Communications Professor: Job Description, Pay & Outlook

What does a communications professor do?

Communications teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in communications, such as organizational communication, public relations, journalism and broadcasting. The median pay is $78,580 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +2.1% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$78,580
Annual salary · May 2025
Job growth
+2.1%
2025–35, slower than average
Openings per year
2,400
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS classification
Time to train
5–7 years after a bachelor’s
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
35,800
Employment, 2025

What communications professors do

Communications professors teach how messages work. They teach public speaking, interpersonal and organizational communication, journalism, public relations and media studies, advise student media, and research topics like persuasion, social media and health messaging.

Most universities want a Ph.D.; community colleges and journalism programs often hire instructors with a master’s and professional experience.

Typical duties

Teach communications courses
Coach public speaking
Advise student media
Conduct research
Mentor students
Develop courses
Serve on committees

Work environment and schedule

Faculty work in classrooms, media labs and offices.

Schedule: Teaching, research and service with flexible hours.

A day in the life

9:00 AMTeach public speaking.
10:30 AMGive speech feedback.
12:00 PMMeet the student newspaper staff.
1:30 PMTeach a media studies seminar.

See a full day in the life of a communications professor →

Communications Professor salary

Half of communications professors earned more than $78,580 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $47,590 for the lowest 10% to $143,720 for the top 10%.

$47,59010th$78,580Median$143,72090th

Full communications professor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a communications professor

Earn a communications bachelor’s
Gain experience
Earn a master’s
Earn a Ph.D.
Get hired

A Ph.D. in communication or a related field is typical for universities; a master’s and professional experience can qualify at community colleges.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a communications professor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Communication theory
Public speaking
Media production
Research methods
Writing

People skills

Presence
Feedback
Creativity
Mentoring

All communications professor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Practical, popular subject
Creative projects
Media lab work
Flexible schedule

Cons

Competitive tenure track
Grading speeches and papers
Fast-changing media
Adjunct-heavy field

Certifications and licenses

Ph.D. in communication: Doctoral degree.
Professional media experience: Valued.
Teaching certificate: Optional.
Research grants: Foundations.

Career path

Graduate Instructor: Teach speech.
Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
Associate Professor: Tenure.
Professor or Chair: Lead departments.

Learn the job before day one

Our Communications Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as give feedback on a student speech and teach media literacy with real headlines, safety and how to land your first job.

View Communications Professor training Is this career right for me?

Public Relations Specialist

Shape and protect the public image of organizations and people.

$74,750
4 years

Journalist

Find, report and tell the stories that keep the public informed.

$62,200
4 years

English Professor

Teach college students to read closely and write well.

$78,760
6–8 years after a bachelor’s

Technical Writer

Explain complex products and processes in clear, usable documentation.

$90,390
4 years or technical background plus writing training

Compare: Communications Professor vs. PR Specialist · Communications Professor vs. Journalist · Communications Professor vs. English Professor · Communications Professor vs. Technical Writer

Communications Professor FAQ

Do communications professors need a Ph.D.?

Usually at universities.

Can journalists teach?

Yes, many programs hire professionals, especially with a master’s.

What do they research?

Persuasion, media, health messaging, social media and more.

How much does a communications professor make?

The median annual wage for communications professors was $78,580 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $47,590 and the highest 10% earned more than $143,720.

How long does it take to become a communications professor?

Most people need about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in communication or a related field is typical for universities; a master’s and professional experience can qualify at community colleges.

Do you need a degree to be a communications professor?

Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a doctorate, while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree.

More communications professor questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1122 (Communications teachers, postsecondary).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Communications teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Communications Professor