Creative & Education Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

College Professor Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median college professor salary in Columbus, OH is $79,686 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$79,686
vs State Avg
+$4,194
vs National
$-4,194
Cost of Living
95%

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

Columbus offers a median college professor salary of $79,686, which is $4,194 above the Ohio state average of $75,492. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus's cost of living is 95% 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 Columbus spans from $42,750 at the 10th percentile to $159,600 at the 90th percentile — a $116,850 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,600, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,000. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, an entry-level college professor earns around $45,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,700
$-4,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbus, OH

Percentile Columbus
10th Percentile $42,750
25th Percentile $57,000
Median (50th) $79,686
75th Percentile $114,000
90th Percentile $159,600

College Professor Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Cincinnati, OH
$75,492
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$72,137
Pop. 372,624
Akron, OH
$70,459
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$68,782
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a College Professor in Columbus

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Columbus

Browse open college professor positions in Columbus, OH:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Columbus

How much does a College Professor make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median college professor salary in Columbus, Ohio is $79,686 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $42,750 (10th percentile) to $159,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,686, a college professor in Columbus earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for college professor pay? ▼
Columbus's median college professor salary of $79,686 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $75,492. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $79,686 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Columbus? ▼
Most college professor positions in Columbus 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.