Which professors earn the most?

Professors in law, medicine, engineering, business, and computer science tend to earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $150,000 for full professors at research universities. Endowed chairs and named professorships can pay $200,000 or more at top institutions.

How long does it take to become a professor?

Becoming a tenured professor typically takes 10 to 15 years after your bachelor's degree: four to seven years for a Ph.D., one to three years in postdoctoral or adjunct positions, and five to seven years on the tenure track. Some fast-track candidates achieve tenure faster.

Is becoming a professor worth it?

For those passionate about research and teaching, being a professor can be deeply rewarding. It offers intellectual freedom, job security after tenure, and a flexible schedule. However, the long training period, competitive job market, and modest salaries in some fields are significant considerations.

How much do adjunct professors make?

Adjunct professors are paid per course, typically earning $2,000 to $5,000 per course per semester. Most adjuncts do not receive benefits. An adjunct teaching a full course load might earn $20,000 to $40,000 per year, far less than full-time faculty.

Do professors work in the summer?

Many professors are on nine-month or ten-month contracts and are not paid during summer months. However, most use summers for research, writing, and grant preparation. Some earn additional income through summer teaching, consulting, or research grants.

Professor Salary: How Much Do They Really Make?

EducationFaster than average

Professors teach courses at colleges and universities, conduct research, publish scholarly work, and serve on academic committees. They specialize in specific academic disciplines and mentor students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Professors contribute to the advancement of knowledge through their research and teaching.

Median Salary

$87,620

Salary Range

$46,600 – $175,650

Hourly Equivalent

$42.13/hr

Growth Rate

Professor Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-2 years)$63,086

$30.33/hr

Mid Career (3-6 years)$87,620

$42.13/hr

Senior (7-12 years)$109,525

$52.66/hr

Expert (13+ years)$127,049

$61.08/hr

Professor Salary by State (Top 10)

Rank	State	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	California	$106,896	$51.39/hr
#2	New York	$104,268	$50.13/hr
#3	Washington	$101,639	$48.86/hr
#4	Massachusetts	$100,763	$48.44/hr
#5	New Jersey	$99,011	$47.60/hr
#6	Connecticut	$97,258	$46.76/hr
#7	Maryland	$95,506	$45.92/hr
#8	Alaska	$94,630	$45.50/hr
#9	Hawaii	$93,753	$45.07/hr
#10	Oregon	$92,001	$44.23/hr

Professor Salary by City (Top 10 Metros)

Rank	City	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
#1	San Francisco, CA	$120,916	$58.13/hr
#2	New York City, NY	$115,658	$55.60/hr
#3	San Jose, CA	$113,906	$54.76/hr
#4	Seattle, WA	$109,525	$52.66/hr
#5	Boston, MA	$106,896	$51.39/hr
#6	Washington D.C., DC	$105,144	$50.55/hr
#7	Los Angeles, CA	$103,392	$49.71/hr
#8	Denver, CO	$98,134	$47.18/hr
#9	Austin, TX	$96,382	$46.34/hr
#10	Chicago, IL	$94,630	$45.50/hr

How to Become a Professor

Becoming a professor typically requires earning a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in your chosen field, which takes four to seven years beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral programs involve advanced coursework, comprehensive exams, and the completion of an original research dissertation. Some fields like business, nursing, and art may accept professional doctorates or terminal master's degrees.

During your doctoral program, you will typically serve as a teaching assistant or research assistant, gaining the teaching and research experience needed for faculty positions. Building a publication record by submitting your research to academic journals and conferences is essential for a competitive application.

After completing your doctorate, many aspiring professors take postdoctoral research positions or adjunct teaching positions before securing a tenure-track appointment. The academic job market is competitive, especially in humanities and social sciences. Candidates with strong publication records, teaching evaluations, and research funding are most successful.

The tenure process typically takes five to seven years of service as an assistant professor. During this time, you must demonstrate excellence in research, teaching, and service to earn tenure (permanent employment). Associate professors who continue to excel can be promoted to full professor.

Job Outlook for Professors

8% growth — Faster than average

The job outlook for postsecondary teachers is projected at 8% growth from 2022 to 2032, driven by increasing college enrollment and the need to replace retiring faculty. However, the academic job market remains competitive, with many more qualified candidates than available tenure-track positions.

Professors in STEM fields, business, nursing, and other professional programs tend to have the best job prospects and highest salaries. Demand for faculty in these areas often outpaces supply, leading to competitive salaries and generous startup packages. Humanities and social science positions remain highly competitive.

The growth of online education and community colleges is creating additional teaching opportunities, though many of these positions are adjunct or non-tenure-track with lower pay and fewer benefits. Professors who can teach online and in hybrid formats are increasingly in demand.

Education & Certifications

Education Required

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent)

Key Certifications

Terminal Degree in Field
Research Publications
Teaching Portfolio