College Professor Salary in Cleveland, OH: $72,137 (2026)

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

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

One of Cleveland'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 Cleveland an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Cleveland 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 372,624, Cleveland is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Cleveland by Experience

In Cleveland, 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

Percentile	Cleveland	OH State	National
10th Percentile	$38,700	$40,500	$45,000
25th Percentile	$51,600	$54,000	$60,000
Median (50th)	$72,137	$75,492	$83,880
75th Percentile	$103,200	$108,000	$120,000
90th Percentile	$144,480	$151,200	$168,000

Percentile

Cleveland

10th Percentile

$38,700

25th Percentile

$51,600

Median (50th)

$72,137

75th Percentile

$103,200

90th Percentile

$144,480

How to Become a College Professor in Cleveland

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Cleveland

How much does a College Professor make in Cleveland, OH? ▼

The median college professor salary in Cleveland, Ohio 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 Cleveland? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $72,137, a college professor in Cleveland earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cleveland compare to the Ohio state average for college professor pay? ▼

Cleveland's median college professor salary of $72,137 is 4.4% below the Ohio state average of $75,492. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cleveland, OH? ▼

Cleveland has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $72,137 in Cleveland has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Cleveland? ▼

Most college professor positions in Cleveland 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.

College Professor Salary in Cleveland, Ohio