Professor Salary in Seattle
2026 compensation data for Professor positions in Seattle, WA. Ranges from $76,000 (entry-level) to $214,000 (senior). Median: $122,000.
Median (Mid)
$122,000
$58.65/hr
vs National
-5%
US: $128,000
COL Index
155
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$214,000
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) | $76,000 | $88,000 | $104,000 | $42.31/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $100,000 | $122,000 | $146,000 | $58.65/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $140,000 | $173,000 | $214,000 | $83.17/hr |
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Practice negotiating this salaryWhat Your Salary Is Really Worth in Seattle
A mid-level professor earning $122,000 in Seattle has the same buying power as $79,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 155).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Professor Salaries in Seattle
Teach, research, and publish at the university level. This page covers professor compensation specifically in Seattle, WA.
The median professor salary in Seattle, WA is $122,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 5% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 155 (national average = 100), Seattle offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level professors in Seattle can expect to earn between $76,000 and $104,000 (about $42.31/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $214,000 ($214K annually, or about $102.88/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 Seattle.
Frequently Asked Questions: Professor Salary in Seattle
What is the average Professor salary in Seattle?+
The average Professor salary in Seattle is $122,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $88,000 and senior-level pay reaches $173,000.
How much does an entry-level professor make in Seattle?+
Entry-level professors in Seattle earn between $76,000 and $104,000, with a median of $88,000 per year (about $42.31/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Professor in Seattle?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Professor in Seattle earns roughly $42.31/hour at entry-level, $58.65/hour at mid-level, and $83.17/hour at senior-level.
Is the Professor salary in Seattle higher than the US average?+
Professor salaries in Seattle 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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