College professor salaries vary widely based on rank, institution type, and field, but here are the key figures for the U.S. in the 2023-25 period:
- Full professors earn on average about $155,000 to $161,000 per year across all institution types, with those at private universities making more (around $196,000) than those at public ($145,000) or religiously affiliated institutions ($137,000)
- Associate professors typically make around $106,000 , and assistant professors earn about $92,000 annually on average
- Salaries for lecturers and instructors are lower, generally ranging from about $70,000 to $75,000 depending on the institution type
- Adjunct professors often earn significantly less, sometimes under $3,500 per course, which can amount to much less annually compared to full-time faculty
- At prestigious universities, some professors earn exceptionally high salaries, sometimes over $1 million annually, often due to additional roles or clinical work. For example, a clinical professor at Cornell University earned $8.8 million in 2021, and Harvard professors in some cases have earned over $1 million
- Entry-level assistant professors with a PhD typically start around $92,000, with salaries increasing as they advance in rank and seniority
In summary, the average full-time college professor in the U.S. makes roughly between $90,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on rank and institution, with top earners at elite institutions making much more. Adjuncts and part-time faculty earn considerably less
