Creative & Education Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

College Professor Salary in Pennsylvania

The median college professor salary in Pennsylvania is $80,525 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $83,880.

Median Salary
$80,525
vs National
$-3,355
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

College Professor Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for college professor compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for college professor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $80,525 per year, college professors in Pennsylvania earn $3,355 less than the national median of $83,880.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning college professor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: college professors at the 10th percentile earn $43,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $161,280 — a $118,080 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $85,558.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level college professor earns around $46,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,600 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,080
$-1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,560
$-3,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,600
$-6,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $57,600
Median (50th) $80,525
75th Percentile $115,200
90th Percentile $161,280

College Professor Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for college professors in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a College Professor in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Pennsylvania'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 $73,075 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a College Professor make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median college professor salary in Pennsylvania is $80,525 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $161,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,525, a college professor in Pennsylvania earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for college professors? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for college professor pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level college professors earn $46,080, while senior professionals earn $153,600.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for college professor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for college professors is Hawaii at $142,596. Pennsylvania's median of $80,525 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($81,364) and Utah ($81,364).
What is the entry-level college professor salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level college professor in Pennsylvania earns approximately $46,080 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $82,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $153,600.
What city in Pennsylvania pays college professors the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for college professors, with a median salary of $85,558. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.