Professor Salary in San Diego, CA (2026)

Updated 48 days ago · 41 observed active listings

The salary landscape for professors in San Diego stands out due to a combination of high demand and a diverse educational ecosystem. With local institutions like San Diego State University and the J. Craig Venter Institute, there is a strong push for qualified candidates, contributing to a trimmed average salary of $90,469. However, the wide pay range from $20,000 to $140,000 indicates varying levels of experience and specialization, highlighting significant salary compression and competition in the market.

$90,469

Average Salary

$20,000

Low End

$140,000

High End

Open Positions

Salary Distribution

$20,000

105

$40,000

299

$60,000

470

$80,000

490

$100,000

343

$120,000

227

$140,000

496

Key Insights

The high number of open positions (41) suggests a robust demand for educational professionals, particularly in a city with a concentration of universities and research institutes.
The wide P10–P90 spread from $20,000 to $140,000 reflects a saturated market where entry-level positions are quite low, while experienced professors can command significantly higher salaries due to their specialized skills.
The clustering of salaries around the 25th percentile ($60,000) and 50th percentile ($80,000) indicates that many professors are likely to be at the early to mid-stages of their careers, with fewer positions available for those at the higher end of the experience spectrum.
Employers in San Diego face considerable cost of living pressures, which may compel them to offer competitive salaries to attract talent, especially given the high costs associated with living in the region.
The majority of job listings are concentrated around the $60,000 to $80,000 range, suggesting a market that favors less experienced candidates who may be more willing to accept lower salaries amid the competitive landscape.

Current Professor Jobs in San Diego

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Real Estate

Details · San Diego, San Diego County

$140,565 – $249,999
Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Real Estate

Details · San Diego, San Diego County

$140,565 – $249,999
Price Professor of Public Interest Law

Details · San Diego, San Diego County

$147,768 – $221,652
Price Professor of Public Interest Law

Details · San Diego, San Diego County

$147,768 – $221,652
Assistant Clinical Professor of Law/Clinical Professor of Law

Details · San Diego, San Diego County

$125,256 – $221,640
Professor (Glass)

J. Craig Venter Institute · La Jolla, San Diego County

$185,000 – $212,000
Deputy Chief Research Officer

San Diego State University · San Diego, San Diego County

$180,000 – $200,000
Associate Professor (Glass)

J. Craig Venter Institute · La Jolla, San Diego County

$140,000 – $189,000
Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Finance

San Diego State University · San Diego, San Diego County

$165,000 – $173,000
Full Time Faculty - Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Director

Point Loma Nazarene University · San Diego, San Diego County

$112,000 – $162,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Professor salary in San Diego, CA?

The average Professor salary in San Diego, CA is $90,469 per year, with a range from $20,000 to $140,000.

How many Professor jobs are available in San Diego?

There are currently 41 open Professor positions in San Diego, CA.

What factors affect Professor salaries in San Diego?

Professor salaries in San Diego vary based on experience level, company size, industry sector, certifications, and demand. Cost of living in San Diego also plays a significant role in compensation levels.

Other Salaries in San Diego

Office Manager $70,486 avg Server $67,720 avg Teacher $46,195 avg Curriculum Developer $59,841 avg Janitor $37,004 avg Facilities Manager $62,880 avg Maintenance Technician $46,953 avg Pharmacist $61,287 avg

Professor Salaries in Other Cities

Gainesville, FL $90,469 avg Dallas, TX $90,736 avg New Haven, CT $90,469 avg Lakewood, CO $89,968 avg Seattle, WA $89,968 avg San Francisco, CA $90,736 avg Tulsa, OK $90,736 avg Arlington, TX $90,736 avg