Creative & Education Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

College Professor Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median college professor salary in Lafayette, LA is $73,814 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$73,814
vs State Avg
$-2,517
vs National
$-10,066
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median college professor salary of $73,814, which is $2,517 below the Louisiana state average of $76,331. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $73,814 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Lafayette spans from $39,600 at the 10th percentile to $147,840 at the 90th percentile — a $108,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,800. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level college professor earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,680
$-10,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,800
$-19,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $39,600
25th Percentile $52,800
Median (50th) $73,814
75th Percentile $105,600
90th Percentile $147,840

College Professor Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$82,202
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$77,170
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$72,137
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$71,298
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a College Professor in Lafayette

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open college professor positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Lafayette

How much does a College Professor make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median college professor salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $73,814 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $39,600 (10th percentile) to $147,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,814, a college professor in Lafayette earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for college professor pay? ▼
Lafayette's median college professor salary of $73,814 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $76,331. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $73,814 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Lafayette? ▼
Most college professor positions in Lafayette 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.