College Professor Salary in Mesa, AZ: $81,364 (2026)

College Professor Pay in Mesa: What to Expect (2026)

Mesa offers a median college professor salary of $81,364, which is $0 above the Arizona state average of $81,364. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Mesa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Mesa's cost of living is 97% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for college professors in Mesa spans from $43,650 at the 10th percentile to $162,960 at the 90th percentile — a $119,310 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,560, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,200. As a major metro area with a population of 504,258, Mesa typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in Mesa by Experience

In Mesa, an entry-level college professor earns around $46,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,560

$-1,440 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$83,420

$-2,580 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$155,200

$-4,800 vs national

Percentile	Mesa	AZ State	National
10th Percentile	$43,650	$43,650	$45,000
25th Percentile	$58,200	$58,200	$60,000
Median (50th)	$81,364	$81,364	$83,880
75th Percentile	$116,400	$116,400	$120,000
90th Percentile	$162,960	$162,960	$168,000

Percentile

Mesa

10th Percentile

$43,650

25th Percentile

$58,200

Median (50th)

$81,364

75th Percentile

$116,400

90th Percentile

$162,960

How to Become a College Professor in Mesa

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Mesa and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Mesa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Mesa

How much does a College Professor make in Mesa, AZ? ▼

The median college professor salary in Mesa, Arizona is $81,364 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $43,650 (10th percentile) to $162,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a College Professor make per hour in Mesa? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $81,364, a college professor in Mesa earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Mesa compare to the Arizona state average for college professor pay? ▼

Mesa's median college professor salary of $81,364 is 0.0% above the Arizona state average of $81,364. The local cost of living index is 97% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Mesa, AZ? ▼

Mesa has a cost of living index of 97% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $81,364 in Mesa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Mesa? ▼

Most college professor positions in Mesa require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

College Professor Salary in Mesa, Arizona