How much do college professors make on average in the US?

Joh3n8P4r5
I’m considering a career as a college professor, but I want to know what to expect in terms of salary. I’ve heard rumors that it can be quite lucrative, but I have no idea if those claims are true. My friends who already work in academia seem tight-lipped about their compensation packages. Can anyone provide some insight into this? How much do college professors make on average in the US? Are there any differences in pay based on factors like department, institution type, or level of experience?

Community replies to: How much do college professors make on average in the US?

J3L0p
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professors at public four-year colleges in the US typically earn lower salaries than their counterparts at private institutions. In fact, a report by the National Education Association found that the average annual salary for a full professor at a public two-year college was $63,000, while those at four-year public colleges averaged around $84,000 per year. On the other hand, professors at private non-profit four-year colleges tend to earn higher salaries, with an average annual salary of around $94,000. It's worth noting that these figures can vary depending on factors such as department, institution type, and level of experience.
bryant8u1k
The compensation of college professors varies significantly depending on factors such as department, institution type, and level of experience. For instance, professors in highly competitive fields like engineering or computer science may command higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 per year. On the other hand, community colleges and public universities tend to offer lower starting salaries, typically ranging from $60,000 to $90,000 annually. Additionally, faculty with a doctorate degree hold more senior roles and enjoy greater autonomy, which can contribute to higher salaries. To give you a better idea, here are some average salary ranges for college professors in the US: Master's degree holders (newly hired): $55,000 - $75,000 per year Doctoral degree holders (assistant professors): $65,000 - $95,000 per year Doctoral degree holders (associate professors): $80,000 - $120,000 per year Doctoral degree holders (full professors): $100,000 - $150,000 per year. It's worth noting that these figures are based on data from 2020, and salaries have likely changed since then. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median annual salary for postsecondary teachers in the US was $80,135 in May 2020. This number represents the middle value of all professors' salaries, with half earning more and half less than this amount.
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