Average Salary for a Professor in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a Professor plays a big role in career choices and life planning.
Being a professor means teaching students at colleges and universities. They also do research and write papers about their subjects. Professors help shape the minds of future leaders and workers. They teach classes, grade papers, and guide students through their studies.
Many professors also work on special projects and research that can help society. The job requires a lot of education and hard work. Most professors need a PhD degree in their field. They also need to be good at explaining hard topics in simple ways.
Knowing how much professors earn is very important for people thinking about this career path. In 2025, professor salaries have changed due to many factors, like inflation and job demand.
This blog will help you understand professor pay in the USA.
We will look at average salaries, pay by experience, and which states pay the most. You will also learn practical tips to earn more money as a professor. This blog will help you make smart decisions about your teaching career.
Average Salary for a Professor in the USA?
$129,500 per year (Average)
Based on data from several global salary surveys, including Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and PayScale, we calculated this average by combining multiple sources. Glassdoor reports that professors earn $185,920 per year, while ZipRecruiter shows $114,792 annually, and PayScale lists $93,686 for postsecondary professors.
Talent.com shows that professors make $98,750 per year.
The average professor's salary in 2025 has grown by about 4-6% compared to 2024. This increase happened because of higher living costs and more demand for skilled teachers. Many schools are also competing to hire the best professors by offering better pay.
Salary for a Professor Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: According to several global salary surveys, professors in the USA earn around $129,500 per year in 2025. This number comes from combining data from many reliable sources.
Salary range: The pay range goes from $139,440 at the 25th percentile to $256,176 at the 75th percentile. Entry-level positions start around $58,000, while top earners can make up to $189,000. Many U.S. data sources show that this wide range depends on experience and school type.
Salary by experience: Based on government statistics and salary surveys,
- junior professors (0-3 years) earn around $65,000-$85,000 per year.
- Mid-level professors (4-10 years) make $90,000-$135,000 annually.
- Senior professors (10+ years) can earn $140,000-$200,000 or more per year.
75th percentile: According to many international salary surveys, professors at the 75th percentile earn $256,176 per year. This means 75% of all professors earn less than this amount, while 25% earn more.
Salary for a Professor: Regional Comparison
Professor salaries change a lot based on where you work. Big cities usually pay more but also cost more to live in. Some states value education more and pay teachers better. Schools in wealthy areas often have bigger budgets for professor salaries.
Here's how salaries in different regions compare to the national average.
Data collected from multiple USA salary survey reports and government statistics
Washington State offers the best value for professors when you consider both salary and living costs. The state has good schools and reasonable housing prices compared to California or New York.
7 Tips to Grow Your Professor Salary
1. Get Advanced Degrees and Certifications: Getting more education can raise your salary by 15-25% according to many global salary surveys. A PhD in your field is usually required, but extra certificates in teaching or research can help. Online courses and professional development programs also add value to your resume.
2. Focus on High-Demand Subject Areas: Teaching subjects like engineering, computer science, or medicine typically pays more. According to government statistics, STEM professors earn 20-30% more than humanities professors. Business and medical professors also command higher salaries due to industry demand.
3. Build a Strong Research Portfolio: Publishing research papers and getting grants can boost your pay significantly. Many USA data sources show that professors with active research programs earn 15-40% more. Apply for research grants and collaborate with other academics to increase your value.
4. Gain Teaching Excellence Recognition: Award-winning teachers often receive salary bonuses and faster promotions. According to several salary surveys, excellent teachers can earn 10-20% more through merit increases. Student evaluations and peer recognition help build your teaching reputation.
5. Consider Different Institution Types: Private universities often pay more than public schools. According to international salary surveys, private college professors can earn 15-35% more than public university professors. Community colleges typically pay less but offer better work-life balance.
6. Develop Administrative Skills: Taking on leadership roles like department head or dean increases earning potential. Many USA sources report that academic administrators earn 25-50% more than regular professors. Start with small committees and work your way up to bigger responsibilities.
7. Negotiate Your Starting Salary and Benefits: Don't accept the first offer without negotiating. According to salary survey reports, professors who negotiate can increase their starting pay by 5-15%. Research typical salaries at similar schools and present your qualifications clearly.
FAQs About a Professor's Salary
What is the average salary for a Professor at different experience levels?
New professors typically earn $65,000-$85,000 per year. Mid-career professors with 5-10 years of experience make $90,000-$135,000 annually. Senior professors with 15+ years can earn $140,000-$200,000 or more, depending on their field and institution type.
Is the average Professor's salary before or after taxes?
The salary numbers we discuss are gross annual salaries before taxes. Your take-home pay will be lower after federal taxes, state taxes, and other deductions. The exact amount depends on your tax bracket and state tax rates.
Does the Professor's salary include bonuses and benefits?
No, the base salary figures don't include bonuses, summer teaching pay, or research stipends. Many professors earn extra money through summer courses, consulting work, or research grants. Benefits like health insurance and retirement plans are separate from salary.
How does Professor pay compare to other education jobs?
Professors typically earn more than K-12 teachers but less than school administrators. According to government statistics, professors earn about 25-40% more than high school teachers. However, college administrators and deans often earn 30-50% more than professors.
What affects a Professor's salary the most?
Your field of study, years of experience, and type of school affect pay the most. STEM and business professors earn more than humanities professors. Private universities usually pay better than public schools. Location also matters, with coastal states typically paying more.
Do Professors get paid during summer breaks?
Most professors work on 9-month contracts and don't get paid during the summer unless they teach summer courses or have research funding. Some schools offer 12-month positions that spread the 9-month salary across the full year. Many professors use the summer for research or consulting work.
How long does it take to become a full Professor with a top salary?
It typically takes 12-20 years to become a full professor with tenure. You start as an assistant professor, then become an associate professor after 6-8 years, and finally a full professor after another 6-10 years. Each promotion brings significant salary increases.
What benefits do Professors receive besides salary?
Professors usually get health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition discounts for family members. Many also receive research funds, sabbatical leave, and conference travel money. Some schools provide housing assistance or low-cost loans for professors.
Can Professors earn money outside their regular salary?
Yes, many professors earn extra income through consulting, writing books, speaking at conferences, or teaching online courses. Some also serve on company boards or start their own businesses related to their expertise. However, most schools have rules about outside work.
How do professors' salaries vary by state in 2025?
Western and northeastern states typically pay professors more than southern or midwestern states. According to recent salary surveys, Washington, California, and New York offer the highest professor salaries, while states in the South and Midwest generally pay less.
What is the job outlook for Professors in 2025?
The job market for professors remains competitive, with many qualified candidates for each position. However, certain fields like engineering, computer science, and healthcare have better job prospects. Online education growth is creating new opportunities for professors willing to adapt.
Do private colleges pay Professors more than public universities?
Generally, yes. Private colleges often have larger endowments and can offer higher salaries to attract top talent. However, public universities sometimes offer better benefits and job security through tenure systems. The difference varies significantly by specific institution and field.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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