Creative & Education Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

College Professor Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median college professor salary in Springfield, IL is $71,298 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$71,298
vs State Avg
$-8,388
vs National
$-12,582
Cost of Living
85%

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

Springfield offers a median college professor salary of $71,298, which is $8,388 below the Illinois state average of $79,686. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $71,298 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Springfield spans from $38,250 at the 10th percentile to $142,800 at the 90th percentile — a $104,550 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,800, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,000. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level college professor earns around $40,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,100
$-12,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,000
$-24,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $38,250
25th Percentile $51,000
Median (50th) $71,298
75th Percentile $102,000
90th Percentile $142,800

College Professor Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$90,590
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$89,752
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$79,686
Pop. 197,757
Rockford, IL
$68,782
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a College Professor in Springfield

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Springfield

Browse open college professor positions in Springfield, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Springfield

How much does a College Professor make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median college professor salary in Springfield, Illinois is $71,298 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $38,250 (10th percentile) to $142,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,298, a college professor in Springfield earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for college professor pay? ▼
Springfield's median college professor salary of $71,298 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $79,686. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $71,298 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Springfield? ▼
Most college professor positions in Springfield 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.