Instructor vs. Professor — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
An instructor imparts skills or knowledge, often outside tenure-track positions, while a professor is an academic rank in colleges/universities, typically with research responsibilities.
Difference Between Instructor and Professor
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
An instructor typically refers to someone who teaches or imparts skills or knowledge. Their role is primarily focused on the act of teaching, whether it's in schools, workshops, or training sessions. A professor, on the other hand, holds an official academic title at a college or university, often indicating a certain rank and a blend of teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.
Within the academic hierarchy, an instructor might not have the same standing as a professor. The instructor role often doesn't require the same level of advanced degrees or credentials that a professor position would. Professors usually have a doctorate in their field and might have progressed through academic ranks, such as assistant or associate professor, to reach their status.
In terms of roles, an instructor could exist in various educational environments, like community colleges, trade schools, or non-academic settings. They provide hands-on training or classroom instruction. A professor, while also teaching, usually has added duties like publishing research, mentoring students, serving on committees, and contributing to their academic field.
In everyday language, the word instructor might be used more generically for anyone who provides instruction, like a gym instructor or a flight instructor. A professor specifically references someone in an academic setting, with students often using the title as a form of respect.
Comparison Chart
Role
Primarily teaches or imparts skills.
Academic rank with teaching & research duties.
ADVERTISEMENT
Setting
Can be in various educational or training environments.
Colleges or universities.
Qualifications
May not require advanced degrees.
Typically have a doctorate.
Responsibilities
Focused on teaching or training.
Teaching, research, mentoring, administration.
Perception
Seen as a teacher or trainer.
Seen as a high-ranking academic expert.
Compare with Definitions
Instructor
A trainer in a specific skill or activity.
The flight instructor ensured safety protocols were followed.
Professor
An educator of the highest rank in a faculty.
The distinguished professor received numerous accolades for his work.
Instructor
An educator below the rank of a professor.
She began her career as an instructor before becoming a full professor.
Professor
A senior academic at a college or university.
The professor has published multiple papers in her field.
Instructor
One who leads or guides a course or session.
The fitness instructor showed them exercises for flexibility.
Professor
An individual holding a professorship.
The professor is on sabbatical this semester.
Instructor
A person who imparts skills or knowledge.
The instructor taught them how to dance.
Professor
Someone who professes being a public teacher of an art or science.
As a professor of philosophy, he often pondered life's deeper questions.
Instructor
Someone who teaches courses at educational institutions.
The history course's instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.
Professor
A title indicating expertise and tenure in academia.
She was thrilled to receive her promotion to full professor.
Instructor
One who instructs; a teacher.
Professor
Professor (commonly abbreviated as Prof.) is an academic rank at universities and other post-secondary education and research institutions in most countries. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes".
Instructor
A college or university teacher who ranks below an assistant professor.
Professor
A college or university teacher who ranks above an associate professor.
Instructor
One who instructs; a teacher.
Professor
A teacher or instructor.
Instructor
One who instructs; one who imparts knowledge to another; a teacher.
Professor
One who professes.
Instructor
A person whose occupation is teaching
Professor
The most senior rank for an academic at a university or similar institution, informally also known as "full professor."
Professor
A teacher or faculty member at a college or university regardless of formal rank.
Professor
(archaic) One who professes something, such as a religious doctrine.
Professor
A pianist in a saloon, brothel, etc.
Professor
The puppeteer who performs a Punch and Judy show; a Punchman.
Professor
One who professed, or makes open declaration of, his sentiments or opinions; especially, one who makes a public avowal of his belief in the Scriptures and his faith in Christ, and thus unites himself to the visible church.
Professor
One who professed, or publicly teaches, any science or branch of learning; especially, an officer in a university, college, or other seminary, whose business it is to read lectures, or instruct students, in a particular branch of learning; as a professor of theology, of botany, of mathematics, or of political economy.
Professor
Someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
Common Curiosities
Can an instructor be called a professor?
It depends on institutional policies, but generally, without the official rank, an instructor isn't addressed as a professor.
What does an instructor do?
An instructor primarily teaches or imparts skills or knowledge.
Is a professor higher than an instructor in academic ranking?
Yes, a professor typically holds a higher academic rank than an instructor.
What's the main duty of a professor?
While professors teach, they often have additional duties like research, mentoring, and administration.
Who typically teaches introductory courses, instructors or professors?
Both can, but often introductory courses are taught by instructors.
Are there different levels of professors?
Yes, there are ranks like assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor.
Do all professors have a PhD?
Most professors at universities have a PhD, but there are exceptions, especially in some professional fields.
Are the terms instructor and teacher synonymous?
They can be, but "instructor" often implies teaching a specific skill or in a particular context.
Can someone be both an instructor and a professor?
Yes, a professor can act as an instructor in their courses, but not all instructors have the title of professor.
Do instructors have to publish research?
While some might, publishing isn't typically a primary requirement for instructors as it is for professors.
How long does it take to become a professor?
It varies, but achieving a professorship usually requires advanced degrees and several years of experience.
Are all professors involved in research?
While research is a common duty, not all professors are actively involved, especially at institutions with a teaching focus.
Which position is more focused on hands-on training?
Typically, an instructor focuses more on hands-on training and practical instruction.
Which position, instructor or professor, requires more academic qualifications?
Generally, the position of professor requires more advanced academic qualifications than that of an instructor.
Can an instructor have a PhD?
Yes, many instructors have PhDs but might not hold a professorship title.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Wendigo vs. Windigo
Next Comparison
Hah vs. HaAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
