Professor Salary in Grand Rapids, MI — 2026 Guide
Estimated salaries are adjusted for Grand Rapids's cost of living (index: 94). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.
Professor Salary in Grand Rapids — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Grand Rapids
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 Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids has a metro population of 1,100,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.
Financial Calculators for Grand Rapids
Other Professions in Grand Rapids
Professor Salary — Other Michigan Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Professor make in Grand Rapids, MI?
The estimated median salary for a Professor in Grand Rapids is $79,317 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Grand Rapids's cost of living index (94). The typical salary range runs from $54,144 (25th percentile) to $115,112 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $158,785.
Is Grand Rapids affordable for a Professor?
On a $79,317 annual salary, a Professor in Grand Rapids would spend approximately 17.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,157/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Grand Rapids relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $285,000 is 3.6× the annual salary.
How does a Professor's salary compare to Grand Rapids's overall income?
Grand Rapids's median household income is $65,800. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $79,317 earns 20.5% more than the typical Grand Rapids household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.
Explore More Salary Data
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.