* Institution Type: Professors at Ivy League universities or highly prestigious private institutions will earn significantly more than those at smaller public colleges or community colleges.
* Rank: Professors are typically categorized as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Full Professor. Full Professors command the highest salaries.
* Experience: Years of experience and accomplishments (publications, grants, etc.) directly impact salary.
* Location: Cost of living in the region plays a large role. A professor in a high cost-of-living area like San Francisco will earn more than one in a more affordable area.
* Research Funding: Professors who successfully secure research grants often receive supplemental income.
While precise average figures are hard to come by, general estimations suggest that:
* Assistant Professors: Might range from $70,000 to $120,000+ annually.
* Associate Professors: Could earn between $90,000 and $150,000+ annually.
* Full Professors: Salaries may range from $110,000 to $200,000+ annually, with some top earners exceeding this significantly.
These are broad ranges, and the actual average would fall somewhere within these bounds but will vary significantly based on the factors mentioned above. To find more precise data, you would need to look at specific university salary reports (often not publicly available) or specialized salary surveys for academics.