Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary: $84,720 median salary in 2025
The median salary for postsecondary social sciences teachers is $84,720, according to the latest BLS data. That works out to roughly $41 per hour. The typical range runs from $49,920 at the 10th percentile to $169,420 at the 90th. Mean annual wages hit $101,080. About 118,350 people hold these jobs across the U.S.
How much Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn
Half of all social sciences professors earn between the 25th and 75th percentiles, though the BLS doesn't publish those exact cutoffs. The typical range—10th to 90th percentile—spans from $49,920 to $169,420. The mean wage of $101,080 is pulled up by high earners at research universities.
Pay depends heavily on institution type. Professors at four-year universities with tenure-track positions earn at the high end, while those at community colleges or adjuncts often fall near the low end. Discipline also matters: economists tend to out-earn sociologists or anthropologists in the same department.
Pay by state
The BLS does not publish state-level breakdowns for this occupation due to sample size limitations. However, based on general academic salary trends, states with higher costs of living and strong public university systems—like California, New York, and Massachusetts—tend to pay above the national median. Lower-paying states are often in the Southeast and Midwest, where state funding per student is lower.
How to become Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
You almost always need a doctorate in your field—economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, or similar. A PhD from an accredited program is the standard entry requirement for tenure-track positions at four-year colleges and universities.
For community college teaching, a master's degree may be sufficient, though many community colleges now prefer a doctorate or are moving that way. Teaching experience as a graduate assistant or instructor helps. No state teaching license is required, but some universities require certification for online teaching.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in a social science discipline.
- Complete a PhD in the same or closely related field (5-7 years).
- Gain teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant or adjunct.
- Publish research in peer-reviewed journals to build your record.
- Apply for tenure-track assistant professor positions.
Job outlook
The BLS does not provide a specific growth projection for postsecondary social sciences teachers from 2024 to 2034. However, overall postsecondary teaching positions are expected to grow about 8% over the decade, driven by increasing college enrollment. Competition for tenure-track jobs remains intense, especially at research universities. Adjunct positions are more plentiful but pay less.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying state for social sciences professors?
The BLS does not release state-level data for this occupation, but salaries tend to be highest in states with major research universities and high costs of living, like California and New York.
Can I become a professor with only a master's degree?
Yes, but mostly at community colleges or as an adjunct instructor. Most four-year universities require a PhD for full-time, tenure-track positions.
What do the lowest-paid social sciences teachers earn?
The bottom 10% earn $49,920 or less per year, according to BLS data. These are typically adjunct or part-time positions.
How long does it take to become a professor?
Typically 8-10 years after high school: 4 years for a bachelor's, then 5-7 years for a PhD. Some fields require a postdoctoral fellowship, adding 1-3 more years.
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 data.