How much does a culture professor make?
Answer: A typical culture professor in the United States makes $85,020 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 11,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Culture professor pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $52,070 | $85,020 | $160,420 | about 11,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $105,220 | about 770 |
| New York | $101,800 | about 2,000 |
| Massachusetts | $100,470 | about 610 |
| Maryland | $91,330 | about 520 |
| Texas | $72,250 | about 830 |
Why does pay differ?
In the US, pay can differ with experience, time on the job, responsibilities, and location. The kind of college and hours worked matter too; both full-time and part-time jobs are common.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a culture professor do?
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women’s studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
What's a typical day like?
They lead lectures and discussions on topics like race, gender, or culture, then grade papers and meet students during office hours. They may also research a topic, publish their findings, and meet with colleagues.
How to get this job
In the US, earn a bachelor's degree and usually a Ph.D. in your subject; doctoral study takes several years and often includes original research defended before experts. Some community colleges accept a master's degree, and teaching experience helps.
Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out.
Did you know?
They may teach about race and gender, then publish research in journals, books, or online media—so the job can include both teaching and scholarship.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Educational Instruction and Library jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-1062.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/print/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/May/oes251062.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY