Creative & Education San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

College Professor Salary in San Francisco, California

The median college professor salary in San Francisco, CA is $152,662 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$152,662
vs State Avg
+$36,908
vs National
+$68,782
Cost of Living
182%

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

San Francisco offers a median college professor salary of $152,662, which is $36,908 above the California state average of $115,754. Compared to the national median of $83,880, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $152,662 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for college professors in San Francisco spans from $81,900 at the 10th percentile to $305,760 at the 90th percentile — a $223,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $87,360, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $291,200. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level college professor earns around $87,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $291,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$87,360
+$39,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$156,520
+$70,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$291,200
+$131,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $81,900
25th Percentile $109,200
Median (50th) $152,662
75th Percentile $218,400
90th Percentile $305,760

College Professor Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$140,918
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$122,465
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$119,110
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$98,978
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a College Professor in San Francisco

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open college professor positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in San Francisco

How much does a College Professor make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median college professor salary in San Francisco, California is $152,662 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $81,900 (10th percentile) to $305,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $152,662, a college professor in San Francisco earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for college professor pay? ▼
San Francisco's median college professor salary of $152,662 is 31.9% above the California state average of $115,754. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $152,662 in San Francisco 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 Francisco? ▼
Most college professor positions in San Francisco 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.