Creative & Education Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

College Professor Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median college professor salary in Chicago, IL is $89,752 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$89,752
vs State Avg
+$10,066
vs National
+$5,872
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median college professor salary of $89,752, which is $10,066 above the Illinois state average of $79,686. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for college professors in Chicago spans from $48,150 at the 10th percentile to $179,760 at the 90th percentile — a $131,610 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,360, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,200. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level college professor earns around $51,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,360
+$3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,020
+$6,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$171,200
+$11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $48,150
25th Percentile $64,200
Median (50th) $89,752
75th Percentile $128,400
90th Percentile $179,760

College Professor Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$90,590
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$79,686
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$71,298
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$68,782
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a College Professor in Chicago

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Chicago

Browse open college professor positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Chicago

How much does a College Professor make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median college professor salary in Chicago, Illinois is $89,752 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $48,150 (10th percentile) to $179,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,752, a college professor in Chicago earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for college professor pay? ▼
Chicago's median college professor salary of $89,752 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $79,686. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $89,752 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Chicago? ▼
Most college professor positions in Chicago 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.