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College Professors

Earnings

The lowest 10 percent of all college professors earned less than $49,440, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $182,710, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Earnings vary by the departments professors work in, by the size of the school, by the type of school (e.g., public, private, women's only), and by the level of position the professor holds. The annual median wage for all postsecondary teachers was $84,380 in May 2023, but salaries varied by academic discipline and individual experience. For example, annual median wages for criminal justice and law enforcement teachers were $69,030, while law professors earned $127,360. Some new college teachers at small schools earn as little as $30,000.

Full professors working in disciplines such as law, business, health professions, architecture, and engineering usually have the highest salaries. Lower paying disciplines include criminal justice, social work, recreation and fitness, education, and communications. Professors working on the West Coast and the East Coast and those working at doctorate-granting institutions also tend to have the highest salaries. Many professors try to increase their earnings by completing research, publishing in their field, or teaching additional courses.

Benefits for full-time faculty typically include health insurance and retirement funds and, in some cases, stipends for travel related to research, housing allowances, and tuition waivers for dependents.