As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Adjunct Instructor in the United States is $34,618 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, an Adjunct Instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Adjunct Instructor's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Adjunct Instructor's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Adjunct Instructor | $33,245 |
| Intermediate Level Adjunct Instructor | $33,519 |
| Senior Level Adjunct Instructor | $34,892 |
| Specialist Level Adjunct Instructor | $36,011 |
| Expert Level Adjunct Instructor | $36,592 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Adjunct Instructors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Confidentiality | 5.36% |
| First Aid | 7.14% |
| Support Services | 2.34% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$38,426 |
11%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$37,041 |
7%
|
|
Coaching
|
$37,041 |
7%
|
|
Critical Thinking
|
$36,348 |
5%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$36,002 |
4%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$36,002 |
4%
|
Understanding how an Adjunct Instructor's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for an Adjunct Instructor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,772 in 2023 to around $43,416 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Adjunct Instructor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $43,772 |
| 2024 | $43,736 |
| 2025 | $43,416 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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