Creative & Education Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

College Professor Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median college professor salary in Boston, MA is $127,498 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$127,498
vs State Avg
+$14,260
vs National
+$43,618
Cost of Living
152%

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

Boston offers a median college professor salary of $127,498, which is $14,260 above the Massachusetts state average of $113,238. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $127,498 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for college professors in Boston spans from $68,400 at the 10th percentile to $255,360 at the 90th percentile — a $186,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,960, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $243,200. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level college professor earns around $72,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $243,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,960
+$24,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$130,720
+$44,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$243,200
+$83,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $68,400
25th Percentile $91,200
Median (50th) $127,498
75th Percentile $182,400
90th Percentile $255,360

College Professor Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$134,208
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$92,268
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$88,074
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$82,202
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a College Professor in Boston

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Boston

Browse open college professor positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Boston

How much does a College Professor make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median college professor salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $127,498 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $68,400 (10th percentile) to $255,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,498, a college professor in Boston earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for college professor pay? ▼
Boston's median college professor salary of $127,498 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $113,238. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $127,498 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Boston? ▼
Most college professor positions in Boston 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.