As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a College President in the United States is $306,340 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $147.
However, a College President's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A College President'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a College President'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level College President | $266,607 |
| Intermediate Level College President | $272,421 |
| Senior Level College President | $277,267 |
| Specialist Level College President | $285,020 |
| Expert Level College President | $294,711 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Presidents. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 29.35% |
| Employee Recognition | 1.63% |
| Organizational Structure | 1.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Staff Development
|
$444,193 |
45%
|
|
Public Service
|
$382,925 |
25%
|
|
Organizational Structure
|
$376,798 |
23%
|
|
Programming
|
$376,798 |
23%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$346,164 |
13%
|
|
Accountability
|
$343,101 |
12%
|
Understanding how a College President'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a College President can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $222,829 in 2023 to around $219,061 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of College President salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $222,829 |
| 2024 | $221,339 |
| 2025 | $219,061 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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