The median annual wage for postsecondary teachers was $72,470 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,060, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $154,190.
Median annual wages for postsecondary teachers in May 2015 were as follows:
Law teachers, postsecondary
$105,250
Engineering teachers, postsecondary
95,060
Economics teachers, postsecondary
94,000
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
90,840
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary
90,780
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary
88,270
Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary
83,150
Physics teachers, postsecondary
82,840
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary
78,770
Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary
77,650
Political science teachers, postsecondary
76,370
Geography teachers, postsecondary
75,400
Business teachers, postsecondary
75,370
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
75,320
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary
75,060
Computer science teachers, postsecondary
74,840
Architecture teachers, postsecondary
73,920
Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary
72,300
Psychology teachers, postsecondary
70,260
History teachers, postsecondary
69,400
Sociology teachers, postsecondary
69,230
Library science teachers, postsecondary
67,660
Social sciences teachers, postsecondary, all other
67,490
Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary
67,480
Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
67,170
Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary
66,380
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
65,340
Communications teachers, postsecondary
63,410
Social work teachers, postsecondary
63,390
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
61,990
Education teachers, postsecondary
61,560
Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary
61,380
Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary
58,770
Wages can vary by institution type. Postsecondary teachers typically have higher wages in colleges, universities, and professional schools than they do in community colleges or other types of schools.
Many postsecondary teachers work part time. They may work part time at several colleges or universities.
Postsecondary teachers' schedules generally are flexible. Full-time teachers need to be on campus to teach classes and have office hours. Otherwise, they are free to set their schedule to prepare for classes and grade assignments. They may also spend time carrying out administrative responsibilities, such as serving on committees.
Postsecondary Teachers
Median annual wages, May 2015
Postsecondary teachers
$72,470
Education, training, and library occupations
$47,220
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics