College Professor Salary in 2026
College professors teach courses, conduct research, and publish scholarly work at universities and colleges. They mentor students, serve on committees, and contribute to their academic field.
Median Salary
$87,000
$7,250/mo
Entry Level
$55,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$132,000
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
College Professor Overview
College professors teach courses, conduct research, and publish scholarly work at universities and colleges. They mentor students, serve on committees, and contribute to their academic field.
Education
Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Experience
5-10 years
Industry
Education
Total Jobs (US)
180K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Education
Hourly Rate
$41.83/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,250
College Professor Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated College Professor salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated College Professor Salary
$106,000
$8,833/month · $4,077/biweekly · $50.96/hr
College Professor Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the College Professor field.
Entry-level College Professors earn around $55,000, while the top 10% earn $154,000 or more.
Top Paying States for College Professors
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $103,000 | +$16,000 |
| New York | $100,000 | +$13,000 |
| Massachusetts | $97,000 | +$10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $87,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $85,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for College Professors
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $103,000 | +$16,000 |
| Boston | $97,000 | +$10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $97,000 | +$10,000 |
| Austin | $90,000 | +$3,000 |
| Philadelphia | $89,000 | +$2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
College Professor Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a College Professor from entry level to expert.
$55,000
0-2 years
$94,000
3-7 years
$132,000
8-14 years
$176,000
15+ years
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College Professor Salary FAQ
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