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College Professor Salary in Columbia, MD

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

Median Salary
$133,952
per year in Columbia
Entry Level
$80,080
Starting salary
Senior Level
$196,560
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
130
30% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$80,080$133,952$196,560
Monthly$6,673$11,163$16,380
Biweekly$3,080$5,152$7,560
Weekly$1,540$2,576$3,780
Hourly$39$64$95

Columbia vs National Average

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

Columbia Salary
$133,952
COL Index: 130
National Average
$92,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$41,952
Higher in Columbia

Cost of Living in Columbia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$108,234
per year
Population
104,681
residents
Rent % of Income
18.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 130 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Columbia 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
+61%
Los Angeles, CA
$195,482
+46%
Chicago, IL
$108,192
-19%
Houston, TX
$86,526
-35%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,770
-31%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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Cost of Living Calculator

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College Professor Salary in Columbia, MD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a college professor in Columbia, MD is $133,952 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 130. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Columbia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level college professor professionals in Columbia can expect to earn around $80,080 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level college professors earning approximately $196,560 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Columbia's cost of living index of 130 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Columbia 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 Columbia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 15.2% 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 Columbia, 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.