Entertainment, tech, aerospace — sprawling and high-paying. Here's how College Professors in Los Angeles get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Los Angeles metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $107,500 | $81,700 | $139,800 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $133,700 | $101,600 | $173,800 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $153,700 | $116,800 | $199,800 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $184,400 | $140,100 | $239,700 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $209,000 | $158,800 | $271,700 |
Highest-paying metros for College Professors — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Los Angeles metro economy.
The average College Professor salary in the Los Angeles metro is $153,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $116,800 to $199,800 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $253,600 or more.
Yes — Los Angeles pays +1% relative to the California state median for College Professors. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Los Angeles vs. national: +32%. That puts Los Angeles among the stronger US markets for College Professors — though cost of living in Los Angeles is also typically elevated.
In Los Angeles, the median College Professor salary of $153,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level College Professors in Los Angeles start around $107,500, while seniors (10+ years) reach $184,400 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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