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 |
What 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
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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