Professor: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a Professor do?

A Professor engages in higher education teaching and extensive research within their specialized field. They are responsible for delivering lectures, designing curriculum, and guiding students through academic advising and mentorship.

Professors also conduct and publish scholarly research, often collaborating with peers across the academic community. In addition to their academic duties, Professors frequently take on administrative or managerial roles within their departments, such as serving on committees, overseeing academic programs, and contributing to the strategic planning of the institution.

Professors work closely with students, other faculty, and university administration to foster a learning environment that encourages critical thinking and innovation.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Professors in the Education field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Teach courses in their field of expertise to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Conduct research, publish papers, and present findings at conferences and seminars.
• Supervise graduate students' research and mentor junior faculty members.
• Develop and update course syllabi, and ensure materials are current with latest industry knowledge and research developments.
• Participate in faculty and university committees, contributing to the academic and strategic management of the institution.
• Engage in community outreach and expert consultation within their field of knowledge.
• Secure grant funding for research projects.

How to Become a Professor

Launching a career as a Professor requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• PhD in a relevant field.
• Extensive experience in academia, including teaching, research, and publishing.
• Strong record of academic and scholarly achievements.
• Experience securing research funding and managing research projects.
• Recognition and awards in their academic field, where applicable.

Requirements & Skills

• Excellent communication skills for lecturing and presenting complex information.
• Strong interpersonal skills for mentoring and advising students and faculty.
• Commitment to academic research and continuous professional development.
• Leadership skills to oversee students and staff within academic projects and departmental duties.
• Ability to innovate in curriculum development and pedagogical strategies.

Professor Salary Guide

Wondering what Professors earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Professor in the U.S. is approximately $90,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Professors may receive a wide range of benefits.

Professor Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$112,500
Senior	11+ years	$99,000
Experienced	6-10 years	$90,000
Mid Level	3-5 years	$81,000
Entry Level	0-2 years	$67,500

How to Advance Your Career

Professors can progress from assistant professor to associate professor and eventually to full professor, based on factors like years of experience, publication record, and contributions to the academic community.

They may also take on higher administrative roles such as department chair, dean, or university provost. Some Professors also transition into consulting, public speaking, or writing within their field of expertise.

Typical Work Environment

Professors typically work on university campuses, spending time in classrooms, offices, and laboratories depending on their field of study. Their schedules can include teaching, office hours, research, and attending or speaking at conferences and events. While they often have flexible schedules, Professors may work long hours, including evenings and weekends, especially when balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.