Creative & Education Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

College Professor Salary in Minnesota

The median college professor salary in Minnesota is $81,364 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $83,880.

Median Salary
$81,364
vs National
$-2,516
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

College Professor Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for college professor compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for college professor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $81,364 per year, college professors in Minnesota earn $2,516 less than the national median of $83,880.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning college professor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: college professors at the 10th percentile earn $43,650, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $162,960 — a $119,310 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $88,074.

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for college professors across the country.

College Professor Salary in Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level college professor earns around $46,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,200 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,560
$-1,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,420
$-2,580 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,200
$-4,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $43,650
25th Percentile $58,200
Median (50th) $81,364
75th Percentile $116,400
90th Percentile $162,960

College Professor Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for college professors in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a College Professor in Minnesota

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Minnesota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook in Minnesota

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Minnesota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows College Professors who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $73,836 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Minnesota

How much does a College Professor make in Minnesota? ▼
The median college professor salary in Minnesota is $81,364 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $43,650 (10th percentile) to $162,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,364, a college professor in Minnesota earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for college professors? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for college professor pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level college professors earn $46,560, while senior professionals earn $155,200.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for college professor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for college professors is Hawaii at $142,596. Minnesota's median of $81,364 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($82,202) and Arizona ($81,364).
What is the entry-level college professor salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level college professor in Minnesota earns approximately $46,560 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $83,420. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $155,200.
What city in Minnesota pays college professors the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for college professors, with a median salary of $88,074. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.