professional earns an instructor salary of $69,648.82. Experience level is one of the primary factors that affects salary for instructors, but membership in a professional organization and an advanced degree can also bolster your annual income.

Membership in a professional organization, such as the National Education Association or the International Literary Association, opens the door to helpful career resources and opportunities to expand your professional network, scoring you future references and opportunities for high-paying positions. Your salary as an instructor will increase as you gain experience, so seek out openings for remote roles, private tutoring, substitute, or part-time positions; each of these stands out on a resume and helps you advance in your career path. A master's degree in education (or your chosen subject area) makes you eligible for a higher instructor salary, and positive references from co-workers and students also factor into your annual earnings.

Before you negotiate for a higher salary as an instructor, explore common interview questions that are frequently asked for instructor roles. "What is your teaching approach?" "How do you handle difficult students?" and "How do you keep students engaged?" are all frequently asked questions you'll need solid answers for, so arrive to the negotiating table prepared with solid answers and a salary number in mind. For established instructor positions, that number usually falls within a pre-determined range, but many employers will negotiate the compensation package if you've provided them with value during your tenure, awarding benefits such as increased PTO, tuition reimbursement, new equipment/supplies, and sign-on and performance-based bonuses.