University Professor vs Instructional Designer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
University Professor
Teach undergraduate or graduate courses and conduct academic research.
Instructional Designer
Design engaging learning experiences for online and classroom settings.
University Professor earns more on average — the national median is $20,000/year (28%) higher than a Instructional Designer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
University Professor vs Instructional Designer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | University Professor | Instructional Designer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $133,520 | $106,615 | University +$26,905 |
| New York, NY | $107,784 | $86,019 | University +$21,765 |
| Seattle, WA | $127,678 | $101,675 | University +$26,003 |
| Austin, TX | $101,404 | $78,289 | University +$23,115 |
| Chicago, IL | $97,921 | $78,529 | University +$19,392 |
| Boston, MA | $117,892 | $92,050 | University +$25,842 |
| London, UK | £70,553 | £55,972 | University +$14,581 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$120,002 | CA$97,361 | University +$22,641 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a University Professor or Instructional Designer earn more?+
A University Professor earns more on average. The national median salary for a University Professor is $92,000/year, compared to $72,000/year for a Instructional Designer — a difference of $20,000 (28%).
Which has better career growth — University Professor or Instructional Designer?+
University Professor roles are growing at 5% YoY while Instructional Designer demand is growing at 15% YoY. Instructional Designer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from University Professor to Instructional Designer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Curriculum Design.
Which is harder to automate — University Professor or Instructional Designer?+
University Professor has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.