Typical timeframe for professors to get tenure?

Just out of curiosity... when do most professors at colleges get tenure? I know it probably varies by university, but is there a general timeframe or typical benchmark that professors aim for?

Typically, the tenure process for professors at most universities begins after about six or seven years of probationary period known as the "tenure track." When a professor is first hired, they start as Assistant Professors, and their performance is reviewed annually. During this time, they are expected to demonstrate significant contributions in their field through research, publication, teaching, and service to the university community.

Around the sixth or seventh year, the tenure process formally begins with a comprehensive review by department peers and often outside professionals in the professor's field of study. This review process can take a year or more, and it involves an assessment of the professor's body of work, their impact on the field, the quality of their teaching, and their service to the university.

If the review is positive, the professor is awarded tenure, which essentially means they have a permanent job at the university and can only be terminated under extraordinary circumstances. They also typically are promoted to the rank of Associate Professor at this time.

So, to directly answer your question: most professors aim to achieve tenure between their sixth and seventh year at a university, although the exact timeframe can vary based on the individual's performance and the specific practices of the institution.