How does a Professor's salary in Oakland compare to the rest of California?

Oakland's cost of living index is 175 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $147,665 earns $70,865 more than the median household income in Oakland ($76,800).

Professor Salary in Oakland, CA — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Oakland's cost of living (index: 175). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Professor Salary in Oakland — Key Numbers

$147,665

Median Salary

$100,800

25th Percentile

$214,305

75th Percentile

$295,610

90th Percentile

National median (Professor)$84,380

vs. National median+75.0%

Oakland median household income$76,800

vs. City household income+92.3%

Cost of Living in Oakland

Cost of Living Index

175(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,895/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio15.4%

Annual rent cost$22,740

Median Home Price$780,000

Home Price / Salary5.3×

20% Down Payment$156,000

Years to save (20% rate)5.3 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 Oakland

5.5%

Unemployment Rate

440,000

Metro Population

31 min

Avg Commute

37.5

Median Age

Oakland has a metro population of 440,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.5% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Oakland

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Cost of Living — Oakland

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Professor Salary in California

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Oakland

Physician$401,275 Chief Executive Officer$367,500 Dentist$307,143 IT Manager$296,643 Marketing Manager$275,835 Lawyer$255,080

Professor Salary — Other California Cities

Los Angeles, CA$145,977 San Francisco, CA$180,573 San Jose, CA$167,072 San Diego, CA$137,539 Riverside, CA$102,944

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in Oakland, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in Oakland is $147,665 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Oakland's cost of living index (175). The typical salary range runs from $100,800 (25th percentile) to $214,305 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $295,610.

Is Oakland affordable for a Professor?

On a $147,665 annual salary, a Professor in Oakland would spend approximately 15.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,895/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Oakland relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $780,000 is 5.3× the annual salary.

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

Oakland's median household income is $76,800. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $147,665 earns 92.3% more than the typical Oakland household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Professor — National Professor in California 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.