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University Instructor - Liberal Arts Salary in the United States

How much does an University Instructor - Liberal Arts make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an University Instructor - Liberal Arts in the United States is $60,770 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, an University Instructor - Liberal Arts's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $76,397
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,560 to $68,950
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,085

Key Factors That Influence University Instructor - Liberal Arts Salaries

An University Instructor - Liberal Arts'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 University Instructor - Liberal Arts 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 University Instructor - Liberal Arts. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $67,280.
  • California: $67,030.
  • Massachusetts: $66,130.

Top Paying Cities for University Instructor - Liberal Arts

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: $76,640
  • San Francisco: $75,800
  • Oakland: $74,210

What Skills Can Increase an University Instructor - Liberal Arts's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 10.84% 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 2.37% Job Postings): A Tutor is responsible for helping students learn and understand new concepts and complete assignments.
  • Visual Arts (Mentioned in 1.75% Job Postings): The visual arts are art forms such as painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, filmmaking, design, crafts and architecture.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 10.84%
Tutoring 2.37%
Visual Arts 1.75%

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 an University Instructor - Liberal Arts's salary.

  • Coaching Others: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Pediatric: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Facilitation: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coaching Others $68,062
12%
Pediatric $66,847
10%
Facilitation $63,809
5%

University Instructor - Liberal Arts Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

University Instructor - Liberal Arts salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,740. While startup companies pay approximate $53,577.

University Instructor - Liberal Arts Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $53,577
Growth Stage 51~500 $56,539
Established 501~5000 $60,723
Enterprise 5000+ $62,740

How Education impacts an University Instructor - Liberal Arts's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University Instructor - Liberal Arts 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 an University Instructor - Liberal Arts with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,418 and $61,694).

University Instructor - Liberal Arts Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for University Instructor - Liberal Arts
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.9%
High School 17.1%
Associates 2.9%
Bachelors 17.1%
Masters 71.4%
Doctorate 8.6%

University Instructor - Liberal Arts Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an University Instructor - Liberal Arts'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
$52,560
Average $60,770/year
$68,950
$4,380
Average $5,064/month
$5,746
$1,011
Average $1,169/week
$1,326
$25
Average $29/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $68,950 $5,746 $1,326 $33
Average $60,770 $5,064 $1,169 $29
25th Percentile $52,560 $4,380 $1,011 $25

University Instructor - Liberal Arts Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an University Instructor - Liberal Arts, 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.

University Instructor - Liberal Arts Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
College Assistant Professor - Architecture $72,300 19%
College Assistant Professor - Biology $71,100 17%
College Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering $96,300 58%
College Assistant Professor - Civil Engineering $90,500 49%

Most common benefits for University Instructor - Liberal Arts

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

Common company salaries for University Instructor - Liberal Arts

Here are companies hiring for University Instructor - Liberal Arts and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about University Instructor - Liberal Arts

1. How much do university instructors make in the US?

University Instructors in the US typically earn between $49,300 and $82,380 annually. The average salary is around $58,800, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the compensation landscape for this role in the liberal arts field.

2. What is the salary of PhD professor in USA?

The salary for a University Instructor in Liberal Arts typically ranges from a minimum of $49,300 to a maximum of $82,380, with a mid-range salary of $58,800. In comparison, salaries for PhD professors in the USA can vary significantly, with assistant professors earning around $85,000 and full professors making up to $142,000 annually.

3. How much does Harvard dean make?

The salary for a University Instructor in Liberal Arts typically ranges from a minimum of $49,300 to a maximum of $82,380, with a mid-range salary of about $58,800. While specific salaries for positions like a Harvard dean may vary, they are generally higher than this range due to the seniority and responsibilities associated with such roles.

4. Can you teach with a liberal arts degree?

Yes, you can teach with a liberal arts degree. Many universities hire instructors in this field, and salaries typically range from $49,300 to $82,380, with a median salary of around $58,800. This degree provides a strong foundation for teaching critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills essential in various educational settings.

5. How do college instructors get paid?

College instructors in the U.S. typically receive salaries that vary based on their experience and institution. For Liberal Arts instructors, salaries range from a minimum of $49,300 to a mid-level of $58,800, with a maximum of $82,380. Many positions rely on soft money from teaching and research grants, while hard money positions offer more stable salaries independent of grants.

6. How much does a liberal arts dean make?

Liberal arts dean salaries typically range between $49,300 and $82,380 yearly, with a mid-salary of $58,800. The average hourly rate for liberal arts deans is approximately $28.13. Salaries can vary based on location, education, and experience, with higher earnings often found in states like California.

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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