How Much Does an Associate Professor Make? Examining Average Salaries and Benefits

Introduction

An associate professor is a faculty member at a college or university who holds a terminal degree in their field and has been hired to teach courses and conduct research. They are usually placed in between assistant professors and full professors in terms of rank and responsibility. Associate professors are expected to have a high level of expertise and knowledge within their field, which can lead to higher salaries than other faculty members.

The purpose of this article is to explore how much an associate professor makes on average, as well as the factors that influence their salaries. We will look at both national averages and regional variations, and examine the pay range for associate professors. Finally, we will summarize the salaries of associate professors and the factors influencing them.

Exploring the Average Salary of an Associate Professor

When it comes to salaries, the amount an associate professor earns varies depending on the region they work in and their level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for postsecondary teachers in 2019 was $78,470. The top 10 percent earned more than $170,000 while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,590.

National Averages

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that the average salary for associate professors in the United States was $91,527 in 2018. This figure includes all postsecondary institutions, from community colleges to research universities. However, the NCES also notes that there are significant differences in salary based on the type of institution.

Regional Variations

When it comes to regional variations, the South had the highest average salary for associate professors, at $93,194. The Midwest had the second highest at $92,841, followed by the West ($90,904), and the Northeast ($89,843). The differences between these regions are most likely due to the cost of living and the types of institutions located in each area.

The Cost of Being an Associate Professor: Examining Salaries

Beyond regional variations, there are several factors that can affect an associate professor’s salary. These include academic discipline, level of experience, and any additional benefits they may receive.

Factors Affecting Salaries

The academic discipline an associate professor works in can influence their salary. For example, according to data from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the median salary for associate professors in engineering and computer science was $102,500 in 2018, while those in the humanities earned a median salary of $76,600. Other disciplines, such as business, law, and education, had median salaries between $80,000 and $90,000.

In addition to academic discipline, an associate professor’s level of experience can also affect their salary. Those with more years of experience tend to earn higher salaries than those who are just beginning their careers. Furthermore, those who have held a position as an associate professor for a longer period of time may be eligible for promotions and increased salaries.

Benefits that Increase Pay

Many associate professors also receive additional benefits that can increase their overall compensation. These include things like housing allowances, travel reimbursements, and retirement contributions. Additionally, some universities offer bonuses to associate professors in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

What Do Associate Professors Earn? A Look at Salaries

Now that we’ve explored the factors that can influence an associate professor’s salary, let’s take a closer look at what they actually earn. As mentioned earlier, the median salary for associate professors in the United States is $91,527, but this figure can vary greatly depending on the academic discipline and level of experience.

Academic Discipline

As we discussed earlier, different academic disciplines can have a major impact on an associate professor’s salary. According to the AAUP, the median salary for associate professors in engineering and computer science was $102,500 in 2018, while those in the humanities earned a median salary of $76,600. Other disciplines, such as business, law, and education, had median salaries between $80,000 and $90,000.

Level of Experience

In addition to academic discipline, an associate professor’s level of experience can also affect their salary. Experienced professors tend to earn higher salaries than those who are just beginning their careers. Furthermore, those who have held a position as an associate professor for a longer period of time may be eligible for promotions and increased salaries.

What is the Pay Range for Associate Professors?

The pay range for associate professors varies significantly depending on the region they work in and the factors mentioned above. The lowest 10 percent of associate professors in the United States earn less than $39,590 per year, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $170,000. This wide range of salaries reflects the various factors that can influence an associate professor’s pay.

How Much Money Does an Associate Professor Make? An Overview of Salaries

In conclusion, the amount an associate professor makes depends on a variety of factors, such as academic discipline, level of experience, and regional variations. On average, associate professors in the United States make a median salary of $91,527. However, this figure can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned above, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $39,590 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $170,000.

Conclusion

Overall, associate professors can make good salaries, especially when compared to other faculty members. The amount they earn depends on a variety of factors, such as academic discipline, level of experience, and regional variations. With the right qualifications and experience, associate professors can earn salaries that are significantly higher than the national average.