Understanding the Salary Landscape at the University of Toronto
The University of Toronto, one of Canada's premier research institutions, offers a diverse array of roles that reflect its status as a global leader in higher education. Salaries at UofT span a wide spectrum, influenced by factors such as academic rank, research output, administrative duties, and affiliation with high-demand fields like medicine and business. Public sector salary disclosure laws in Ontario, known as the Sunshine List, provide transparency for positions earning over $100,000 annually, offering valuable insights into the institution's compensation structure.
In 2025, UofT had 7,387 employees on this list, with total compensation exceeding $1.27 billion and an average salary around $172,000 for those individuals. This growth from previous years underscores the university's expanding operations and competitive hiring in specialized areas. While entry-level roles start modestly, top positions command six-figure sums, often boosted by grants, clinical work, or executive responsibilities.
This overview draws from official disclosures and recent analyses to highlight pathways to financial success within UofT, appealing to aspiring academics, administrators, and professionals eyeing higher education careers.
🔥 Top Earners from the 2025 Ontario Sunshine List
The pinnacle of UofT compensation is dominated by tenured professors whose expertise drives institutional prestige and funding. The 2025 Sunshine List reveals a clear hierarchy, with business and medical faculty leading the pack.
| Rank | Name | Position | Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alan Aspuru-Guzik | Professor of Chemistry and Computer Science | $649,993 |
| 2 | Brian Golden | Professor of Strategic Management | $616,607 |
| 3 | David Goldreich | Professor of Finance | $601,972 |
| 4 | Theodore Brown | Professor, Obstetrics and Gynaecology | $598,159 |
| 5 | William Strange | Professor of Economic Analysis and Policy | $596,033 |
| 6 | Mikhail Simutin | Associate Professor of Finance | $593,667 |
| 7 | Dilip Soman | Professor of Marketing | $575,404 |
| 8 | Wei-Yi Liao | Professor of Accounting | $573,981 |
| 9 | Partha Sarat Mohanram | Professor of Accounting | $573,196 |
| 10 | Glen Whyte | Professor of Organizational Behaviour | $572,792 |
These figures represent base salaries plus benefits and stipends, often supplemented by external research funding. For full details, explore the Ontario Sunshine List for UofT.
Business Faculty: Powerhouses of Compensation
Rotman School of Management professors frequently top the charts, thanks to their contributions to executive education, consulting, and industry partnerships. Fields like strategic management, finance, and accounting yield averages exceeding $500,000 for elite performers. Brian Golden's consistent leadership in rankings exemplifies how publications in top journals and MBA program oversight translate to premium pay.
Average full professors here earn 20-30% above university baselines, with progression from assistant ($150,000-$180,000) to full rank involving tenure reviews every 5-7 years. Market forces, including private sector poaching, necessitate these incentives to retain talent.
- Key drivers: High-impact research, case study development, corporate board seats.
- Career tip: Publish in Harvard Business Review equivalents; network via conferences.
Medical Professors and Clinical Leaders
Affiliated with teaching hospitals like Toronto General and SickKids, UofT's medical faculty blend academia with patient care. Positions such as Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology command $500,000+ due to surgical fees, grants from CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research), and supervisory roles in residency programs.
Obstetrics specialists oversee complex deliveries and research in reproductive health, justifying premiums amid physician shortages. Base academic salaries start at $200,000 for assistants, scaling with clinical hours—often 50% of workload.
Real-world example: Theodore Brown's role involves training future OB/GYNs while advancing fertility treatments, a dual mandate boosting earnings.
STEM Innovators: Chemistry, CS, and Beyond
Interdisciplinary stars like Alan Aspuru-Guzik in chemistry and computer science leverage AI for molecular simulations, attracting Vector Institute collaborations and massive grants. Salaries here reflect computational demands and startup spin-offs.
UofT's emphasis on quantum computing and machine learning elevates these roles, with full professors averaging $300,000-$400,000. Progression requires PhDs from top labs, postdocs, and h-index scores above 50.
Photo by Sichen Xiang on Unsplash
Executive and Administrative Peaks
Leadership roles like President Melanie Woodin ($440,866 in 2025) oversee $3B+ budgets, strategic planning, and global rankings. Deans and Vice-Provosts in HR or research earn $300,000-$450,000, per UofT's professional grids which cap at open maxima for seniors.
These positions demand 15+ years experience, often with MBAs or PhDs. Recent hires include AVPs in spaces/experiences up to $358,000, per job postings.
- Paths: Climb from directors ($150k-$250k) via proven ROI in enrollment or fundraising.
View ranges at UofT's official salary page.
Faculty Salary Progression and Scales
UofT faculty scales adjust annually via collective agreements, with 2025-2026 awards around 2.5%. Assistant professors enter at $153,000 average, associates at $180,000, full at $220,000+ base—multiplied by department multipliers for medicine/business.
Step-by-step advancement: Year 1-3 research focus; tenure dossier (teaching 40%, research 40%, service 20%); promotions every 5 years. Equity reports ensure gender parity, with women at 47% on Sunshine List.
High-Paying Staff and Support Roles
Beyond faculty, senior research associates average $124,000, IT directors $200,000+, and development officers $150,000 via bonuses. Recent postings: Team leads up to $200,000, exec assistants $139,000.
These roles suit non-PhDs, emphasizing MBAs or CPAs. Glassdoor reports competitive Toronto premiums.
Comparisons with Other Canadian Universities
UofT leads peers: UBC ~5,000 on list ($1.1B total), McGill similar. Ontario's funding model favors research intensity, per StatCan data showing median prof pay $151,700 nationally.
Toronto's cost-of-living (30% above average) justifies highs, yet retention challenges persist amid U.S. offers.
Factors Driving Premium Pay
Research grants (NSERC, SSHRC) add 20-50%; clinical billings for MDs; admin stipends $50k+. Union negotiations (UTFA) secure adjustments against inflation.
Photo by Edmond Lau on Unsplash
- Risks: High burnout from triple mandates.
- Solutions: Sabbaticals every 7 years, pension matching 9.5%.
Navigating Career Paths to Top Roles
Aspire via targeted PhDs, publications (10+ per year), networking at APSA/ASA. For staff: Internal promotions via HR portals.
Actionable: Tailor CVs to UofT postings; leverage alumni networks.
Future Outlook and Trends
With AI/quantum booms, STEM pay rises 5% yearly. Enrollment growth (90,000+ students) expands admin needs. Expect 3% adjustments in 2026 amid fiscal pressures.
UofT's G7 ranking sustains competitiveness, promising stability for top talent.
%20Logo.png&w=128&q=75)
