Creative & Education Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

College Professor Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median college professor salary in Paterson, NJ is $88,074 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$88,074
vs State Avg
$-8,388
vs National
+$4,194
Cost of Living
105%

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

Paterson offers a median college professor salary of $88,074, which is $8,388 below the New Jersey state average of $96,462. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $47,250 at the 10th percentile to $176,400 at the 90th percentile — a $129,150 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,400, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $168,000. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level college professor earns around $50,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,400
+$2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,300
+$4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$168,000
+$8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $47,250
25th Percentile $63,000
Median (50th) $88,074
75th Percentile $126,000
90th Percentile $176,400

College Professor Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$107,366
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$96,462
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$93,946
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$90,590
Pop. 137,298

How to Become a College Professor in Paterson

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Paterson

Browse open college professor positions in Paterson, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Paterson

How much does a College Professor make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median college professor salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $88,074 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $47,250 (10th percentile) to $176,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,074, a college professor in Paterson earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for college professor pay? ▼
Paterson's median college professor salary of $88,074 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $96,462. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $88,074 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Paterson? ▼
Most college professor positions in Paterson 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.