College Professor Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$88,000
national median salary
$66,000 to $122,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$121,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$92,000
Hartford, CT
Lowest Paying
$70,000
Little Rock, AR
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average College Professor salary in the United States is $88,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $66,000 at the 25th percentile to $122,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $121,000, while Hartford offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Discipline, institution type, and tenure status create enormous pay variance.
College Professor salary by city
Skills that increase College Professor pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for College Professors based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $12,320 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$12,320 per year
≈ +$11,440 per year
≈ +$10,560 per year
≈ +$9,680 per year
≈ +$9,680 per year
≈ +$8,800 per year
≈ +$8,800 per year
≈ +$7,920 per year
What you should know
Discipline, institution type, and tenure status create enormous pay variance. Business, engineering, and computer science professors earn 30 to 60% more than humanities professors. R1 research universities pay significantly more than community colleges or teaching-focused institutions.
Assistant Professors start at $66,000 to $85,000 depending on field. Associate Professors with tenure earn $82,000 to $110,000. Full Professors command $100,000 to $150,000, while Endowed Chairs and Distinguished Professors at elite universities exceed $200,000.
Tenure-track professors receive sabbatical leave, research funding, and housing allowances at some institutions. Summer research stipends add $10,000 to $25,000. Consulting and speaking engagements can add $10,000 to $50,000 annually for well-known scholars.