Creative & Education Louisville, KY Pop. 633,045

College Professor Salary in Louisville, Kentucky

The median college professor salary in Louisville, KY is $77,170 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 5.7% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$77,170
vs State Avg
+$4,194
vs National
$-6,710
Cost of Living
92%

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

Louisville offers a median college professor salary of $77,170, which is $4,194 above the Kentucky state average of $72,976. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Louisville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Louisville's cost of living is 92% 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 Louisville spans from $41,400 at the 10th percentile to $154,560 at the 90th percentile — a $113,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,160, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $147,200. As a major metro area with a population of 633,045, Louisville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in Louisville by Experience

In Louisville, an entry-level college professor earns around $44,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,120
$-6,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,200
$-12,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Louisville, KY

Percentile Louisville
10th Percentile $41,400
25th Percentile $55,200
Median (50th) $77,170
75th Percentile $110,400
90th Percentile $154,560

College Professor Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$78,008
Pop. 322,570
Covington, KY
$73,814
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$70,459
Pop. 74,735
Owensboro, KY
$68,782
Pop. 60,183

How to Become a College Professor in Louisville

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Louisville

Browse open college professor positions in Louisville, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Louisville

How much does a College Professor make in Louisville, KY? ▼
The median college professor salary in Louisville, Kentucky is $77,170 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $41,400 (10th percentile) to $154,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Louisville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,170, a college professor in Louisville earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Louisville compare to the Kentucky state average for college professor pay? ▼
Louisville's median college professor salary of $77,170 is 5.7% above the Kentucky state average of $72,976. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Louisville, KY? ▼
Louisville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $77,170 in Louisville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Louisville? ▼
Most college professor positions in Louisville 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.