Salary of a Professor
Average Salary of a Professor in 2025
Are you thinking about becoming a professor? Or do you want to know if your current pay is fair? This guide shows you real professor salaries from trusted sources.
We looked at data from top job sites and government reports to give you the facts.
What's the Average Salary of a Professor in the USA?
$98,750 - $114,792 per year (Average)
The average professor's salary varies based on where you look.
For example, Talent.com reports an annual salary of $98,750. In contrast, ZipRecruiter shows $114,792 each year. Indeed lists $58,338 per year based on 700 salaries.
This range comes from different types of professor roles and experience levels.
But mainly, professor salaries stayed about the same compared to last year. Most sources show similar numbers to the 2024 data.
Professor's Salary Key Metrics 2025
Here are the main salary numbers you need to know:
Average salary: Most sources put the average between $98,750 and $114,792 per year. The American Association of University Professors says full-time professors make $112,300 in 2023-24.
Salary range (min–max): The typical range is $88,000 to $280,000, depending on experience and expertise. Entry-level positions start lower, while senior roles can earn much more.
Salary by experience tier: Entry-level assistant professors earn less than experienced full professors. Full professors earn about $174,951 a year, according to Glassdoor. This is much higher than the average for all professors.
75th percentile: Top-earning professors make significantly more than the average. California professors make an average of $73,483 a year. However, at leading schools, full professors can earn over $200,000.
An analysis of over 8,600 professor salaries from popular job boards shows big differences. These differences depend on location, school type, and field of study.
Professor Salary Regional Comparison
Here's how salaries in different areas compare to the national average:
California professors earn an average of $73,483 a year. In comparison, Harvard professors in Massachusetts make about $80,937 annually. Delaware ranks 15th nationwide, with professors earning $111,390 on average.
The best value depends on the cost of living. While some states pay less, they might offer lower living costs. Research your specific area before making decisions.
4 Tips to Grow as a Professor
Here are proven ways to boost your salary as a professor:
Get advanced degrees and certifications: Professors with specialized training earn more. Those with JD, MD, PhD, or equivalent degrees earn $104,369 - $134,394. Extra certifications in your field can add 10% to 15% to your base pay.
Research-focused professors at top universities earn a substantial salary. University of Pennsylvania professors average $162,693, which is much higher than typical rates.
Target top-paying schools: Boston University and New York University (NYU) pay professors well. Private universities often pay more than public ones.
Gain teaching experience: More years of experience lead to higher pay. Advancing from assistant to associate, then to full professor, can lead to a salary increase that may double over time.
FAQs About Professor Salary
What is the average salary of a professor in 2025?
The average professor's salary ranges from $98,750 to $114,792 per year in the United States. This varies by experience level, location, and type of institution.
How much do full professors make compared to assistant professors?
Full professors earn a higher salary than assistant professors. Full professors make about $174,951 each year. In contrast, general professors earn much less. The difference can exceed $50,000 each year.
Is the professor's salary before or after tax?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes and deductions. Your take-home pay will decrease after you remove federal, state, and local taxes.
Do professors' salaries include bonuses and benefits?
No, the base salary numbers don't include bonuses, research grants, or benefits. Many professors receive more compensation through research funding, summer teaching, or administrative roles.
What factors affect a professor's salary the most?
Experience level, degree type, institution prestige, and location are the biggest factors. Research universities typically offer higher salaries than teaching-focused schools.
Which states pay professors the highest salaries?
Massachusetts, California, and Delaware show high professor salaries in our data. But the cost of living shows considerable variation between states.
How do private university professors' salaries compare to public schools?
Private universities often pay higher salaries than public institutions. Elite private schools, such as the University of Pennsylvania and NYU, pay their professors very well.
Can professors increase their salaries through research?
Yes, research grants and publications can boost a professor's income. Professors at top universities who do research earn much more than those who only teach.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. Your actual pay may be different based on your situation and how well you negotiate.
Comments
Post a Comment