How does a Professor's salary in Cleveland compare to the rest of Ohio?

Cleveland's cost of living index is 85 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $71,723 earns $19,123 more than the median household income in Cleveland ($52,600).

Professor Salary in Cleveland, OH — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Cleveland's cost of living (index: 85). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Professor Salary in Cleveland — Key Numbers

$71,723

Median Salary

$48,960

25th Percentile

$104,091

75th Percentile

$143,582

90th Percentile

National median (Professor)$84,380

vs. National median-15.0%

Cleveland median household income$52,600

vs. City household income+36.4%

Cost of Living in Cleveland

Cost of Living Index

85(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$950/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio15.9%

Annual rent cost$11,400

Median Home Price$175,000

Home Price / Salary2.4×

20% Down Payment$35,000

Years to save (20% rate)2.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Cleveland

5.4%

Unemployment Rate

2,010,000

Metro Population

25 min

Avg Commute

37.8

Median Age

Cleveland has a metro population of 2,010,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 5.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Cleveland

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Cost of Living — Cleveland

Compare Cleveland to other cities

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Rent vs. Buy in Cleveland

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Budget Planner

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Professor Salary in Ohio

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Cleveland

Physician$194,905 Chief Executive Officer$178,500 Dentist$149,184 IT Manager$144,084 Marketing Manager$133,977 Lawyer$123,896

Professor Salary — Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH$75,942 Cincinnati, OH$76,786 Dayton, OH$70,035 Akron, OH$70,035 Toledo, OH$67,504

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in Cleveland, OH?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in Cleveland is $71,723 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Cleveland's cost of living index (85). The typical salary range runs from $48,960 (25th percentile) to $104,091 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $143,582.

Is Cleveland affordable for a Professor?

On a $71,723 annual salary, a Professor in Cleveland would spend approximately 15.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Cleveland relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $175,000 is 2.4× the annual salary.

How does a Professor's salary compare to Cleveland's overall income?

Cleveland's median household income is $52,600. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $71,723 earns 36.4% more than the typical Cleveland household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Professor — National Professor in Ohio All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.