In the stunning islands of American Samoa, the highest paid university employees drive education at American Samoa Community College (ASCC), the territory's flagship institution. These top earners, primarily in executive and academic leadership, command salaries reflecting dedication to serving a close-knit Polynesian community amid high living costs. For 2023, the college president topped lists at over $145,000 annually, followed by vice presidents and deans focused on nursing, marine science, and Samoan studies—fields vital to local needs.
Students eyeing lucrative paths should prioritize degrees in healthcare or vocational trades; check scholarships to start. Aspiring professors and staff, review professor salaries and Rate My Professor for faculty insights before applying. Trends show steady raises tied to federal land-grant funding, with prestige in roles preserving fa'a Samoa culture. Job seekers, dive into higher ed jobs or professor jobs for openings. Parents and faculty, discover higher ed career advice to navigate this niche market. Unlock your potential in American Samoa's academic elite today!
Based on 2023 public salary disclosures from ASCC and territorial records, here's the ranking of top earners. Salaries include base pay with longevity adjustments, unique to this small institution serving 1,200 students.
| Rank | Position | Category | Annual Salary (2023) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | President | Executive | $145,689 | Oversees all operations at ASCC, secures federal grants for island-specific programs. |
| 2 | VP Academic Affairs | Academic | $132,450 | Manages curriculum in nursing and trades, key for local workforce. |
| 3 | Chief Financial Officer | Admin | $125,200 | Handles budgets amid territorial funding quirks. |
| 4 | Dean of Instruction | Academic | $118,750 | Leads faculty development in Samoan studies. |
| 5 | Dean of Students | Admin | $115,300 | Supports cultural retention programs. |
| 6 | HR Director | Staff | $110,000 | Navigates family-tied hiring practices. |
| 7 | Nursing Professor | Faculty | $105,200 | Trains for LBJ Tropical Medical Center needs. |
| 8 | IT Director | Staff | $102,800 | Manages remote learning post-typhoons. |
| 9 | Registrar | Admin | $98,500 | Tracks credits for transfer to Hawaii unis. |
| 10 | Marine Science Professor | Faculty | $95,400 | Researches coral reefs, grant-funded. |
Compare via professor salaries tool; rate faculty on Rate My Professor.
Secure higher ed jobs in faculty like nursing professors, top earners at ASCC. Visit Rate My Professor for reviews.
Research jobs in marine science offer premium pay via NOAA grants unique to island ecology.
Administration jobs provide stability; check career advice for tips.
University employee salary trends in American Samoa rose 4% in 2023; explore professor salaries.
Higher ed executive jobs dominate top pay; rate leaders on Rate My Professor.
High demand for staff in trades; browse university jobs.
Remote higher ed jobs growing; postdoc paths via AS listings.
Working as one of the highest compensated university staff in American Samoa blends island paradise with professional challenges. While prestige comes from community impact, high costs and isolation shape decisions—ideal for culturally attuned job seekers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong community ties and fa'a Samoa respect | High cost of living (150% above US avg) |
| Federal benefits and land-grant stability | Limited advancement beyond ASCC |
| Stunning location boosts work-life balance | Expensive travel, supply chain issues |
| Niche expertise prestige in Polynesia | Hurricane risks disrupt operations |
| Family-friendly hiring networks | Salaries lag mainland peers |
ASCC's roles feature fringe perks like matai title integration for leaders, boosting prestige. Anecdotes include presidents negotiating with village councils for campus expansions. Marine profs snag rare NOAA gigs diving National Marine Sanctuary reefs. Typhoon recovery grants spiked 2020 pay; bilingual Samoan-English mandates favor locals. Job seekers leverage Pago Pago networks, rate profs via Rate My Professor, and apply through higher ed jobs. Discover recruitment tailored to island life.