Business Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: Median $99,080
Postsecondary business teachers earn a median of $99,080 per year, with the top 10% making over $209,470 and the bottom 10% under $47,180, according to 2024 BLS data. The mean annual wage is $114,720, or about $48 per hour. With 82,150 jobs nationwide and a projected growth rate of 5.7% over the next decade, this is a solid career for those who combine business expertise with a passion for teaching.
How much Business Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median annual salary for postsecondary business teachers is $99,080. That means half earn more, half less. The average (mean) is higher at $114,720, pulled up by high earners at top universities.
Entry-level positions (10th percentile) start around $47,180, while experienced professors at the 90th percentile can earn $209,470 or more. Pay varies by institution type: community colleges typically pay less than four-year universities, and research-intensive schools tend to pay more.
Pay by state
Location matters a lot. The highest-paying state for business professors is Alaska, with an average annual wage of $168,930 — likely driven by a high cost of living and a small number of specialized positions. Other top states include Delaware ($130,370), Louisiana ($129,040), California ($128,470), and the District of Columbia ($128,370).
On the lower end, South Dakota averages $72,650, Wyoming $69,550, and Arkansas $64,620. These states may have lower living costs, but the salary gap is substantial.
How to become Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Becoming a postsecondary business teacher typically requires a doctoral degree in business or a related field for tenure-track positions at universities. For community colleges or adjunct roles, a master's degree is often sufficient.
The path usually goes: earn a bachelor's in business or economics, then a master's (MBA or similar), and finally a Ph.D. or DBA in a business discipline (e.g., finance, marketing, management). Many programs require teaching assistant experience and a dissertation. Some schools also value professional experience: five or more years in corporate roles can strengthen an application.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in business, economics, or a related field.
- Complete a master's degree (MBA or specialized master's) — often a prerequisite for Ph.D. programs.
- Obtain a Ph.D. or DBA in a business discipline from an accredited university (4-6 years).
- Gain teaching experience as a graduate assistant or adjunct instructor.
- Apply for faculty positions, postdoctoral fellowships, or visiting professorships.
Job outlook
Employment of postsecondary business teachers is projected to grow 5.7% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 8,100 openings per year, including replacements for retiring professors. Demand is driven by increasing enrollment in business programs and the need for applied business education.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a postsecondary business teacher?
The average (mean) annual salary is $114,720, while the median is $99,080. Top earners can exceed $209,000.
What degree do I need to become a college business professor?
A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or DBA) is typically required for full-time, tenure-track positions. A master's degree may suffice for adjunct or community college roles.
Which states pay business professors the most?
Alaska leads with an average of $168,930, followed by Delaware ($130,370) and Louisiana ($129,040).
What is the job growth for business teachers?
Employment is projected to grow 5.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 8,100 new openings each year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Business Teachers, Postsecondary data.