2025 Higher Education Salary Guide

Highest Paying University Jobs: Top Salaries in Higher Education 2025

At AcademicJobs.com, your expert in higher ed careers, explore competitive pay from OECD, BLS 2025 data. Professors average $90K+, with seniors exceeding $150K in high-income countries.

Universities offer lucrative careers, with BLS 2025 projecting 8% growth in postsecondary jobs. Academic roles in STEM command premiums, while non-academic management positions provide stable, high earnings. Factors like location (US averages 10% above global), experience, and field influence pay—OECD reports senior roles up to $150K+.

Navigate the landscape: Tenure tracks for academics yield long-term rewards, while certifications boost non-academic salaries. Demand surges in digital and enrollment management, per 2025 trends.

Academic vs. Non-Academic High-Paying Roles

Academic Roles

Drive innovation with research/teaching; PhDs lead to tenure and $100K+ averages in STEM.

Non-Academic Roles

Support operations with competitive pay; HR/finance specialists earn $80K+, with growth in IT.

The 10 Highest Paying University Jobs

Based on OECD/BLS 2025 data, these roles offer top pay, especially in STEM and high-income countries. Salaries adjusted for 2025 estimates.

RankJob TitleCategoryDescriptionGlobal Avg SalaryActions
1ProfessorAcademicLeads research/teaching; PhD required, tenure common.$85,000–$120,000Search
2Associate ProfessorAcademicAdvanced research/teaching; tenure path.$70,000–$100,000Search
3Assistant ProfessorAcademicEntry tenure-track; PhD needed.$60,000–$85,000Search
4HR Specialist/CoordinatorNon-AcademicHandles recruitment; SHRM certification.$60,000–$90,000Search
5Accountant/Financial SpecialistNon-AcademicManages budgets; CPA beneficial.$55,000–$85,000Search
6IT Support Specialist/TechnicianNon-AcademicManages tech support; CompTIA useful.$50,000–$80,000Search
7Facilities Maintenance WorkerNon-AcademicRepairs buildings; trade skills.$45,000–$75,000Search
8Registrar/Records SpecialistNon-AcademicManages records; bachelor's.$45,000–$70,000Search
9Librarian/Library TechnicianNon-AcademicManages resources; MLIS.$45,000–$65,000Search
10Academic Adviser/CounselorNon-AcademicGuides students; master's preferred.$40,000–$60,000Search

Top 10 Highest-Paying University Jobs

From OECD/BLS 2025 data, these roles command premium pay, influenced by experience, location, and demand—especially in STEM and high-income regions.

2

Associate Professor

(Academic)

$70K–$100K
1

Professor

(Academic)

$85K–$120K
3

Assistant Professor

(Academic)

$60K–$85K
RankJob TitleTypeSalary Range
4HR Specialist/CoordinatorNon-Academic$60,000–$90,000
5Accountant/Financial SpecialistNon-Academic$55,000–$85,000
6IT Support SpecialistNon-Academic$50,000–$80,000
7Facilities Maintenance WorkerNon-Academic$45,000–$75,000
8Registrar/Records SpecialistNon-Academic$45,000–$70,000
9Librarian/Library TechnicianNon-Academic$45,000–$65,000
10Academic Adviser/CounselorNon-Academic$40,000–$60,000

Pursue Advanced Degrees

PhDs essential for top academic pay; MBAs for management tracks, boosting earnings 20-30%.

Gain Certifications

SHRM for HR, CompTIA for IT—certifications add $10K-20K to annual salaries.

Network & Experience

Conferences, internships lead to promotions; aim for tenure or senior roles for max pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about high-paying university careers and salaries.

What is the difference between academic and non-academic jobs in universities?

Academic roles focus on teaching and research, such as professor jobs or lecturer positions, requiring advanced degrees like PhDs. Non-academic roles support operations, including administrative assistant positions or facilities maintenance jobs, often needing bachelor's degrees or certifications.

How do university salaries vary globally in 2025?

Salaries are higher in developed countries like the US, Canada, and Switzerland, with OECD 2025 data showing junior academic staff averaging ~$65K USD, rising to over $100K for seniors. In developing nations, averages drop to $30K-$50K. Factors include location, experience, and field—STEM roles pay more. Explore highest paying university jobs for details.

What qualifications are needed for entry-level university jobs?

For non-academic roles like admissions officer positions, a bachelor's degree and relevant skills suffice. Academic entry-level jobs, such as teaching assistant roles or research assistant jobs, often require enrollment in graduate programs or a master's. Gain experience via internships.

Are there high-paying non-academic jobs in higher education?

Yes, roles like HR specialist positions (~$60K-$90K global avg) or financial specialist jobs offer competitive pay. Advance to management for higher earnings. See university management positions for top salaries.

What are the most in-demand university jobs in 2025?

Based on BLS and OECD 2025 trends, IT support, academic advisers, and research assistants are surging due to digital transformation and enrollment growth. Non-academic roles like facilities maintenance also remain steady. Search in-demand higher education jobs on AcademicJobs.com.

How has remote work impacted common university jobs?

Post-pandemic, many administrative and IT roles offer hybrid options, boosting flexibility. Academic positions like lecturers may include online teaching. Per OECD 2025, this trend increases global access but varies by institution. Find remote university jobs here.

Ready to Secure a High-Paying University Role?

Explore top salaries and opportunities at AcademicJobs.com. Your next career move awaits.

 
Highest Paying University Jobs ✅ Top Academic Job Salaries