Creative & Education California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

College Professor Salary in California

The median college professor salary in California is $115,754 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $83,880.

Median Salary
$115,754
vs National
+$31,874
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

College Professor Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level college professor earns around $66,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $220,800 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,240
+$18,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$118,680
+$32,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$220,800
+$60,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $62,100
25th Percentile $82,800
Median (50th) $115,754
75th Percentile $165,600
90th Percentile $231,840

College Professor Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for college professors in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$122,465
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$152,662
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$119,110
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$140,918
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$98,978
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a College Professor in California

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find College Professor Jobs in California

Browse open college professor positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in California

How much does a College Professor make in California? ▼
The median college professor salary in California is $115,754 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $62,100 (10th percentile) to $231,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,754, a college professor in California earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for college professors? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for college professor pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level college professors earn $66,240, while senior professionals earn $220,800.
How does California compare to other states for college professor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for college professors is Hawaii at $142,596. California's median of $115,754 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($142,596) and Massachusetts ($113,238).
What is the entry-level college professor salary in California? ▼
An entry-level college professor in California earns approximately $66,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $118,680. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $220,800.
What city in California pays college professors the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for college professors, with a median salary of $152,662. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.