At AcademicJobs.com, explore elite earners—mostly US coaches topping $10M due to athletics revenue. Data from USA TODAY, CBS Sports 2026.
University top earners are dominated by US coaches, with football generating massive revenue—BLS notes athletics as key driver. Presidents/executives earn less, around $1M-$5M max.
Global data less transparent; UK/Australia vice-chancellors ~$500K. 2026 trends: Rising coach pay amid conference realignments.
Coaches dominate with multimillion deals; revenue from TV, tickets.
Presidents/deans earn high but less; focus on strategy, not revenue like sports.
Primarily US football coaches; data from USA TODAY, CBS Sports2026. Salaries include bonuses.
| Rank | Name | Position & University | Total Compensation (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kirby Smart | Head Football Coach, University of Georgia | $13,282,580 |
| 2 | Lane Kiffin | Head Football Coach, LSU | $13,000,000 |
| 3 | Ryan Day | Head Football Coach, Ohio State University | $12,575,000 |
| 4 | Lincoln Riley | Head Football Coach, USC | $11,537,560 |
| 5 | Dabo Swinney | Head Football Coach, Clemson | $11,447,025 |
| 6 | Steve Sarkisian | Head Football Coach, University of Texas | $10,800,000 |
| 7 | Dan Lanning | Head Football Coach, University of Oregon | $10,400,000 |
| 8 | Kalen DeBoer | Head Football Coach, University of Alabama | $10,250,000 |
| 9 | Brian Kelly | Former Head Football Coach, LSU | $10,175,000 |
| 10 | Bill Belichick | Head Football Coach, University of North Carolina | $10,100,000 |
US coaches lead; totals include bonuses, per USA TODAY/CBS 2026.
Head Coach, LSU
Head Coach, Georgia
Head Coach, Ohio State
| Rank | Name | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Lincoln Riley (Head Coach, USC) | $11,537,560 |
| 5 | Dabo Swinney (Head Coach, Clemson) | $11,447,025 |
| 6 | Steve Sarkisian (Head Coach, Texas) | $10,800,000 |
| 7 | Dan Lanning (Head Coach, Oregon) | $10,400,000 |
| 8 | Kalen DeBoer (Head Coach, Alabama) | $10,250,000 |
| 9 | Brian Kelly (Former Head Coach, LSU) | $10,175,000 |
| 10 | Bill Belichick (Head Coach, North Carolina) | $10,100,000 |
Build winning records; NCAA experience key for multimillion deals.
Conferences, agents lead to top programs; revenue focus boosts pay.
Coaching creds, management skills for non-US or academic high-pay.
20 Most Common Roles in Higher Ed
Explore the 20 most common university jobs, with 40/60 academic/non-academic split per OECD. Includes descriptions, entry tips, job search links, and 2025 salaries from BLS data.
Top 10 High-Salary Positions
Discover the top 10 highest paying university jobs from common roles, with global USD averages (profs $84K median per BLS 2024, updated 3-5% for 2025). Cross-links to management; stats by country/field.
Top 10 Leadership Jobs
Uncover the top 10 university management roles and salaries (President $450K avg per OECD). Descriptions, career paths from common jobs, 2025 updates via BLS.
Top 10 Individual Earners
View the top 10 highest paid university employees, mostly US coaches (Kirby Smart $13M per USA TODAY 2025). Compares to management; global insights.
Explore opportunities in athletics and leadership at AcademicJobs.com.