Creative & Education Grand Rapids, MI Pop. 198,917

College Professor Salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The median college professor salary in Grand Rapids, MI is $75,492 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Michigan state average.

City Median
$75,492
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-8,388
Cost of Living
90%

College Professor Pay in Grand Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Rapids offers a median college professor salary of $75,492, which is $0 above the Michigan state average of $75,492. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Grand Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Grand Rapids's cost of living is 90% 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 Grand Rapids spans from $40,500 at the 10th percentile to $151,200 at the 90th percentile — a $110,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,200, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,000. With a population of 198,917, Grand Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Grand Rapids by Experience

In Grand Rapids, an entry-level college professor earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,400
$-8,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,000
$-16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Rapids, MI

Percentile Grand Rapids
10th Percentile $40,500
25th Percentile $54,000
Median (50th) $75,492
75th Percentile $108,000
90th Percentile $151,200

College Professor Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$88,074
Pop. 123,851
Detroit, MI
$73,814
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$73,814
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$72,137
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a College Professor in Grand Rapids

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Grand Rapids

Browse open college professor positions in Grand Rapids, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Grand Rapids

How much does a College Professor make in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
The median college professor salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan is $75,492 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $40,500 (10th percentile) to $151,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Grand Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,492, a college professor in Grand Rapids earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Rapids compare to the Michigan state average for college professor pay? ▼
Grand Rapids's median college professor salary of $75,492 is 0.0% above the Michigan state average of $75,492. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $75,492 in Grand Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Grand Rapids? ▼
Most college professor positions in Grand Rapids 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.