* Institution type: Salaries at Ivy League universities and other prestigious private institutions are considerably higher than those at smaller public colleges or community colleges.
* Rank: Professors are typically categorized as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Full Professor, with salaries increasing at each level.
* Discipline: Fields like engineering, business, and medicine often command higher salaries than humanities or social sciences.
* Years of experience: Salaries generally increase with experience.
* Geographic location: Cost of living significantly impacts salaries, with professors in high-cost areas like California or New York earning more than those in lower-cost states.
While a precise average is impossible to state, various sources suggest a range. Estimates often place the mean (average) annual salary somewhere between $80,000 and $120,000, but this is a broad generalization. The median salary (the midpoint where half earn more and half earn less) might be slightly lower. You'll find much higher salaries at top universities and for professors in high-demand fields with significant experience. Conversely, many professors at smaller institutions or in less lucrative fields earn considerably less.
To get a more accurate picture, you would need to specify the factors mentioned above (institution type, rank, discipline, etc.) and consult specialized salary surveys or websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or Salary.com.