College Professor Salary in Sacramento, CA: $98,978 (2026)

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

Sacramento offers a median college professor salary of $98,978, which is $16,776 below the California state average of $115,754. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $98,978 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for college professors in Sacramento spans from $53,100 at the 10th percentile to $198,240 at the 90th percentile — a $145,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,640, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $188,800. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level college professor earns around $56,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $188,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$56,640

+$8,640 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$101,480

+$15,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$188,800

+$28,800 vs national

Percentile	Sacramento	CA State	National
10th Percentile	$53,100	$62,100	$45,000
25th Percentile	$70,800	$82,800	$60,000
Median (50th)	$98,978	$115,754	$83,880
75th Percentile	$141,600	$165,600	$120,000
90th Percentile	$198,240	$231,840	$168,000

Percentile

Sacramento

10th Percentile

$53,100

25th Percentile

$70,800

Median (50th)

$98,978

75th Percentile

$141,600

90th Percentile

$198,240

How to Become a College Professor in Sacramento

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Sacramento

How much does a College Professor make in Sacramento, CA? ▼

The median college professor salary in Sacramento, California is $98,978 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $53,100 (10th percentile) to $198,240 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $98,978, a college professor in Sacramento earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for college professor pay? ▼

Sacramento's median college professor salary of $98,978 is 14.5% below the California state average of $115,754. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼

Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $98,978 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most college professor positions in Sacramento 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 Sacramento, California