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College Professor salary
Postsecondary teachers instruct students beyond high school and often conduct research.
Median annual
$85,000
Median hourly
$41
Top 10% earn
$175,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$50,000
Median$85,000
Top 10%$175,000
College Professor salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $62,600 | $30 | -26% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $75,200 | $36 | -12% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $95,800 | $46 | +13% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $135,400 | $65 | +59% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified college professors, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
Master's or doctoral degree in the subject taught.
Job outlook
8% growth through 2033 — faster than average.
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