* Institution Type: Professors at Ivy League universities or highly prestigious private institutions will earn considerably more than those at smaller public colleges or community colleges.
* Rank: Salary increases dramatically with rank, from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor to Full Professor.
* Experience: Years of experience significantly impact salary.
* Location: Cost of living plays a role; professors in high-cost areas like California or New York will generally earn more than those in lower-cost areas.
* Research Funding: Professors who secure significant research grants often receive supplemental income.
Therefore, providing a single "average" salary is misleading. However, a reasonable range could be:
* Assistant Professor: $70,000 - $120,000
* Associate Professor: $90,000 - $150,000
* Full Professor: $120,000 - $200,000+
Keep in mind that this is a broad estimation. The upper end of the range is often reached by professors at top universities with extensive research experience and funding. The lower end might be more representative of smaller institutions or those in lower-cost-of-living areas.
To find more precise salary information, it's best to consult resources specific to a region or institution, such as salary surveys conducted by professional organizations or university websites. Sites like Glassdoor or Salary.com may also provide some data, but remember that self-reported salary data can be inconsistent.