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Professor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Keck School of Medicine

Professor of Urology

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Professor of Urology position is a tenured appointment. Urology faculty members are dedicated to training fellows, residents and medical students. The Professor of Urology tenured position will ...

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All JobsProfessor JobsProfessor Jobs in California

Professor information

See California salary details

$57.2K

$113.3K

$186.5K

How much do professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for professor in California is $113,289.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,300.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Professor vs Lecturer?

AspectProfessorLecturer
Required CredentialsDoctorate degree, extensive research, and teaching experienceMaster's or Doctorate, often less research-focused
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutions, academic settingsUniversities, colleges, sometimes part-time or adjunct roles
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, research-focusedEducational institutions, teaching-focused

Professors typically hold a doctorate, engage in research, and have a long-term academic role, whereas lecturers focus primarily on teaching and may have less emphasis on research. Both roles are common in higher education but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are professors and what do they do?

Professors are academic professionals who teach at colleges or universities. Their primary responsibilities include delivering lectures, conducting research, mentoring students, and publishing scholarly work. In addition to teaching, professors often participate in academic committees and contribute to curriculum development. They may also advise undergraduate and graduate students, supervise research projects, and engage in community or professional service. Professors typically specialize in a particular field of study and help advance knowledge in their discipline.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professor, you need advanced subject matter expertise, a doctoral degree in your field, and a strong record of research and teaching experience. Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard), academic publishing platforms, and citation tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and contribute to scholarly communities. These competencies ensure effective knowledge transfer, research innovation, and academic leadership.

What is the highest paying professor job?

The highest paying professor jobs are typically at research universities or medical schools, especially for those in specialized fields such as medicine, law, business, or engineering. Professors with tenure, extensive research funding, or leadership roles like department chairs often earn higher salaries. Salaries can vary widely based on discipline, experience, and institution type.

What can I do as a professor?

A professor is an academic professional who teaches courses, conducts research, publishes scholarly work, and mentors students at colleges or universities. They often specialize in a specific subject area and may participate in departmental service, committee work, and academic conferences. Professors typically hold advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. and require strong communication, research, and organizational skills.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

For a professor or similar roles, earning $3,000 a month without a degree is uncommon, as academic positions typically require advanced education. However, some entry-level or alternative jobs such as freelance writing, certain sales positions, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrician work can reach this income level with experience and certifications. These jobs often require specific skills, training, or licensing but not necessarily a college degree.

How do professors typically balance teaching, research, and service responsibilities within a university setting?

Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including teaching courses, conducting research, and contributing to departmental or university service such as committee work or student advising. The specific balance can vary by institution and department, but most professors allocate set hours to prepare lectures, meet with students, and pursue research projects. Time management and prioritization are essential skills, as professors frequently need to meet deadlines for publications or grant applications while fulfilling their teaching and service commitments. Collaboration with colleagues, both within and outside the university, is common, and many professors find that building a supportive network helps manage these diverse tasks effectively.

What Is a Professor?

A professor teaches courses at a college or a university in a specific subject. As a professor, your job duties consist of developing curricula, creating lessons, giving lectures, advising students, and grading coursework. Other responsibilities involve staying current in their field by performing research, reading academic materials, and attending conferences. You often start your academic career as an adjunct professor, working part-time and teaching a few courses. Some schools also have online courses run by online professors. After working for several years, college professors may gain tenure at their university, giving them a high level of job stability and freedom for their research.

How do I get a job as a professor?

To become a professor, typically a candidate needs a doctoral degree in their field, relevant research experience, and a strong record of publications. Academic positions often require applying through university job boards, demonstrating teaching ability, and participating in interviews. Building a professional network and gaining teaching experience can also improve chances of securing a professorship.
More about Professor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Professor jobs in California? The most popular types of Professor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Professor jobs in California? For Professor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Professor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Professor jobs? Cities in California with the most Professor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Professor jobs in CA? For Professor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,289 per year, or $54.5 per hour.
Professor

Professor

The University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$153K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title:
Professor
Job Summary:
The School of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of San Francisco invites nominations and applications for a tenure-track faculty position specializing in Maternal-Child Health, Pediatric and/or Medical-Surgical/Geriatric nursing for prelicensure/graduate nursing programs at the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of San Francisco.
Full Job Description:
Successful candidates will be expected to engage in didactic and clinical teaching, scholarship, and service that will contribute to the university and profession. They will develop and teach courses in the area(s) of Maternal-Child Health, Pediatric and/or Medical-Surgical/Geriatric nursing, be responsible for producing scholarship commensurate with the requirements of tenure, and contribute to the advancement of the School of Nursing and Health Professions through student advisement, service on committees and participation in the broader university and disciplinary communities.
Minimum Qualifications:
• An earned doctoral degree in nursing or related area and a BSN or MSN if doctoral degree is not in nursing.
• Upon hire, the faculty member must be licensed as a registered nurse in California.
• One year of full-time direct patient care experience in Maternal-Child Health, Pediatric and/or Medical-Surgical/Geriatric nursing within the last 5 years.
• A record of accomplishments in teaching, scholarship and services appropriate for appointment at the rank of a tenure track assistant professor or associate professor. The successful applicant will receive the appropriate rank and title based on university standards, including any prior service in a tenure-earning position, and consistent with the university collective bargaining agreement
• A strong commitment to teaching and scholarship, experience and willingness to work in a culturally diverse environment and an understanding of and commitment to support the mission of the University.
We invite candidates to learn more about the program located in the heart of San Francisco https://www.usfca.edu/nursing.
Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full time
Pay Rate:
Salary
Salary Range :
Professor, Step 4 - $153,123.68

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