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.

Professor: Main duties

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.

Professor: Key Qualifications

  • 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.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Professors

  • 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.

Salary Expectations for Professors


Job Branch Avg. US Salary
Professor Education 90,000 USD

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.

Level Experience Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran20+ years$112,500
Senior11+ years$99,000
Experienced6-10 years$90,000
Mid Level3-5 years$81,000
Entry Level0-2 years$67,500

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Professor Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Professors

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.

Professor: 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.

Cityjobs.info provides not only a detailed Professor job description but also insights about salary data in different countries worldwide.


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