Salaries at BU

At Boston University, located in Boston, Massachusetts, salary expectations for faculty and staff are determined by a variety of factors including role, academic rank, experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary significantly between disciplines, with higher compensation typically offered in fields like medicine, law, and business compared to humanities or social sciences. Additionally, seniority and tenure status play a crucial role in determining pay for academic positions. While Boston University does not publicly publish transparent salary bands for all roles, some data may be accessible through state or federal reporting for public-facing positions or through aggregated industry surveys.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $70,000–$100,000 USD annually, depending on the department and research funding. Entry-level roles may start lower but increase with publications and grants.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $90,000–$130,000 USD per year, often reflecting tenure status and additional responsibilities such as mentoring or administrative duties.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $120,000–$200,000+ USD annually, with higher earnings for those in specialized fields or with significant research contributions and external funding.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries generally range from $45,000–$65,000 USD per year, influenced by experience and the scope of responsibilities.
• Department Chair: Compensation often falls between $150,000–$250,000 USD annually, including stipends or bonuses for leadership roles and departmental oversight.

Salaries at Boston University are generally competitive within the higher education sector, particularly for a private research institution in a high-cost-of-living area like Boston. Progression in academic roles often depends on achieving tenure, securing research grants, or taking on leadership positions, which can significantly boost earnings over time. While specific salary data for all positions is not always publicly available, the university's compensation structure aligns with industry benchmarks for similar institutions in the region. Employees may also benefit from additional perks such as health benefits, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities, which enhance overall compensation packages.