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College Professor Salary in Boulder, CO

How much does a college professor make in Boulder? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Boulder's cost of living.

Median Salary
$136,068
per year in Boulder
Entry Level
$81,345
Starting salary
Senior Level
$199,665
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
145
45% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how college professor salaries break down across different pay periods in Boulder.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$81,345$136,068$199,665
Monthly$6,779$11,339$16,639
Biweekly$3,129$5,233$7,679
Weekly$1,564$2,617$3,840
Hourly$39$65$96

Boulder vs National Average

How Boulder's college professor salaries compare to national figures.

Boulder Salary
$136,068
COL Index: 145
National Average
$92,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$44,068
Higher in Boulder

Cost of Living in Boulder

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,800
per month
Median Income
$72,340
per year
Population
105,673
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 145 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Boulder have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About College Professor

Overview

Teach college courses and conduct research in their field of expertise.

Education

PhD or Master's degree in subject area

Key Skills

Subject ExpertiseResearchLecturingAcademic Writing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +15% over the next decade

Compare Cities: College Professor Salary

See College Professor salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$215,050
+58%
Los Angeles, CA
$195,482
+44%
Chicago, IL
$108,192
-20%
Houston, TX
$86,526
-36%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,770
-33%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a college professor salary in Boulder.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Boulder.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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College Professor Salary in Boulder, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a college professor in Boulder, CO is $136,068 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 145. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Boulder's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level college professor professionals in Boulder can expect to earn around $81,345 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level college professors earning approximately $199,665 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Boulder's cost of living index of 145 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Boulder are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $92,000, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a college professor's salary in Boulder typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800 per month, housing represents about 15.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

College Professors are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 15% over the next decade. In Boulder, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.