College professors' salaries vary widely depending on rank, institution type, and location. Here is a detailed overview based on recent data:

Average Salary by Rank and Institution Type (U.S.)

• Full Professors : On average, full professors earn about $155,000 annually across all institutions. At private universities, this average rises to approximately $196,000, while at public institutions it is around $145,000. Religious institutions generally pay less, around $137,000

• Associate Professors : Average salaries are about $106,000 overall, with private institutions paying roughly $120,000 and public institutions about $104,000

• Assistant Professors : They earn on average $92,000, with private universities paying around $105,000 and public universities about $90,000

• Lecturers and Instructors : These roles typically earn less, with lecturers averaging about $75,000 and instructors about $69,000 annually

Salary Range and Variability

• Salaries can range broadly from about $50,000 for entry-level or adjunct positions to well over $200,000 for senior full professors at prestigious private institutions

• At elite schools like Harvard, average professor salaries are around $80,000 but can reach much higher levels, with top professors earning six-figure salaries or more due to additional roles, patents, or royalties

• Adjunct professors often earn significantly less, sometimes less than $3,500 per course, reflecting a large disparity within academia

Factors Influencing Salary

• Institution Type : Private universities generally offer higher salaries than public or religiously affiliated institutions.
• Rank and Experience : Seniority and tenure status greatly influence pay, with full professors earning substantially more than assistant or adjunct faculty.
• Field and Location : Certain disciplines and geographic regions may offer higher compensation.

Summary Table of Average Salaries (2023-24 Academic Year)

Position| All Institutions| Public| Private/Independent| Religious Affiliated
---|---|---|---|---
Full Professor| $155,056| $145,112| $196,353| $136,928
Associate Professor| $106,216| $104,179| $120,631| $97,721
Assistant Professor| $92,094| $90,309| $105,491| $83,400
Lecturer| $75,841| $70,956| $95,406| $66,824
Instructor| $69,307| $65,742| $79,079| $73,229

These figures reflect full-time salaries and do not include additional income from research grants, consulting, or royalties

. In conclusion, college professors in the U.S. typically earn between $90,000 and $200,000 annually depending on rank and institution, with significant variation especially for adjuncts and those at elite universities.