Unveiling the Earnings of History Professors: A Journey to Salary Insights

The annual salary of a history professor can vary depending on several factors, including their experience, education, and the institution where they are employed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for postsecondary history teachers was $87,340 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,290, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $133,520.

There are a number of factors that can affect a history professor’s salary. For example, professors with a Ph.D. degree typically earn more than those with a master’s degree. Additionally, professors who teach at prestigious institutions or in high-cost areas tend to earn more than those who teach at less prestigious institutions or in lower-cost areas.

The job outlook for history professors is expected to be good over the next few years. As the number of college students increases, so too will the demand for history professors. However, competition for tenure-track positions is expected to be strong.

how much does a history professor make per year?

The salary of a history professor can vary depending on a number of factors, including their experience, education, and the institution where they are employed. However, there are some key aspects that can help us understand how much a history professor makes per year.

  • Experience: History professors with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
  • Education: History professors with a Ph.D. degree typically earn more than those with a master’s degree.
  • Institution: History professors who teach at prestigious institutions or in high-cost areas tend to earn more than those who teach at less prestigious institutions or in lower-cost areas.
  • Rank: History professors who are full professors typically earn more than those who are associate professors or assistant professors.
  • Tenure: History professors who have tenure typically earn more than those who do not have tenure.
  • Location: History professors who teach in high-cost areas tend to earn more than those who teach in low-cost areas.
  • Negotiation: History professors who are able to negotiate their salary typically earn more than those who do not.
  • Supply and demand: The salary of history professors can also be affected by the supply and demand for history professors.

These are just some of the key aspects that can affect the salary of a history professor. By understanding these factors, you can get a better idea of how much a history professor makes per year.

Experience

Experience is one of the most important factors that can affect a history professor’s salary. This is because experience typically brings with it a number of benefits, including:

  • Increased knowledge and skills: History professors with more experience have had more time to develop their knowledge and skills in their field. This makes them more valuable to their institution and allows them to command a higher salary.
  • Stronger track record: History professors with more experience have a stronger track record of teaching and research. This makes them more attractive to potential employers and allows them to negotiate a higher salary.
  • More seniority: History professors with more experience are typically more senior in their department. This gives them more influence and decision-making power, which can lead to a higher salary.

In addition to these factors, history professors with more experience are also more likely to have tenure. Tenure is a form of job security that makes it difficult for an institution to fire a professor without cause. This gives tenured professors more leverage when negotiating their salary.

Overall, experience is a major factor that can affect a history professor’s salary. History professors with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience because they have more knowledge and skills, a stronger track record, and more seniority.

Education

The level of education that a history professor has is one of the most important factors that can affect their salary. History professors with a Ph.D. degree typically earn more than those with a master’s degree because they have a higher level of knowledge and expertise in their field.

  • Research skills: History professors with a Ph.D. degree have typically conducted extensive research in their field. This gives them the skills and knowledge necessary to produce high-quality scholarship, which is essential for success in academia.
  • Teaching skills: History professors with a Ph.D. degree have typically received more training in teaching than those with a master’s degree. This gives them the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach college-level courses.
  • Subject matter expertise: History professors with a Ph.D. degree have a deeper understanding of their subject matter than those with a master’s degree. This makes them more valuable to their institution and allows them to command a higher salary.

In addition to these factors, history professors with a Ph.D. degree are also more likely to be tenured. Tenure is a form of job security that makes it difficult for an institution to fire a professor without cause. This gives tenured professors more leverage when negotiating their salary.

Overall, the level of education that a history professor has is a major factor that can affect their salary. History professors with a Ph.D. degree typically earn more than those with a master’s degree because they have a higher level of knowledge and expertise in their field.

Institution

The institution where a history professor teaches can have a significant impact on their salary. History professors who teach at prestigious institutions or in high-cost areas tend to earn more than those who teach at less prestigious institutions or in lower-cost areas. There are a number of reasons for this.

First, prestigious institutions typically have more resources to devote to faculty salaries. This is because they often have larger endowments and more fundraising opportunities. As a result, they are able to offer higher salaries to attract and retain top talent.

Second, history professors who teach in high-cost areas tend to earn more than those who teach in lower-cost areas. This is because the cost of living is higher in these areas, and history professors need to be able to afford to live comfortably. In addition, history professors who teach in high-cost areas often have more opportunities to earn additional income through consulting or other activities.

The following are some real-life examples of how the institution where a history professor teaches can affect their salary:

  • According to a study by the American Association of University Professors, the average salary for a full professor of history at a public research university was $112,910 in 2020-2021. However, the average salary for a full professor of history at a private research university was $126,360.
  • According to a study by the College Board, the average salary for a full professor of history at a four-year public college was $87,850 in 2020-2021. However, the average salary for a full professor of history at a four-year private college was $102,390.

These examples show that the institution where a history professor teaches can have a significant impact on their salary. History professors who teach at prestigious institutions or in high-cost areas tend to earn more than those who teach at less prestigious institutions or in lower-cost areas.

Understanding this connection is important for a number of reasons. First, it can help history professors make informed decisions about where to teach. Second, it can help institutions develop salary policies that are fair and equitable. Third, it can help the public understand the factors that affect the salaries of history professors.

Rank

The rank of a history professor is one of the most important factors that can affect their salary. History professors who are full professors typically earn more than those who are associate professors or assistant professors. This is because full professors have more experience, education, and seniority than associate professors and assistant professors.

  • Experience: Full professors typically have more experience teaching and conducting research than associate professors and assistant professors. This experience gives them a deeper understanding of their subject matter and the skills necessary to effectively teach college-level courses.
  • Education: Full professors typically have a Ph.D. degree, which is the highest level of education in their field. This degree gives them a deep understanding of their subject matter and the skills necessary to conduct cutting-edge research.
  • Seniority: Full professors are typically more senior than associate professors and assistant professors. This seniority gives them more influence and decision-making power, which can lead to a higher salary.

In addition to these factors, full professors are also more likely to have tenure. Tenure is a form of job security that makes it difficult for an institution to fire a professor without cause. This gives tenured professors more leverage when negotiating their salary.

Overall, the rank of a history professor is a major factor that can affect their salary. History professors who are full professors typically earn more than those who are associate professors or assistant professors because they have more experience, education, seniority, and are more likely to have tenure.

Tenure

Tenure is a form of job security that makes it difficult for an institution to fire a professor without cause. This gives tenured professors more leverage when negotiating their salary. As a result, history professors who have tenure typically earn more than those who do not have tenure.

  • Increased bargaining power: Tenured professors have more bargaining power when negotiating their salary because they know that they cannot be easily fired. This allows them to negotiate for a higher salary than non-tenured professors.
  • Greater experience and expertise: Tenured professors typically have more experience and expertise in their field than non-tenured professors. This makes them more valuable to their institution and allows them to command a higher salary.
  • Stronger track record: Tenured professors typically have a stronger track record of teaching and research than non-tenured professors. This makes them more attractive to potential employers and allows them to negotiate a higher salary.

Overall, tenure is a major factor that can affect a history professor’s salary. History professors who have tenure typically earn more than those who do not have tenure because they have more bargaining power, greater experience and expertise, and a stronger track record.

Location

The location of a history professor’s institution can have a significant impact on their salary. This is because the cost of living varies significantly from one area to another. History professors who teach in high-cost areas, such as New York City or San Francisco, tend to earn more than those who teach in low-cost areas, such as rural areas or small towns.

  • Higher cost of living: History professors who teach in high-cost areas have to pay more for housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. As a result, they need to earn a higher salary in order to maintain a comfortable standard of living.
  • Greater demand for qualified professors: High-cost areas are often home to prestigious universities and research institutions. These institutions are often willing to pay a premium for qualified history professors.
  • More opportunities for additional income: History professors who teach in high-cost areas often have more opportunities to earn additional income through consulting, writing, or other activities.

Overall, the location of a history professor’s institution can have a significant impact on their salary. History professors who teach in high-cost areas tend to earn more than those who teach in low-cost areas because of the higher cost of living, greater demand for qualified professors, and more opportunities for additional income.

Negotiation

Negotiation plays a significant role in determining how much a history professor makes per year. History professors who are able to effectively negotiate their salary typically earn more than those who do not. There are a number of factors that can affect a history professor’s ability to negotiate their salary, including their experience, education, and the institution where they are employed.

  • Experience: History professors with more experience are typically better able to negotiate their salary because they have a stronger track record and are more valuable to their institution.
  • Education: History professors with a Ph.D. degree are typically better able to negotiate their salary than those with a master’s degree because they have a higher level of education and expertise.
  • Institution: History professors who are employed at prestigious institutions are typically better able to negotiate their salary than those who are employed at less prestigious institutions because they are in higher demand.

In addition to these factors, history professors who are able to effectively communicate their worth and are prepared to walk away from the negotiation table are more likely to get the salary they want. Overall, negotiation is an important skill for history professors to have if they want to earn a competitive salary.

Supply and demand

The salary of a history professor can be affected by the supply and demand for history professors. When the demand for history professors is high, salaries tend to be higher. This is because institutions are competing for a limited pool of qualified candidates. Conversely, when the supply of history professors is high, salaries tend to be lower. This is because institutions have more candidates to choose from, and they can therefore offer lower salaries.

There are a number of factors that can affect the supply and demand for history professors. One factor is the overall job market. When the economy is strong, more people are likely to pursue careers in academia. This can lead to an increase in the supply of history professors, which can put downward pressure on salaries. Conversely, when the economy is weak, fewer people are likely to pursue careers in academia. This can lead to a decrease in the supply of history professors, which can put upward pressure on salaries.

Another factor that can affect the supply and demand for history professors is the number of students majoring in history. When more students major in history, this can lead to an increase in the supply of history professors. Conversely, when fewer students major in history, this can lead to a decrease in the supply of history professors.

The supply and demand for history professors can also be affected by the number of history professors who retire. When a large number of history professors retire, this can create a shortage of qualified candidates. This can lead to higher salaries for history professors.

Understanding the supply and demand for history professors is important for a number of reasons. First, it can help history professors make informed decisions about their career. Second, it can help institutions develop salary policies that are fair and equitable. Third, it can help the public understand the factors that affect the salaries of history professors.

FAQs on “how much does a history professor make per year?”

The following are some frequently asked questions about the salary of history professors.

Question 1: What is the average salary of a history professor?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for postsecondary history teachers was $87,340 in May 2021.

Question 2: What factors affect the salary of a history professor?

The salary of a history professor can be affected by a number of factors, including their experience, education, the institution where they are employed, their rank, whether they have tenure, the location of their institution, and the supply and demand for history professors.

Question 3: Do history professors with a Ph.D. degree earn more than those with a master’s degree?

Yes, history professors with a Ph.D. degree typically earn more than those with a master’s degree because they have a higher level of education and expertise in their field.

Question 4: Do history professors who teach at prestigious institutions earn more than those who teach at less prestigious institutions?

Yes, history professors who teach at prestigious institutions typically earn more than those who teach at less prestigious institutions because prestigious institutions typically have more resources to devote to faculty salaries.

Question 5: Do history professors who have tenure earn more than those who do not have tenure?

Yes, history professors who have tenure typically earn more than those who do not have tenure because tenure is a form of job security that makes it difficult for an institution to fire a professor without cause.

Question 6: Can history professors negotiate their salary?

Yes, history professors can negotiate their salary. However, their ability to negotiate their salary will depend on a number of factors, including their experience, education, the institution where they are employed, and the supply and demand for history professors.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the salary of history professors. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

We hope this information is helpful. Thank you for your interest in the salary of history professors.

Please note that this information is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice.

To learn more about the salary of history professors, please consult the following resources:

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • American Association of University Professors
  • College Board

Tips for Negotiating Your Salary as a History Professor

Negotiating your salary can be a daunting task, but it is an important skill to have if you want to earn a competitive salary. The following are five tips to help you negotiate your salary as a history professor:

Tip 1: Do your research.

The first step to negotiating your salary is to do your research. This means finding out what other history professors with similar experience and qualifications are earning. You can do this by talking to colleagues, searching online salary databases, and reading industry reports.

Tip 2: Know your worth.

Once you know what other history professors are earning, you need to assess your own worth. Consider your experience, education, skills, and accomplishments. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses, and be prepared to articulate why you deserve the salary you are asking for.

Tip 3: Be prepared to negotiate.

Negotiation is a give-and-take process. Be prepared to compromise on some points, but don’t be afraid to stand your ground on others. Be willing to walk away from the negotiation table if you are not satisfied with the offer.

Tip 4: Get everything in writing.

Once you have reached an agreement with your employer, be sure to get everything in writing. This will protect you in the event of any disputes down the road.

Tip 5: Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you are not comfortable negotiating your salary on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can talk to a trusted colleague, mentor, or union representative for advice and support.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of negotiating a fair salary as a history professor.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

  • Negotiating your salary can be a daunting task, but it is an important skill to have if you want to earn a competitive salary.
  • The tips provided in this article can help you prepare for and successfully negotiate your salary as a history professor.
  • By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the salary you deserve.

Transition to the article’s conclusion:

If you are a history professor, we encourage you to use the tips provided in this article to negotiate your salary. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the salary you deserve.

Conclusion

The salary of a history professor can vary depending on a number of factors. However, by understanding the factors that affect salary, history professors can take steps to negotiate a fair salary.

The future outlook for history professors is expected to be good. As the number of college students increases, so too will the demand for history professors. However, competition for tenure-track positions is expected to be strong.

History is a valuable and important field of study. History professors play a vital role in educating students about the past and preparing them for the future. If you are interested in a career as a history professor, we encourage you to pursue your passion. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals and make a difference in the world.


Unveiling the Earnings of History Professors: A Journey to Salary Insights