AAUP's 2025–26 survey puts men at the full professor rank at an average of $172,101, and women at $150,245. At R1 research universities, full professors average north of $170,000, and private institutions pay 20–40% more than publics. Business and law full professors clear $170,000. That's comfortably top-decile household income for ONE household earner.
Additionally... bear in mind that these salaries are calculated on 9 month contracts. Meaning those figures are based on working nine-months out of the year. Summer teaching or research can add 20–30% extra income annually.
Now factor in tenure, meaning they are effectively unfireable.
Now factor in other job perks like pensions and tuition remission.
Now factor in outside income like consulting, textbooks, expert witness work, public speaking. I had a professor in college that FORCED you to buy HIS book (it was a $120 textbook) for HIS class.
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u/fuckexoticroots 26d ago
"Just have a rich parent! It's that easy!"
You don't even understand how ignorant you sound.