Creative & Education Lansing, MI Pop. 112,644

College Professor Salary in Lansing, Michigan

The median college professor salary in Lansing, MI is $72,137 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$72,137
vs State Avg
$-3,355
vs National
$-11,743
Cost of Living
86%

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

Lansing offers a median college professor salary of $72,137, which is $3,355 below the Michigan state average of $75,492. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Lansing pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lansing's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $72,137 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Lansing an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Lansing spans from $38,700 at the 10th percentile to $144,480 at the 90th percentile — a $105,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,280, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,600. With a population of 112,644, Lansing is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Lansing by Experience

In Lansing, an entry-level college professor earns around $41,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,960
$-12,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,600
$-22,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lansing, MI

Percentile Lansing
10th Percentile $38,700
25th Percentile $51,600
Median (50th) $72,137
75th Percentile $103,200
90th Percentile $144,480

College Professor Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$88,074
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$75,492
Pop. 198,917
Detroit, MI
$73,814
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$73,814
Pop. 139,387

How to Become a College Professor in Lansing

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Lansing

Browse open college professor positions in Lansing, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Lansing

How much does a College Professor make in Lansing, MI? ▼
The median college professor salary in Lansing, Michigan is $72,137 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $38,700 (10th percentile) to $144,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Lansing? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,137, a college professor in Lansing earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lansing compare to the Michigan state average for college professor pay? ▼
Lansing's median college professor salary of $72,137 is 4.4% below the Michigan state average of $75,492. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lansing, MI? ▼
Lansing has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $72,137 in Lansing has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Lansing? ▼
Most college professor positions in Lansing 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.