As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Higher Education Instructor in the United States is $48,336 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Higher Education Instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Higher Education Instructor'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 Higher Education Instructor'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 Higher Education Instructor | $47,111 |
| Intermediate Level Higher Education Instructor | $47,471 |
| Senior Level Higher Education Instructor | $49,066 |
| Specialist Level Higher Education Instructor | $50,546 |
| Expert Level Higher Education Instructor | $50,916 |
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 Higher Education Instructors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 5.38% |
| Electrical Testing | 3.23% |
| Schematic | 2.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$54,136 |
12%
|
|
Technical Support
|
$53,169 |
10%
|
|
Mechanical Systems
|
$53,169 |
10%
|
|
Schematic
|
$53,169 |
10%
|
|
Technical Skills
|
$53,169 |
10%
|
|
Service Quality
|
$51,719 |
7%
|
Understanding how a Higher Education Instructor'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 Higher Education Instructor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $51,625 in 2023 to around $50,934 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Higher Education Instructor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $51,625 |
| 2024 | $51,295 |
| 2025 | $50,934 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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