SalaryMap
Education

College Professor Salary (2025)

College professors teach and conduct research at universities.

$80,840
Median Annual
$39/hr
Hourly Rate
$55,000
Entry Level
$130,000
Senior Level

Salary Range

$55,000
$130,000

Median: $80,840 — positioned between entry and senior

Top Paying States for College Professors

StateEst. Annual Salaryvs. National
Hawaii$115,000+42%
California$112,000+39%
New York$103,000+27%
Alaska$101,000+25%
Massachusetts$101,000+25%
New Jersey$97,000+20%
Connecticut$95,000+18%
Washington$93,000+15%

Estimates based on cost-of-living index adjustments. Actual salaries vary by employer and experience.

How to Become a College Professor

Most College Professor positions require: PhD or Master's in relevant field. Salaries typically increase significantly with experience and specialization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average College Professor salary?

The median College Professor salary is $80,840 per year, which works out to approximately $39/hour based on a 40-hour work week.

How much does an entry-level College Professor make?

Entry-level College Professors typically earn around $55,000 per year. Salaries grow significantly with experience and specialization.

What is a senior College Professor's salary?

Experienced College Professors can earn up to $130,000 or more annually depending on location, employer, and specialization.

What education is required to become a College Professor?

Most College Professor positions require: PhD or Master's in relevant field.

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