Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary: Salary 2025, Career Path, and Outlook
Philosophy and religion teachers at colleges and universities earn a median $80,260 per year, according to May 2023 BLS data. The typical range spans from $49,140 for new hires to $139,580 for experienced professors. This guide covers pay, state-by-state differences, the path to becoming a professor, and the very slow projected growth.
How much Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median annual wage for philosophy and religion teachers in postsecondary institutions is $80,260. The mean wage is $92,040, or roughly $39 per hour. Pay varies widely: the lowest 10 percent earn $49,140 or less, while the top 10 percent earn $139,580 or more.
Most positions are full-time, tenure-track or adjunct. Adjuncts typically earn far less per course than salaried professors, and are often excluded from the BLS median. Full-time professors in this field usually hold a PhD.
Pay by state
California pays the highest average salary for philosophy and religion professors at $105,820. Maine ($102,760), Vermont ($102,600), Hawaii ($101,010), and Connecticut ($100,360) round out the top five.
The lowest-paying states include Florida ($63,330), Alabama ($62,210), and South Dakota ($58,000). Regional cost of living partially explains the gap; many top-paying states have high living expenses. New England and the West Coast tend to offer higher salaries, while the South and Plains states lag.
How to become Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
The standard path is a PhD in philosophy, religion, theology, or a closely related field. Master's degrees qualify for some community college or adjunct roles, but tenure-track positions almost always require a doctorate.
Steps typically include:
- Earn a bachelor's degree in philosophy, religious studies, or a related field.
- Complete a master's degree (often in philosophy or divinity).
- Obtain a PhD (usually 5–7 years of additional study plus a dissertation).
- Publish research in academic journals and present at conferences.
- Gain teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant or adjunct instructor.
- Apply for open tenure-track or full-time positions; competition is stiff.
Job outlook
Employment of postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers is projected to grow 0.7 percent from 2024 to 2034, much slower than the average for all occupations. About 2,000 openings are expected each year, largely due to replacing retiring professors.
Currently, 20,460 people work in this occupation. Growth is limited by flat or declining enrollment in humanities programs and a shift toward online courses, which reduces the need for additional full-time faculty. Competition for tenure-track jobs is strong, especially at research universities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying state for philosophy and religion professors?
California, with an average salary of $105,820.
How long does it take to become a philosophy professor?
Typically 8–12 years after high school: 4 years for a bachelor's, 2 for a master's, and 5–7 for a PhD.
Is there demand for philosophy and religion teachers?
Growth is very slow at 0.7% through 2034, with about 2,000 openings per year. Competition is high.
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 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary data.