Professor Salary in Los Angeles
2026 compensation data for Professor positions in Los Angeles, CA. Ranges from $71,000 (entry-level) to $201,000 (senior). Median: $115,000.
Median (Mid)
$115,000
$55.29/hr
vs National
-5%
US: $121,000
COL Index
150
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$201,000
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) | $71,000 | $83,000 | $98,000 | $39.9/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $94,000 | $115,000 | $138,000 | $55.29/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $132,000 | $163,000 | $201,000 | $78.37/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Los Angeles
A mid-level professor earning $115,000 in Los Angeles has the same buying power as $77,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 150).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Professor Salaries in Los Angeles
The median professor salary in Los Angeles, CA is $115,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 5% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100), Los Angeles offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level professors in Los Angeles can expect to earn between $71,000 and $98,000 (about $39.9/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $201,000 ($201K annually, or about $96.63/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 Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions: Professor Salary in Los Angeles
What is the average Professor salary in Los Angeles?+
The average Professor salary in Los Angeles is $115,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $83,000 and senior-level pay reaches $163,000.
How much does an entry-level professor make in Los Angeles?+
Entry-level professors in Los Angeles earn between $71,000 and $98,000, with a median of $83,000 per year (about $39.9/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Professor in Los Angeles?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Professor in Los Angeles earns roughly $39.9/hour at entry-level, $55.29/hour at mid-level, and $78.37/hour at senior-level.
Is the Professor salary in Los Angeles higher than the US average?+
Professor salaries in Los Angeles 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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