Creative & Education Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

College Professor Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median college professor salary in Philadelphia, PA is $85,558 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$85,558
vs State Avg
+$5,033
vs National
+$1,678
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median college professor salary of $85,558, which is $5,033 above the Pennsylvania state average of $80,525. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $45,900 at the 10th percentile to $171,360 at the 90th percentile — a $125,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,960, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,200. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level college professor earns around $48,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,960
+$960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,720
+$1,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$163,200
+$3,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $45,900
25th Percentile $61,200
Median (50th) $85,558
75th Percentile $122,400
90th Percentile $171,360

College Professor Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$78,847
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$78,008
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$73,814
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$70,459
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a College Professor in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open college professor positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a College Professor make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median college professor salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $85,558 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $45,900 (10th percentile) to $171,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,558, a college professor in Philadelphia earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for college professor pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median college professor salary of $85,558 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $80,525. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $85,558 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Philadelphia? ▼
Most college professor positions in Philadelphia 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.