Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other: Salary Guide 2025, Career Path & Job Outlook
The median salary for Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other is $72,990 per year, according to the latest BLS data. That works out to about $35 an hour, though pay ranges widely from $40,670 at the 10th percentile to $164,420 at the 90th. With 16,580 jobs nationwide, this is a small but specialized field—think anthropology, political science, or economics faculty who don't fit into standard teaching categories.
How much Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other earn
The national mean wage for this occupation is $88,390, well above the median due to high earners at top universities. The typical annual salary falls between $40,670 and $164,420, with most landing around the median $72,990.
Pay depends heavily on institution type and tenure status. Full professors at research universities often earn six figures, while adjunct or community college instructors make closer to the bottom of the range.
- Median annual wage: $72,990
- Mean annual wage: $88,390
- Hourly mean: $35/hour
- 10th percentile: $40,670
- 90th percentile: $164,420
Pay by state
Location significantly affects earnings. California leads at $132,920 mean annual wage, followed by Rhode Island ($126,630), Minnesota ($102,430), Utah ($101,970), and Massachusetts ($98,260).
On the lower end, Kansas averages $51,540, Pennsylvania $48,710, and Arkansas just $37,490. These states tend to have fewer research-heavy universities and lower cost of living.
- Highest: California ($132,920), Rhode Island ($126,630), Minnesota ($102,430), Utah ($101,970), Massachusetts ($98,260)
- Lowest: Kansas ($51,540), Pennsylvania ($48,710), Arkansas ($37,490)
How to become Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
The standard path requires a doctoral degree in a social science field, though some community colleges hire with a master's degree. During graduate studies, teaching assistant experience is common and often expected.
After earning a PhD, most start in temporary or tenure-track assistant professor roles. Building a record of published research and strong teaching evaluations is crucial for tenure and promotion. No state-level license is required, but some institutions may require a teaching certificate for community college roles.
- Earn a PhD in a social science discipline (e.g., sociology, political science, economics, anthropology)
- Gain teaching experience as a graduate assistant or adjunct instructor
- Publish research in peer-reviewed journals to build your portfolio
- Apply for assistant professor positions; community colleges may accept a master's degree
- Work toward tenure, typically a 6-year process with performance reviews
Job outlook
Employment for Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other is projected to grow 1.7% from 2024 to 2034—slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 1,500 job openings per year, mostly due to retirements and turnover.
Competition for tenure-track roles at four-year universities remains intense, while community colleges and adjunct positions offer more openings but lower pay. Job prospects are better for those who specialize in high-demand subfields like data analytics or applied social science.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other?
The median annual salary is $72,990, or about $35 per hour. The mean wage is $88,390, with the top 10% earning over $164,420.
How much do Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other make in California?
California pays the highest mean wage at $132,920 per year, thanks to its large research university system and high cost of living.
What degree do you need to become a Social Sciences Teacher, Postsecondary?
Most positions require a doctoral degree in a social science field. Community colleges may accept a master's degree, but advancement typically requires a PhD.
Is the job outlook good for Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other?
Growth is slow at 1.7% over the next decade, with about 1,500 openings per year. Competition is stiff for full-time tenure-track jobs.
What states pay the least for this occupation?
Arkansas has the lowest mean wage at $37,490, followed by Pennsylvania ($48,710) and Kansas ($51,540).
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 Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other data.