Business Professor Salary in California
Business Professors in California earn an average of $118,633 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.8% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$118,633
per year
Hourly Rate
$57.04
per hour
vs National
+15.8%
$102,420 national
Salary Range
$76,672
to $170,961
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$118,633
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$83,544
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Business Professor's salary of $118,633 has the purchasing power of $83,544 in an average-cost area.
Business Professor Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $142,142 | $68.34/hr | $95,304 | $201,627 | 107 |
| San Jose, CA | $138,344 | $66.51/hr | $87,125 | $206,513 | 109 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $113,069 | $54.36/hr | $72,511 | $161,411 | 125 |
| San Diego, CA | $111,835 | $53.77/hr | $73,550 | $156,599 | 75 |
| Sacramento, CA | $104,437 | $50.21/hr | $66,218 | $148,101 | 69 |
| Riverside, CA | $101,972 | $49.03/hr | $65,323 | $151,514 | 79 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Business Professor Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 564 Business Professors employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Business Professor Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$76,672
Starting salary for new Business Professors
Median (50th Percentile)
$118,633
Mid-career Business Professor salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$170,961
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Instructional Coordinator
$87,034
avg in CA
-$31,599 vs Business Professor
Special Education Teacher
$77,362
avg in CA
-$41,271 vs Business Professor
Secondary School Teacher
$75,559
avg in CA
-$43,074 vs Business Professor
Elementary School Teacher
$74,419
avg in CA
-$44,214 vs Business Professor
Preschool Teacher
$44,171
avg in CA
-$74,462 vs Business Professor
Business Professor Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Business Professor salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Business Professor Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Business Professor salary in California?
The average Business Professor salary in California is $118,633 per year ($57.04/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.8% above the national average of $102,420.
What is the highest paying city for Business Professors in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for Business Professors in California, with a median salary of $142,142 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $101,972.
What is the salary range for Business Professors in California?
Business Professor salaries in California range from $76,672 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $170,961 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $118,633 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.