Creative & Education San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

College Professor Salary in San Jose, California

The median college professor salary in San Jose, CA is $140,918 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$140,918
vs State Avg
+$25,164
vs National
+$57,038
Cost of Living
168%

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

San Jose offers a median college professor salary of $140,918, which is $25,164 above the California state average of $115,754. Compared to the national median of $83,880, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $140,918 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for college professors in San Jose spans from $75,600 at the 10th percentile to $282,240 at the 90th percentile — a $206,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,640, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $268,800. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level college professor earns around $80,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $268,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,640
+$32,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$144,480
+$58,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$268,800
+$108,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $75,600
25th Percentile $100,800
Median (50th) $140,918
75th Percentile $201,600
90th Percentile $282,240

College Professor Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$152,662
Pop. 873,965
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 Jose

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in San Jose

Browse open college professor positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in San Jose

How much does a College Professor make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median college professor salary in San Jose, California is $140,918 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $75,600 (10th percentile) to $282,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,918, a college professor in San Jose earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for college professor pay? ▼
San Jose's median college professor salary of $140,918 is 21.7% above the California state average of $115,754. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $140,918 in San Jose 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 Jose? ▼
Most college professor positions in San Jose 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.