Creative & Education Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

College Professor Salary in Illinois

The median college professor salary in Illinois is $79,686 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,880.

Median Salary
$79,686
vs National
$-4,194
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

College Professor Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level college professor earns around $45,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,700
$-4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $42,750
25th Percentile $57,000
Median (50th) $79,686
75th Percentile $114,000
90th Percentile $159,600

College Professor Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for college professors in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Chicago, IL
$89,752
Pop. 2,693,976 · COL 107%
Aurora, IL
$79,686
Pop. 197,757 · COL 95%
Naperville, IL
$90,590
Pop. 149,540 · COL 108%
Rockford, IL
$68,782
Pop. 148,655 · COL 82%
Springfield, IL
$71,298
Pop. 114,394 · COL 85%

How to Become a College Professor in Illinois

Education

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

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook in Illinois

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Illinois

Browse open college professor positions in Illinois:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Illinois

How much does a College Professor make in Illinois? ▼
The median college professor salary in Illinois is $79,686 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $42,750 (10th percentile) to $159,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,686, a college professor in Illinois earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for college professors? ▼
Illinois ranks #24 out of 50 states for college professor pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level college professors earn $45,600, while senior professionals earn $152,000.
How does Illinois compare to other states for college professor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for college professors is Hawaii at $142,596. Illinois's median of $79,686 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($81,364) and Pennsylvania ($80,525).
What is the entry-level college professor salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level college professor in Illinois earns approximately $45,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $81,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $152,000.
What city in Illinois pays college professors the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for college professors, with a median salary of $90,590. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.