Creative & Education Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

College Professor Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median college professor salary in Portland, OR is $98,978 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$98,978
vs State Avg
+$6,710
vs National
+$15,098
Cost of Living
118%

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

Portland offers a median college professor salary of $98,978, which is $6,710 above the Oregon state average of $92,268. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $98,978 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for college professors in Portland spans from $53,100 at the 10th percentile to $198,240 at the 90th percentile — a $145,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,640, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $188,800. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level college professor earns around $56,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $188,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,640
+$8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,480
+$15,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$188,800
+$28,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $53,100
25th Percentile $70,800
Median (50th) $98,978
75th Percentile $141,600
90th Percentile $198,240

College Professor Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$93,946
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$90,590
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$88,074
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$85,558
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a College Professor in Portland

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Portland

Browse open college professor positions in Portland, OR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Portland

How much does a College Professor make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median college professor salary in Portland, Oregon is $98,978 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $53,100 (10th percentile) to $198,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,978, a college professor in Portland earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for college professor pay? ▼
Portland's median college professor salary of $98,978 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $92,268. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $98,978 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Portland? ▼
Most college professor positions in Portland 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.