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College Professor Salary in Sacramento, CA

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

Median Salary
$166,042
per year in Sacramento
Entry Level
$99,264
Starting salary
Senior Level
$243,648
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
141
41% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$99,264$166,042$243,648
Monthly$8,272$13,837$20,304
Biweekly$3,818$6,386$9,371
Weekly$1,909$3,193$4,686
Hourly$48$80$117

Sacramento vs National Average

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

Sacramento Salary
$166,042
COL Index: 141
National Average
$92,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$74,042
Higher in Sacramento

Cost of Living in Sacramento

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,950
per month
Median Income
$63,456
per year
Population
525,453
residents
Rent % of Income
36.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 141 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Sacramento 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
+30%
Los Angeles, CA
$195,482
+18%
Chicago, IL
$108,192
-35%
Houston, TX
$86,526
-48%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,770
-45%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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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 Sacramento, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a college professor in Sacramento, CA is $166,042 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 141. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Sacramento's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level college professor professionals in Sacramento can expect to earn around $99,264 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level college professors earning approximately $243,648 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Sacramento's cost of living index of 141 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Sacramento 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 Sacramento typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,950 per month, housing represents about 14.1% 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 Sacramento, 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.