College Professor Salary in Owensboro, KY: $68,782 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median college professor salary of $68,782, which is $4,194 below the Kentucky state average of $72,976. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $68,782 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Owensboro spans from $36,900 at the 10th percentile to $137,760 at the 90th percentile — a $100,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,360, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $131,200. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

College Professor Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level college professor earns around $39,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,360

$-8,640 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$70,520

$-15,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$131,200

$-28,800 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$36,900	$39,150	$45,000
25th Percentile	$49,200	$52,200	$60,000
Median (50th)	$68,782	$72,976	$83,880
75th Percentile	$98,400	$104,400	$120,000
90th Percentile	$137,760	$146,160	$168,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$36,900

25th Percentile

$49,200

Median (50th)

$68,782

75th Percentile

$98,400

90th Percentile

$137,760

How to Become a College Professor in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Owensboro

How much does a College Professor make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median college professor salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $68,782 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $36,900 (10th percentile) to $137,760 (90th percentile).

How much does a College Professor make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $68,782, a college professor in Owensboro earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for college professor pay? ▼

Owensboro's median college professor salary of $68,782 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $72,976. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $68,782 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Owensboro? ▼

Most college professor positions in Owensboro 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.

College Professor Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky