Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary: Salary Guide 2025 ($107,310 median)
Health specialties postsecondary teachers—professors who train the next generation of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals—earn a national median salary of $107,310 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range stretches from $59,270 at the 10th percentile to $322,020 at the 90th, meaning top earners in high-paying states or senior roles can pull in well over $300,000. More than 221,000 Americans work in this occupation, and the BLS projects employment will grow 17.3% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all jobs. About 27,400 openings are expected each year over the decade, many stemming from retirements and the need to train a growing healthcare workforce.
How much Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median wage for health specialties postsecondary teachers is $107,310. The mean annual wage is higher at $147,570, which works out to roughly $52 per hour. The top 10% of earners make $322,020 or more, often those in senior faculty roles or specialized medical fields.
Pay varies significantly by employer type. Those working at universities and professional schools tend to earn more than those at community colleges or technical institutes. Experience, reputation, and research funding also play major roles in compensation.
- National median: $107,310
- Mean annual wage: $147,570 ($52/hour)
- 10th percentile: $59,270
- 90th percentile: $322,020
Pay by state
Where you teach heavily influences your paycheck. Utah tops the list at a mean wage of $168,060, followed by the District of Columbia at $167,520 and California at $165,110. Washington ($137,520) and Mississippi ($137,220) round out the top five.
On the lower end, Ohio averages $74,720, Alaska $73,890, and West Virginia $60,300. Keep in mind that cost of living varies, so a lower salary in West Virginia may still provide a comfortable lifestyle.
- Highest-paying states: Utah ($168,060), D.C. ($167,520), California ($165,110), Washington ($137,520), Mississippi ($137,220)
- Lowest-paying states: Ohio ($74,720), Alaska ($73,890), West Virginia ($60,300)
How to become Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Becoming a health specialties postsecondary teacher typically requires a doctoral or professional degree in a health field, such as a Ph.D. in nursing, a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.). For some allied health programs, a master's degree plus extensive clinical experience may suffice.
Most positions also require licensure or certification in your clinical specialty—for example, a registered nurse license for nursing faculty or board certification for physicians. Prior teaching experience, research publications, and professional reputation are key for tenure-track roles at universities.
- Earn a doctoral or professional degree in your health field (e.g., M.D., Ph.D., D.P.T.).
- Obtain required state licensure or board certification.
- Gain clinical experience (typically 2-5 years).
- Build a record of research and teaching (if targeting a research university).
- Apply to faculty positions; community colleges may accept a master’s degree plus experience.
Job outlook
Employment of health specialties postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 17.3% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 27,400 job openings each year over the decade.
Demand will be driven by the need to train more healthcare workers to serve an aging population, and to replace retiring faculty. Online and simulation-based teaching may create new roles, but traditional in-person instruction remains dominant.
- Projected growth 2024–2034: 17.3% (much faster than average)
- Estimated 27,400 openings per year
- Growth fueled by healthcare workforce demand and retirements
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a Health Specialties Teacher, Postsecondary in 2025?
The national median salary is $107,310 per year, with a mean of $147,570 (about $52/hour). The range is $59,270 to $322,020.
What education do I need to become a Health Specialties Teacher, Postsecondary?
Most positions require a doctoral or professional degree (e.g., M.D., Ph.D., D.P.T.) plus clinical licensure. Some community colleges accept a master’s degree with extensive experience.
What is the job growth for Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary?
Employment is projected to grow 17.3% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, with about 27,400 openings per 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 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary data.