As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an University Professor - Law in the United States is $174,960 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $84.
However, an University Professor - Law's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
AI-Powered HR
An University Professor - Law'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 an University Professor - Law'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 - Law | 0-0 years | $77,292 |
| College Assistant Professor - Law | 0-0 years | $113,792 |
| College Associate Professor - Law | 0-0 years | $130,201 |
| University Professor - Law | 0-0 years | $174,958 |
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 University Professor - Laws. 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% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Negotiating
|
$230,947 |
32%
|
|
Continuous Quality Improvement
|
$218,700 |
25%
|
|
Alignment
|
$204,703 |
17%
|
|
HIPAA
|
$195,955 |
12%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$194,206 |
11%
|
|
Initiative
|
$188,957 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University Professor - Laws 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 an University Professor - Law with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $175,720 and $211,893).
University Professor - Law Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.1% |
| High School | 6.1% |
| Associates | 3.0% |
| Bachelors | 3.0% |
| Masters | 3.0% |
| Doctorate | 87.9% |
Understanding how an University Professor - Law'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 an University Professor - Law 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 Professor - Law salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $55,867 |
| 2024 | $55,153 |
| 2025 | $53,962 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for University Professor - Law and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current University Professor - Law job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
Law professors typically have the option to take summers off, as many academic positions follow a nine-month contract. However, some may choose to teach summer courses or engage in research during this time. Salaries for law professors range from a minimum of $133,240 to a mid-level of $190,260, with top earners making up to $262,650, reflecting their expertise and responsibilities.
Professors in law earn significantly more than lawyers. The salary data shows that law professors have a minimum salary of $133,240, a mid-salary of $190,260, and a maximum salary of $262,650. In comparison, lawyers typically earn less, with average salaries influenced by factors like location and experience.
The estimated total pay range for a University Professor in Law is approximately $133,240 to $262,650 per year, with a mid-salary of around $190,260. This includes base salary and potential additional compensation.
The highest-paid lawyers in the U.S. often include university professors specializing in law, with salaries ranging from a minimum of $133,240 to a mid-range of $190,260, and reaching up to a maximum of $262,650. These figures reflect the competitive compensation for legal educators and scholars in prestigious institutions.
There is a high demand for law professors, particularly in areas like intellectual property, international law, and health law. These fields are evolving rapidly, reflecting societal changes and legal complexities. Salaries for law professors range from a minimum of $133,240 to a mid-point of $190,260, with top earners making up to $262,650.
— How do we know how much lawyers make? Well, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for attorneys in the US is just over $125,000. For university professors in law, the salary ranges from $133,240 to $262,650, with a mid-salary of $190,260. The top 1% of attorneys likely earn $500,000 or more per year, indicating a very small percentage of lawyers reach that level.
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:
