Creative & Education San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

College Professor Salary in San Diego, California

The median college professor salary in San Diego, CA is $119,110 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$119,110
vs State Avg
+$3,356
vs National
+$35,230
Cost of Living
142%

College Professor Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median college professor salary of $119,110, which is $3,356 above the California state average of $115,754. Compared to the national median of $83,880, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $119,110 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for college professors in San Diego spans from $63,900 at the 10th percentile to $238,560 at the 90th percentile — a $174,660 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,160, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $227,200. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level college professor earns around $68,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $227,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,160
+$20,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$122,120
+$36,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$227,200
+$67,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $63,900
25th Percentile $85,200
Median (50th) $119,110
75th Percentile $170,400
90th Percentile $238,560

College Professor Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$152,662
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$140,918
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$122,465
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$98,978
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a College Professor in San Diego

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in San Diego

Browse open college professor positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in San Diego

How much does a College Professor make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median college professor salary in San Diego, California is $119,110 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $63,900 (10th percentile) to $238,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $119,110, a college professor in San Diego earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for college professor pay? ▼
San Diego's median college professor salary of $119,110 is 2.9% above the California state average of $115,754. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $119,110 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in San Diego? ▼
Most college professor positions in San Diego 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.