Which college professors earn the most?

I'm considering academia as a career path. Are there certain colleges where professors tend to have higher salaries? Would appreciate any insight!

In general, professor salaries can vary greatly depending on a multitude of factors: the institution, the academic field, the professor's experience, and the level at which they're teaching (assistant professor, associate professor, full professor, etc). While it can be difficult to provide a comprehensive list of colleges where professors earn the most, data from the Chronicle of Higher Education offers some insight.

Based on the latest available data, professors at private institutions tend to make more than those at public colleges. For example, professors at Columbia University, Stanford University, and Princeton University are some of the top earners, with average full-professor salaries well into the six-figure range. However, keep in mind that these prestigious private universities also have a high cost of living associated with their locations.

On the public university side, the University of California system tends to have higher-than-average professor salaries. Of course, salaries are still dependent on the particular campus, department, and individual professor's level of experience and tenure.

Another consideration is the subject matter. In general, business and economics professors tend to earn more than their counterparts in humanities departments. Professors in fields like engineering, computer science, and law often have higher average salaries as well because those skills are in high demand.

Lastly, the geographic location of the university can also make a big difference. Professors in urban areas or areas with high cost of living tend to have higher salaries, but they also have to deal with higher living expenses.

The key is to find a balance between your passion for a particular field and your earning potential. It's also crucial to remember that academia involves much more than teaching - it includes research, grant writing, academic services, and more. Consider all aspects of the career before deciding on the path.