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College Professor Salary in Washington, DC

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

Median Salary
$196,236
per year in Washington
Entry Level
$117,315
Starting salary
Senior Level
$287,955
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$117,315$196,236$287,955
Monthly$9,776$16,353$23,996
Biweekly$4,512$7,548$11,075
Weekly$2,256$3,774$5,538
Hourly$56$94$138

Washington vs National Average

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

Washington Salary
$196,236
COL Index: 158
National Average
$92,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$104,236
Higher in Washington

Cost of Living in Washington

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$90,842
per year
Population
689,545
residents
Rent % of Income
29.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Washington 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
+10%
Los Angeles, CA
$195,482
0%
Chicago, IL
$108,192
-45%
Houston, TX
$86,526
-56%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,770
-53%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Washington.

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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College Professor Salary in Washington, DC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a college professor in Washington, DC is $196,236 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Washington's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level college professor professionals in Washington can expect to earn around $117,315 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level college professors earning approximately $287,955 per year. This represents a 145% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Washington's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Washington 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 Washington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 13.5% 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 Washington, 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.