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College Professor Salary in San Diego, CA

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

Median Salary
$187,238
per year in San Diego
Entry Level
$111,936
Starting salary
Senior Level
$274,752
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
159
59% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$111,936$187,238$274,752
Monthly$9,328$15,603$22,896
Biweekly$4,305$7,201$10,567
Weekly$2,153$3,601$5,284
Hourly$54$90$132

San Diego vs National Average

How San Diego's college professor salaries compare to national figures.

San Diego Salary
$187,238
COL Index: 159
National Average
$92,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$95,238
Higher in San Diego

Cost of Living in San Diego

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,300
per month
Median Income
$69,845
per year
Population
1,423,851
residents
Rent % of Income
39.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 159 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Diego 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
+15%
Los Angeles, CA
$195,482
+4%
Chicago, IL
$108,192
-42%
Houston, TX
$86,526
-54%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,770
-51%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in San Diego.

Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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College Professor Salary in San Diego, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a college professor in San Diego, CA is $187,238 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 159. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Diego's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level college professor professionals in San Diego can expect to earn around $111,936 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level college professors earning approximately $274,752 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Diego's cost of living index of 159 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Diego 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 San Diego typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,300 per month, housing represents about 14.7% 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 San Diego, 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.