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The differences between professors and college instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a professor, becoming a college instructor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a professor has an average salary of $157,570, which is higher than the $50,584 average annual salary of a college instructor.
The top three skills for a professor include philosophy, curriculum development and mathematics. The most important skills for a college instructor are classroom management, mathematics, and syllabus.
| Professor | College Instructor | |
| Yearly salary | $157,570 | $50,584 |
| Hourly rate | $75.75 | $24.32 |
| Growth rate | 12% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 21,861 | 41,053 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A professor is a teaching professional who provides instructions to students on various academic and vocational subjects in colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Professors design curriculums for courses and ensure that they meet college and department students. They continuously conduct research and experiments so that advanced knowledge in their field is completed. They share their research and works by publishing them in books and academic journals. They also provide assistance to graduating students.
A certified veterinary technician is in charge of performing laboratory tests, participating in medical procedures, and performing clerical support tasks at veterinary clinics, zoos, and private laboratories. Their responsibilities often include collecting information from pet owners, studying patients' medical histories, gathering and analyzing samples from patients through various laboratory procedures, operating equipment and machines, and monitoring patients' conditions. Moreover, under the supervision of a veterinarian, they may also provide first-aid to animals and administer medication.
Professors and college instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Professor | College Instructor | |
| Average salary | $157,570 | $50,584 |
| Salary range | Between $88,000 And $280,000 | Between $34,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Oregon Health & Science University | Marathon Oil |
| Best paying industry | Education | Education |
There are a few differences between a professor and a college instructor in terms of educational background:
| Professor | College Instructor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 52% | Bachelor's Degree, 56% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between professors' and college instructors' demographics:
| Professor | College Instructor | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.7% Female, 43.3% | Male, 47.5% Female, 52.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 12.8% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 11.3% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 16% | 16% |