Professor Salary in Chicago
2026 compensation data for Professor positions in Chicago, IL. Ranges from $65,000 (entry-level) to $184,000 (senior). Median: $105,000.
Median (Mid)
$105,000
$50.48/hr
vs National
-5%
US: $110,000
COL Index
115
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$184,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $65,000 | $76,000 | $89,000 | $36.54/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $86,000 | $105,000 | $126,000 | $50.48/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $121,000 | $149,000 | $184,000 | $71.63/hr |
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Practice negotiating this salaryWhat Your Salary Is Really Worth in Chicago
A mid-level professor earning $105,000 in Chicago has the same buying power as $91,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 115).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Professor Salaries in Chicago
Teach, research, and publish at the university level. This page covers professor compensation specifically in Chicago, IL.
The median professor salary in Chicago, IL is $105,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 5% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 115 (national average = 100), Chicago offers a moderate cost of living with competitive salaries.
Entry-level professors in Chicago can expect to earn between $65,000 and $89,000 (about $36.54/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $184,000 ($184K annually, or about $88.46/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions: Professor Salary in Chicago
What is the average Professor salary in Chicago?+
The average Professor salary in Chicago is $105,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $76,000 and senior-level pay reaches $149,000.
How much does an entry-level professor make in Chicago?+
Entry-level professors in Chicago earn between $65,000 and $89,000, with a median of $76,000 per year (about $36.54/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Professor in Chicago?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Professor in Chicago earns roughly $36.54/hour at entry-level, $50.48/hour at mid-level, and $71.63/hour at senior-level.
Is the Professor salary in Chicago higher than the US average?+
Professor salaries in Chicago are about 5% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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