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University salary estimate

$43,739yearly

$21.03 hourly rate

Entry-level salary
$21,000 yearly salary
Updated December 15, 2025

University Salary Overview

The average salary for university employees is $43,739 in 2025. However, salaries can vary significantly by role, location, and department. For instance, administrative and academic positions may offer different compensation levels. Understanding these salary dynamics helps job seekers make informed career choices.

Highest Paying University Roles

Some of the highest paying positions include senior administrative roles and specialized faculty positions. These jobs typically command higher salaries due to their responsibilities and required qualifications.

Salary by State

University salaries also differ by state. For example, universities in California and New York often offer higher salaries than those in other regions, reflecting the cost of living and funding available for higher education.

Conclusion

Whether you are considering a career in academia or seeking advancement, knowing the salary landscape can guide your choices. Explore the opportunities that align with your professional goals.

Highest paying jobs at University

The highest paying jobs at University are professor, faculty, registered nurse, and network administrator. Professor jobs at University earn an average yearly salary of $159,508, University faculty jobs average $71,154, and University registered nurse jobs average $67,680.

The lowest paying University roles include student worker and peer mentor. University student worker average salary is $26,345 per year. So while the average University salary is $43,739 there is a big variation in pay depending on the role.

Highest paying jobs at University

RankJob titleAverage University salaryHourly rate
1Professor$159,508$76.69
2Faculty$71,154$34.21
3Registered Nurse$67,680$32.54
4Network Administrator$66,756$32.09
5Staff Nurse$66,007$31.73
6Instructor$64,301$30.91
7Systems Administrator$61,606$29.62
8Software Developer$61,507$29.57
9Web Developer$59,854$28.78
10Project Manager$59,030$28.38
11Team Leader$56,870$27.34
12Lecturer$56,793$27.30
13Research Associate$50,547$24.30
14Doctoral Fellow$50,124$24.10
15Supervisor$49,391$23.75
16Researcher$47,244$22.71
17Program Coordinator$45,111$21.69
18Teacher$41,512$19.96
19Research Assistant$39,811$19.14
20Student Advisor$39,296$18.89

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Average University salary by state

University pays the highest salaries in New York due to higher costs of living and competition in the state.

RankStateAverage University salaryHourly rate
1New York$48,480$23.31
2District of Columbia$47,523$22.85
3Maryland$46,427$22.32
4North Carolina$42,229$20.30

How much does University pay by location?

The average University salary varies by location. University salaries are the highest in Sacramento, CA, at $48,827 per year. University pays the second highest average salary in New York, NY, at $48,404 per year. It's important to factor in the cost of living when negotiating a salary or choosing a place to work.

Highest paying University locations

RankLocationAverage University salaryHourly rate
1Sacramento, CA$48,827$23.47
2New York, NY$48,404$23.27
3Washington, DC$47,339$22.76
4Baltimore, MD$46,324$22.27
5Minneapolis, MN$44,156$21.23
6Houghton, MI$43,128$20.73
7Chapel Hill, NC$42,334$20.35
8Athens, GA$42,200$20.29
9Charlottesville, VA$41,983$20.18
10Columbus, OH$41,798$20.10
11Phoenix, AZ$40,181$19.32

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University salaries by department

Salaries at University vary depending on the department you work in. University salaries in the engineering department are the highest with an average salary of $60,330. Employees in the education department at University receive relatively high salaries as well, with an average salary of $51,279 per year. Departments that don't pay as well at University include the administrative and the non profit/government organizational functions, with employees earning average salaries of $33,418 and $37,476, respectively.

Average University salary by department

RankDepartmentAverage University salaryHourly rate
1Engineering$60,330$29.00
2Education$51,279$24.65
3IT$48,753$23.44
4Healthcare$45,998$22.11
5Research & Development$42,842$20.60
6Non Profit/Government$37,477$18.02
7Administrative$33,419$16.07

How much does University pay by department?

Best paying University education salaries

RankPositionAverage University salaryHourly rate
1Assistant Professor$102,501$49.28
2Faculty$71,154$34.21
3Adjunct Professor$68,686$33.02
4Instructor$64,301$30.91
5Lecturer$56,793$27.30
6Librarian$51,546$24.78
7Curriculum Developer$49,444$23.77
8Strength And Conditioning Coach$46,196$22.21
9Teaching Fellow$45,661$21.95
10Educator$45,579$21.91
11Teacher$41,512$19.96
12Peer Advisor$39,895$19.18
13Student Advisor$39,296$18.89
14Student Representative$38,169$18.35
15Teaching Assistant$33,423$16.07
16Tutor$33,085$15.91
17Peer Mentor$29,281$14.08

Best paying University research & development salaries

RankPositionAverage University salaryHourly rate
1Senior Scientist$77,242$37.14
2Postdoctoral Associate$51,182$24.61
3Doctoral Student$50,618$24.34
4Research Associate$50,547$24.30
5Doctoral Fellow$50,124$24.10
6Researcher$47,244$22.71
7Research Assistant$39,811$19.14
8Laboratory Technician$36,850$17.72
9Laboratory Assistant$31,931$15.35

Best paying University administrative salaries

RankPositionAverage University salaryHourly rate
1Administrative Coordinator$45,552$21.90
2Office Manager$43,296$20.82
3Admissions Coordinator$39,859$19.16
4Office Administrator$38,323$18.42
5Administrative Assistant$37,297$17.93
6Data Entry Associate$34,597$16.63
7Secretary$33,087$15.91
8Data Entry Clerk$32,992$15.86
9Receptionist$32,779$15.76
10File Clerk$32,768$15.75
11Student Assistant$27,105$13.03
12Student Worker$26,346$12.67

University competitors’ average salaries

Average salaries at University competitors, like University of Massachusetts Boston, University of Iowa Center for Advancement, and University of Pittsburgh, vary. University of Massachusetts Boston employees earn the highest salaries, with an average yearly salary of $61,234. The average salary at University of Iowa Center for Advancement is $55,411 per year, and the average salary at University of Pittsburgh is $55,079 per year.

Highest paying University competitors

Recently added University salaries

JobLocationDate addedSalary
Drivability TechnicianNoma, FL06/29/2025$73,045
Community Service Specialist-(Community Service Specialist)-University PoliceSan Francisco, CA06/24/2025$53,976
Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor of AccountingMD06/24/2025$50,000
BSA Fraud AnalystAnn Arbor, MI06/20/2025$52,175
KIA Automotive TechnicianMiami Lakes, FL06/16/2025$58,436

What employees say about salary at University

Employee reviews
profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2024
Pros of working at University

I used to work university but now i am working 7-11

Cons of working at University

i have experience in construction too

University benefits

healthy and any benefit per your organization

What do you like best about University's CEO and the leadership team?

i have good Leadership akill

How would you improve University's culture?

By communicating with my team

How did you prepare for the University interview?

I prefer interview in person or phone call

How does your compensation at University compare to the industry average?

Geographical Location: Salaries in higher education vary significantly depending on the region or country you're in. Position and Experience: Compensation varies depending on whether you are an assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor. Someone with 15 years of experience, like you, would typically earn more than those who are just starting out in academia. Industry vs. Academia: Generally, professionals in the sector often earn more than those in academia. In STEM fields like physics or engineering, those working in private industry, especially in technology or engineering companies, may have significantly higher salaries due to the profitability of the private sector. Benefits and Perks: University compensation packages often include additional benefits such as retirement contributions, health insurance, and tuition discounts, which might not be as generous in the industry, depending on the company.

What's the diversity at University like?

I believe the representation of diverse demographics within my organization is something that could improve. While there may be efforts to recruit from different backgrounds, it sometimes feels like there’s a lack of true inclusivity, especially when it comes to leadership roles or decision-making positions. In some cases, certain groups are underrepresented, which can create a sense of imbalance or lack of diverse perspectives. I think there’s potential for growth in fostering a more inclusive environment where people from various demographics feel genuinely supported and able to advance

What brings you the most joy at University?

What brings me the most joy at work is the opportunity to positively impact others, whether it’s through teaching, mentoring, or helping people solve real-world problems. I find fulfillment in seeing students or colleagues grasp difficult concepts and apply them in meaningful ways. Collaborating with diverse teams and exchanging ideas also excites me, as it opens doors to creative problem-solving. Additionally, contributing to projects that make a difference, especially in the field of science or education, brings a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose.

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profile
3.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2023
Pros of working at University

The work, environment, most colleagues, accessibility to decent food

Cons of working at University

Lack of support and necessary useful training, lack of diversity

University benefits

Reputable

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Frequently asked questions about University salaries

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Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of University, including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about University. The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at University. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. Sources of data may include, but are not limited to, the BLS, company filings, estimates based on those filings, H1B filings, and other public and private datasets. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information displayed are correct, Zippia is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. None of the information on this page has been provided or approved by University. The data presented on this page does not represent the view of University and its employees or that of Zippia.

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