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College Professor Salary in Chicago, IL

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

Median Salary
$108,192
per year in Chicago
Entry Level
$64,680
Starting salary
Senior Level
$158,760
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$64,680$108,192$158,760
Monthly$5,390$9,016$13,230
Biweekly$2,488$4,161$6,106
Weekly$1,244$2,081$3,053
Hourly$31$52$76

Chicago vs National Average

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

Chicago Salary
$108,192
COL Index: 112
National Average
$92,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$16,192
Higher in Chicago

Cost of Living in Chicago

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$58,984
per year
Population
2,693,976
residents
Rent % of Income
34.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chicago 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
+99%
Los Angeles, CA
$195,482
+81%
Houston, TX
$86,526
-20%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,770
-15%
Philadelphia, PA
$98,762
-9%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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College Professor Salary in Chicago, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a college professor in Chicago, IL is $108,192 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chicago's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level college professor professionals in Chicago can expect to earn around $64,680 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level college professors earning approximately $158,760 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chicago's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chicago 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 Chicago typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 18.9% 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 Chicago, 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.