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College Instructor - Philosophy Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Instructor - Philosophy in the United States is $56,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $70,428
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,500 to $63,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,581

Key Factors That Influence College Instructor - Philosophy Salaries

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

How Do College Instructor - Philosophy 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 - Philosophies. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $62,100.
  • California: $61,800.
  • Massachusetts: $61,000.

Top Paying Cities for College Instructor - Philosophies

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: $70,700
  • San Francisco: $69,900
  • Oakland: $68,500

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 12.82% 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.
  • Spring (Mentioned in 1.97% Job Postings): Spring is the season during which the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the colder winter months. During spring, dormant plants begin to grow again, new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating animals awake.
  • Safety Standards (Mentioned in 1.43% Job Postings): Safety standards are designed to ensure the safety of products, activities and processes, etc. They may be advisory or compulsory and are normally laid down by an advisory or regulatory body that may be either voluntary or statutory.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 12.82%
Spring 1.97%
Safety Standards 1.43%

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 - Philosophy's salary.

  • First Aid: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • PowerPoint: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Curriculum Development: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
First Aid $65,076
16%
PowerPoint $63,954
14%
Curriculum Development $63,393
13%

College Instructor - Philosophy Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

College Instructor - Philosophy salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $57,918. While startup companies pay approximate $49,460.

College Instructor - Philosophy Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $49,460
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,195
Established 501~5000 $56,057
Enterprise 5000+ $57,918

College Instructor - Philosophy Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For College Instructor - Philosophy roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, College Instructor - Philosophy positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view College Instructor - Philosophy as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a College Instructor - Philosophy

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$67,320$32.020%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Instructor - Philosophies 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 - Philosophy with a Bachelor's Degree is between $48,233 and $54,228).

College Instructor - Philosophy Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for College Instructor - Philosophy
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 33.3%
High School 33.3%
Associates 33.3%
Bachelors 33.3%
Masters 33.3%
Doctorate 33.3%

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

Understanding how a College Instructor - Philosophy'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 September 01, 2026
$48,500
Average $56,100/year
$63,600
$4,042
Average $4,675/month
$5,300
$933
Average $1,079/week
$1,223
$23
Average $27/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $63,600 $5,300 $1,223 $31
Average $56,100 $4,675 $1,079 $27
25th Percentile $48,500 $4,042 $933 $23

College Instructor - Philosophy Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a College Instructor - Philosophy, 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 - Philosophy Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
College Assistant Professor - Architecture $72,300 29%
College Assistant Professor - Biology $71,100 27%
College Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering $96,300 72%
College Assistant Professor - Civil Engineering $90,500 61%

Most common benefits for College Instructor - Philosophy

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

Common company salaries for College Instructor - Philosophy

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

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FAQ about College Instructor - Philosophy

1. How long does it take to become a professor in philosophy?

To become a professor in philosophy, it typically takes 5-7 years to complete a PhD, followed by 2-3 years in postdoctoral or short-term roles, and then 5-9 years in a tenure-track position before achieving tenure. Salaries for college instructors in philosophy range from $43,200 to $68,200, with a median salary of $52,400.

2. How much does a PhD in philosophy make?

A PhD in philosophy typically earns between $43,200 and $68,200, with a median salary of around $52,400. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, institution, and location. While some positions may offer higher compensation, this range provides a general overview of what to expect in the field.

3. How much do Harvard philosophy professors make?

The salary range for a College Instructor in Philosophy is approximately $43,200 to $68,200 annually, with a mid-salary of around $52,400. While specific figures for Harvard may vary, this provides a general idea of the compensation for philosophy instructors in academia.

4. Do you need a PhD to be an adjunct professor?

Many four-year colleges and universities require a PhD to qualify for an adjunct professor role, especially in fields like philosophy. However, two-year community colleges often accept candidates with a master's degree. Salaries for college instructors in philosophy typically range from $43,200 to $68,200, with a median salary of $52,400.

5. Is PhD in philosophy worth it?

Ans. Graduates with a PhD in Philosophy can expect to earn a competitive salary as a college instructor, with a minimum salary of $43,200, a mid-range salary of $52,400, and a maximum salary of $68,200 annually. This degree can open doors to rewarding academic and research positions, making it a worthwhile investment.

6. What type of professor is most in demand?

The demand for college professors varies by location and institution, but there are notable trends. Currently, fields such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) are in high demand. For example, a college instructor in philosophy can expect a salary range from $43,200 to $68,200, with a median salary of $52,400, reflecting the competitive nature of academia.

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.

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