Home / City Job Salaries / College Professor in Seattle

College Professor Salary in Seattle, WA

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

Median Salary
$151,469
per year in Seattle
Entry Level
$90,552
Starting salary
Senior Level
$222,264
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
147
47% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$90,552$151,469$222,264
Monthly$7,546$12,622$18,522
Biweekly$3,483$5,826$8,549
Weekly$1,741$2,913$4,274
Hourly$44$73$107

Seattle vs National Average

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

Seattle Salary
$151,469
COL Index: 147
National Average
$92,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$59,469
Higher in Seattle

Cost of Living in Seattle

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,100
per month
Median Income
$78,340
per year
Population
753,675
residents
Rent % of Income
32.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 147 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Seattle 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
+42%
Los Angeles, CA
$195,482
+29%
Chicago, IL
$108,192
-29%
Houston, TX
$86,526
-43%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,770
-39%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Seattle.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Seattle.

College Professor Salary in Seattle, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a college professor in Seattle, WA is $151,469 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 147. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Seattle's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level college professor professionals in Seattle can expect to earn around $90,552 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level college professors earning approximately $222,264 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Seattle's cost of living index of 147 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Seattle 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 Seattle typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 per month, housing represents about 16.6% 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 Seattle, 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.