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:
University Instructor - Liberal Arts Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 10.84% |
| Tutoring | 2.37% |
| Visual Arts | 1.75% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching Others | $68,062 | |
| Pediatric | $66,847 | |
| Facilitation | $63,809 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
Next Role
Advancement
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.
| 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% |
Salaries for an University Instructor - Liberal Arts 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 University Instructor - Liberal Arts salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: