Salary of professors varies greatly based on various factors such as subject, academic rank, years of experience, location, and institution type. In this essay, we will explore the average salary of professors by subject.
First, let’s look at the subjects in the arts and humanities. Professors in subjects such as English, History, and Philosophy typically earn an average salary that ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 per year. English professors at smaller liberal arts colleges and regional universities tend to earn at the lower end of this range, while those at research universities and prestigious institutions can earn upwards of $100,000. History professors also tend to earn similar salaries, with those in specialized fields such as military history or the history of science earning slightly more. Philosophy professors tend to earn the least of all arts and humanities professors, with an average salary of $65,000 per year.
Next, let’s consider the subjects in the natural sciences. Professors in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology tend to earn an average salary of $80,000 to $120,000 per year. Physics professors at smaller institutions and regional universities earn at the lower end of this range, while those at research universities and prestigious institutions can earn upwards of $150,000. Chemistry professors tend to earn similar salaries, with those in specialized fields such as biochemistry or materials science earning slightly more. Biology professors tend to earn the most of all natural science professors, with an average salary of $90,000 to $140,000 per year. Those specializing in fields such as genetics or ecology can earn even more.
In the social sciences, professors in subjects such as Economics, Sociology, and Political Science tend to earn an average salary of $70,000 to $120,000 per year. Economics professors at smaller institutions and regional universities tend to earn at the lower end of this range, while those at research universities and prestigious institutions can earn upwards of $150,000. Sociology professors also tend to earn similar salaries, with those specializing in fields such as criminology or medical sociology earning slightly more. Political science professors tend to earn the most of all social science professors, with an average salary of $80,000 to $140,000 per year. Those specializing in fields such as international relations or comparative politics can earn even more.
Finally, let’s consider the subjects in the education field. Professors in subjects such as Education, Counseling, and School Psychology tend to earn an average salary of $60,000 to $90,000 per year. Education professors at smaller institutions and regional universities tend to earn at the lower end of this range, while those at research universities and prestigious institutions can earn upwards of $120,000. Counseling professors also tend to earn similar salaries, with those specializing in fields such as clinical psychology or marriage and family therapy earning slightly more. School psychology professors tend to earn the most of all education professors, with an average salary of $70,000 to $100,000 per year.
In conclusion, professor salaries vary greatly based on subject and other factors such as academic rank, years of experience, location, and institution type. Professors in the natural sciences tend to earn the highest salaries, while those in the arts and humanities tend to earn the lowest. However, those specializing in certain fields within a subject can earn more than those in other fields. It’s important to keep in mind that these are just general ranges and actual salaries can vary greatly based on individual circumstances.