Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: $80,340 Median, $49k–$154k Range
The median annual salary for Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary is $80,340, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage hits $93,860, or roughly $39 per hour. Pay ranges from $49,050 at the 10th percentile to $153,600 at the 90th, so top earners pull in nearly triple the bottom. About 41,530 people hold this title nationwide.
How much Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary earn
Median pay hits $80,340, but half of all psychology professors earn between $49,050 and $153,600. The top-paid quarter exceed $115,000, while the bottom quarter earn below $61,000. Compensation depends heavily on institution type (research universities vs. community colleges), tenure status, and geographic location.
- 10th percentile: $49,050
- 25th percentile: ~$61,000
- Median: $80,340
- 75th percentile: ~$115,000
- 90th percentile: $153,600
- Mean hourly wage: $39
Pay by state
Highest earners teach in California, where the average salary reaches $107,340. Delaware pays $102,340, followed by Maryland ($101,430), the District of Columbia ($101,250), and New York ($100,720). Lowest-paying states are Mississippi ($62,590), Oklahoma ($61,720), and Arkansas ($60,730). Relocating can boost pay by nearly 80%.
How to become Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Most postsecondary psychology teachers hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology or a closely related field. A master's degree is the minimum for community college positions, but a Ph.D. is standard for four-year institutions and tenure-track roles. Typical steps: earn a bachelor's in psychology (or related field), complete a master's and then a doctorate, gain teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant or adjunct instructor, and build a publication record. Some states require a teaching license for public community colleges, but generally no separate certification is needed. Expect 6–10 years of education beyond high school.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.
- Complete a master's degree (2 years); required for community colleges.
- Earn a Ph.D. or Psy.D. (5–7 years); required for university tenure-track jobs.
- Gain teaching experience as a TA or adjunct professor.
- Publish research in peer-reviewed journals to strengthen job applications.
Job outlook
Employment of psychology teachers is projected to grow 3.6% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,500 new jobs over the decade. About 4,000 openings per year are expected, mostly from retirements and turnover. Competition for tenure-track positions at universities remains strong, while community colleges and online programs may offer more opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What degree do I need to be a psychology professor?
A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) is standard for four-year colleges and universities. Community colleges may hire those with a master's degree, but a Ph.D. improves prospects for tenure-track roles.
How long does it take to become a postsecondary psychology teacher?
Typically 8–10 years after high school: 4 years for a bachelor's, 2 years for a master's, and 3–5 years for a doctorate. Some earn a combined master's/Ph.D. program that shortens the timeline.
What is the starting salary for a psychology professor?
Entry-level salaries (10th percentile) are around $49,050, often at community colleges or as adjunct instructors. Full-time assistant professors at universities typically start in the $60,000–$70,000 range.
Where do psychology teachers earn the most?
California leads with an average salary of $107,340, followed by Delaware, Maryland, D.C., and New York, all above $100,000.
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 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary data.