As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Professor - Philosophy in the United States is $112,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, a College Professor - Philosophy's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A College Professor - Philosophy'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a College Professor - Philosophy'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| College Instructor - Philosophy | 0-0 years | $56,031 |
| College Assistant Professor - Philosophy | 0-0 years | $69,616 |
| College Associate Professor - Philosophy | 0-0 years | $83,668 |
| College Professor - Philosophy | 0-0 years | $112,550 |
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 Professor - Philosophies. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.5% |
| Academic Advising | 2.08% |
| Computer Science | 2.08% |
College Professor - Philosophy salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $116,203. While startup companies pay approximate $99,293.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $99,293 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $104,761 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $112,493 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $116,203 |
For College Professor - 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 14% above the average. Conversely, College Professor - Philosophy positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view College Professor - Philosophy as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $128,139 | $62.0 | 14% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Professor - Philosophies enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 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 Professor - Philosophy with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $105,116 and $131,678).
College Professor - Philosophy Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.3% |
| High School | 4.3% |
| Associates | 4.3% |
| Bachelors | 4.3% |
| Masters | 13.0% |
| Doctorate | 78.3% |
Understanding how a College Professor - 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a College Professor - Philosophy 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 Professor - Philosophy salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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Philosophy PhD holders typically earn between $87,700 and $177,000, with a median salary of $111,500. This range reflects various academic positions, including roles in higher education and research. Salaries can vary based on experience, institution, and geographic location.
Most reports indicate that securing a position as a philosophy professor is highly competitive. However, studies suggest that approximately 40% of philosophy PhDs eventually land tenure-track roles. Salaries for college professors in this field range from a minimum of $87,700 to a mid-point of $111,500, with top earners making up to $177,000.
Philosophy majors are often associated with high intelligence, as they typically rank among the highest in average IQ scores across college majors. This intellectual rigor is reflected in their earning potential, with college professors in philosophy earning between $87,700 and $177,000, depending on experience and position.
The salary range for philosophy professors at the University of Notre Dame is approximately $87,700 to $177,000 per year. This includes the minimum salary of $87,700, a mid-range salary of $111,500, and a maximum salary of $177,000, reflecting base pay and potential additional compensation.
College professors in philosophy generally earn competitive salaries. The minimum salary is around $87,700, with a mid-range salary of approximately $111,500, and the maximum can reach up to $177,000. This indicates that, on average, college professors can expect to earn significantly more than the reported $73,483 in California.
The highest-paid college professors typically teach in specialized fields. For example, philosophy professors earn between $87,700 and $177,000, with a mid-salary of $111,500. Other high-paying fields include law, health specialties, and economics, with salaries often exceeding $100,000.
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.)
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