Salaries at AAC

At Academy of Art University, located in San Francisco, California, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, experience, academic rank, and the specific field of expertise. As a private institution focused on art and design, compensation often reflects industry standards within creative sectors as well as the high cost of living in the Bay Area. However, the university does not publicly publish transparent salary bands or detailed compensation data for its employees. Information about salaries is generally obtained through employee reports, job postings, or third-party salary aggregation platforms, which may not always reflect the most current or accurate figures.

• Full-Time Faculty (Instructor/Professor): Typical salary range is approximately $60,000–$100,000 USD per year, depending on rank and department. Seniority and industry experience in art or design fields often influence higher pay.
• Adjunct Faculty: Average pay ranges from $3,000–$6,000 USD per course, with variations based on course load and expertise. Adjunct roles often lack benefits or long-term contracts.
• Academic Department Chair: Salaries typically fall between $80,000–$120,000 USD annually, with additional stipends possible for administrative duties or program development.
• Administrative Staff (Admissions/Student Services): Compensation generally ranges from $45,000–$70,000 USD per year, influenced by experience and the specific role’s responsibilities.
• Senior Leadership (Deans/Directors): Salaries often start at $100,000 USD and can exceed $150,000 USD annually, often including bonuses or incentives tied to enrollment or fundraising goals.

Salaries at Academy of Art University appear to be competitive within the private art and design education sector, particularly given the institution’s location in a high-cost urban area. However, salary progression may vary widely based on individual performance, departmental budgets, and enrollment trends. As a private university, compensation is not tied to public sector benchmarking, and there is limited transparency regarding pay equity or annual adjustments. Prospective employees are encouraged to negotiate offers based on industry standards and to consider the broader benefits package, which may include professional development opportunities or access to creative resources.