EducationUpdated Q1 2026

University Professor Salary
in Philadelphia, PA

Teach university courses, conduct research, and publish academic scholarship. Median salary in Philadelphia: $99K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$99K
per year
Take-home: $67K

Salary range in Philadelphia

Entry level (25th)$72,000
Median (50th)$99,000
Senior (75th)$143,000
Top earner (90th)$209,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

Help build this dataset. Add your own University Professor salary so other workers in Philadelphia have better numbers to work with.
Submit yours →

What the numbers say for Philadelphia

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

10% premium vs national median

University Professors in Philadelphia earn approximately 10% higher than the US national median for this role — a $9,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Philadelphia's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Rent eats 30% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia ($1,650/mo) consumes approximately 30% of an after-tax median University Professor salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($143K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Philadelphia

Median salary
$99K
annual
Take-home pay
$67K
after fed/state tax
COL index
110
100 = US avg
State income tax
3.07%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,650
per month
YoY growth
+2.1%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Philadelphia University Professor to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $106K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Philadelphia

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
University Professor salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$83K$89K$96K$102K$108K201920212023202520272029
2026
$101K
projected
2027
$103K
projected
2028
$104K
projected
2029
$106K
projected
2030
$108K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$101,000+$2,000
2028 projected$103,000+$4,000
2029 projected$104,000+$5,000
2030 projected$106,000+$7,000

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

Full salary breakdown & negotiation guide

Unlock the full salary report + negotiation email template

Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates — unsubscribe anytime.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

University Professor Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Complete Guide (2026)

The median University Professor salary in Philadelphia, PA is $99,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Philadelphia–PA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for University Professor in Philadelphia

Entry-level University Professors in Philadelphia with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $72,000 and $99,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $99,000 to $143,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $143,000 to $209,000 or more.

Cost of living in Philadelphia for University Professors

Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 110 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Philadelphia are close to the national average. Pennsylvania has a 3.07% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for University Professor

PhD in relevant field required. 30% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

University Professor salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Philadelphia (current)$99K110
Pittsburgh$90K90
Allentown$86K95
Erie$72K80