Creative & Education Ohio (OH) Rank #38 of 50

College Professor Salary in Ohio

The median college professor salary in Ohio is $75,492 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $83,880.

Median Salary
$75,492
vs National
$-8,388
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

College Professor Salary Overview in Ohio (2026)

Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for college professor compensation. College Professor salaries in Ohio are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $75,492 per year, college professors in Ohio earn $8,388 less than the national median of $83,880.

A key advantage of working in Ohio is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $75,492 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $83,880 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Ohio is significant: college professors at the 10th percentile earn $40,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $151,200 — a $110,700 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Ohio for this role is Columbus, where the median reaches $79,686.

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 Ohio by Experience

In Ohio, an entry-level college professor earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,000 per year. The cost of living index in Ohio 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

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Salary Percentiles in Ohio

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

College Professor Salary by City in Ohio

The largest employment areas for college professors in Ohio include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a College Professor in Ohio

Education

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

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook in Ohio

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Ohio'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 $68,508 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Ohio

How much does a College Professor make in Ohio? ▼
The median college professor salary in Ohio 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 Ohio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,492, a college professor in Ohio earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Ohio a good state for college professors? ▼
Ohio ranks #38 out of 50 states for college professor pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level college professors earn $43,200, while senior professionals earn $144,000.
How does Ohio compare to other states for college professor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for college professors is Hawaii at $142,596. Ohio's median of $75,492 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($75,492) and North Dakota ($75,492).
What is the entry-level college professor salary in Ohio? ▼
An entry-level college professor in Ohio earns approximately $43,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $77,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $144,000.
What city in Ohio pays college professors the most? ▼
Columbus is the highest paying city in Ohio for college professors, with a median salary of $79,686. Other cities include Cleveland and Cincinnati.