How much does the average college professor make?

Hey there! I'm just curious, what's the average salary for a college professor in the US? How much would it vary between different types of universities and job ranks?

Hello! The average salary for a college professor in the US can vary widely based on factors such as the type of institution, their academic rank, experience, and location. However, I can give you a general idea of the salary range and breakdown by job rank.

For the academic year 2020-2021, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) reported the following average salaries for different types of institutions:

1. Private-independent doctoral universities: $131,267 (full professor), $84,828 (associate professor), $73,673 (assistant professor).

2. Public doctoral universities: $120,718 (full professor), $81,158 (associate professor), $70,065 (assistant professor).

3. Private-independent master's (comprehensive) institutions: $103,573 (full professor), $71,172 (associate professor), $59,793 (assistant professor).

4. Public master's (comprehensive) institutions: $91,997 (full professor), $68,821 (associate professor), $58,516 (assistant professor).

5. Private-independent baccalaureate (arts and sciences) institutions: $95,547 (full professor), $68,068 (associate professor), $56,997 (assistant professor).

Be aware that these are average figures, and the actual salary for individual professors may be higher or lower based on experience and other factors. Additionally, salaries for those teaching in high-demand fields such as engineering, technology, and business are likely to be higher compared to those in humanities or social sciences. Cost of living differences also play a role, with professors living in expensive cities generally earning higher salaries than those in more affordable locations.

In summary, the average college professor's salary varies depending on the type of institution, their job rank, their field of study, and the school's location. Bear in mind that this data changes over time, but these figures can give you a general snapshot of what the earning landscape is like for college professors.