College Professor vs Software Developer Salary
Side-by-side salary comparison for College Professor and Software Developer — national medians, pay ranges, and city-by-city data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Software Developers earn more nationally
$133,080 median vs $81,600 — a $51,480/yr difference (63% higher)
Median Salary
$81,600
Salary Range
$47,010 – $180,630
10th–90th percentile
Median Salary
$133,080
Salary Range
$79,850 – $211,450
10th–90th percentile
Frequently Asked Questions
Does College Professor or Software Developer pay more?▾
Software Developers earn more nationally, with a median salary of $133,080 versus $81,600 for College Professor. That's a difference of about $51,480 per year.
What's the salary range for a College Professor vs a Software Developer?▾
College Professor salaries range from $47,010 (10th percentile) to $180,630 (90th percentile). Software Developer salaries range from $79,850 to $211,450.
Which career has more growth potential — College Professor or Software Developer?▾
Salary growth depends on experience, specialization, location, and industry sector. Both roles show strong upper-quartile earnings. Check city-by-city data above — in some metros one role significantly outpaces the other, which often reflects local industry demand and competition.