upper level job

College Instructor - Economics Salary in the United States

How much does a College Instructor - Economics make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Instructor - Economics in the United States is $64,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, a College Instructor - Economics's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $80,430
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,300 to $72,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,379
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
Recruit with AI
View as table View as graph 25% $55,300 10% $47,379 90% $80,430 75% $72,600 $64,000 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

College Instructor - Economics Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $72,600 $6,050 $1,396 $35
Average $64,000 $5,333 $1,231 $31
25th Percentile $55,300 $4,608 $1,063 $27
Check out College Instructor - Economics Job Openings in the United States
Registered Nurse

Laurels Peak Rehabilitation Center - MANKATO, MN

Registered Nurse

The Emeralds at Grand Rapids - GRAND RAPIDS, MN

Registered Nurse

River Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center - REDWOOD FALLS, MN

Registered Nurse

North Shore Estates - DULUTH, MN

Search More College Instructor - Economics Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence College Instructor - Economics Salaries

A College Instructor - Economics's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects College Instructor - Economics Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a College Instructor - Economics's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • College Instructor - Economics (0-0 years): $63,915
  • College Assistant Professor - Economics (0-0 years): $86,257
  • College Associate Professor - Economics (0-0 years): $93,274
  • College Professor - Economics (0-0 years): $125,205
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
College Instructor - Economics0-0 years$63,915
College Assistant Professor - Economics0-0 years$86,257
College Associate Professor - Economics0-0 years$93,274
College Professor - Economics0-0 years$125,205
$63,915 College I...
$86,257 College A...
$93,274 College A...
$125,205 College P...
View as Table
View as Graph

What Am I Worth?

How Do College Instructor - Economics Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract College Instructor - Economics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $70,800.
  • California: $70,500.
  • Massachusetts: $69,600.

Top Paying Cities for College Instructor - Economics

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $80,700
  • San Francisco: $79,900
  • Oakland: $78,100

What Skills Can Increase a College Instructor - Economics's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 12.88% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Tutoring (Mentioned in 2.21% Job Postings): A Tutor is responsible for helping students learn and understand new concepts and complete assignments.
  • First Aid (Mentioned in 1.45% Job Postings): First aid refers to medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 12.88%
Tutoring 2.21%
First Aid 1.45%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a College Instructor - Economics's salary.
  • Pediatric: Can increase your salary by up to 23%.
  • Patient Care: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Programming: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Pediatric
$78,720
23%
Patient Care
$75,520
18%
Programming
$70,400
10%
Organizational Skills
$68,480
7%
Facilitation
$67,840
6%
Chemistry
$67,200
5%
Get Latest Data

How Education impacts a College Instructor - Economics's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Instructor - Economics enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a College Instructor - Economics with a Bachelor's Degree is between $61,188 and $68,933).

College Instructor - Economics Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for College Instructor - Economics
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.9%
High School 88.2%
Associates 5.9%
Bachelors 0.0%
Masters 88.2%
Doctorate 5.9%
view as graph

College Instructor - Economics Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a College Instructor - Economics's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on March 01, 2026

College Instructor - Economics Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a College Instructor - Economics, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

College Instructor - Economics Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
College Assistant Professor - Architecture $72,300 13%
College Assistant Professor - Biology $71,100 11%
College Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering $96,100 50%
College Assistant Professor - Civil Engineering $90,400 41%

Salary Trends for College Instructor - Economics

Salaries for a College Instructor - Economics can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $55,867 in 2023 to around $53,962 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of College Instructor - Economics salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of College Instructor - Economics Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$55,867
2024
$55,153
2025
$53,962
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $55,867
2024 $55,153
2025 $53,962
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for College Instructor - Economics

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
For Employers

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.

Compensation Planning

Common company salaries for College Instructor - Economics

Here are companies hiring for College Instructor - Economics and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next College Instructor - Economics Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current College Instructor - Economics job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
For Employees

Get a Salary Increase

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Search Job Openings

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

For Employers

Adjust Employee Salary

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Price My Industry Jobs

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

FAQ about College Instructor - Economics

1. How much do PhD professors make in the US?

PhD professors in the US can earn varying salaries based on their field and experience. For College Instructors in Economics, salaries range from a minimum of $55,400 to a mid-level of $66,100, with top earners making up to $89,400 annually. This reflects the diverse compensation landscape for academic professionals.

2. Are economics professors in demand?

The job market for economics professors can be competitive, particularly for tenure-track roles at research universities. While demand exists, the number of available positions may be limited due to the high number of candidates with advanced degrees. Salaries for college instructors in economics typically range from $55,400 to $89,400, with a median of $66,100.

3. How much do college instructors make per class?

College instructors in economics typically earn between $55,400 and $89,400 annually, with a mid-salary of $66,100. For part-time instructors, pay can average around $1,700 per unit per semester. Therefore, teaching a typical four-unit class could yield approximately $6,800 per semester, aligning with the overall salary range for full-time positions.

4. How hard is it to become an economics professor?

Becoming an economics professor can be challenging, as most positions require a PhD. While some colleges may hire those with a master's degree, advancement typically necessitates further education. Strong research skills are essential, as professors spend time conducting research in addition to teaching. Salaries for economics instructors range from $55,400 to $89,400, with a median of $66,100.

5. How much does a PhD in economics make at Harvard?

The estimated total pay range for a College Instructor in Economics is between $55,400 and $89,400 per year, with a mid-salary of $66,100. This range reflects base salary and potential additional compensation, providing a comprehensive view of earnings in this role.

6. Are economics professors paid well?

Economics professors generally earn competitive salaries. For college instructors, the salary ranges from a minimum of $55,400 to a maximum of $89,400, with a mid-salary of $66,100. While these figures may vary by institution and experience, they reflect a solid compensation for educators in the field of economics.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst