Salaries at Calvin

At Calvin University, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary between academic departments, with STEM and business-related fields generally commanding higher compensation due to market demand. While Calvin University does not publicly publish detailed salary bands or transparent pay scales on its official website, some information may be inferred from industry standards for private liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, as well as data from external higher education salary surveys. Employees are encouraged to discuss compensation directly with human resources during the hiring process for clarity on specific roles.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $55,000–$65,000 USD per year. This entry-level academic position often depends on the discipline and may include additional stipends for research or teaching overloads.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $65,000–$80,000 USD annually. Mid-level faculty often see increases based on tenure status and years of service at the university.
• Full Professor: Salary range typically falls between $80,000–$100,000+ USD per year. Seniority, publication record, and leadership roles can significantly impact earnings at this level.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Admissions Counselor): Salaries generally range from $40,000–$50,000 USD annually. Compensation may vary based on department and experience level.
• Department Chair: Average salary range is $85,000–$110,000 USD per year. Additional stipends or bonuses may be provided for administrative duties and oversight of academic programs.

Salaries at Calvin University appear to be competitive within the context of private Christian liberal arts institutions, though they may not always match those at larger public research universities. Progression in compensation often aligns with academic promotions, tenure achievement, and contributions to the university’s mission. As a private institution, Calvin University is not subject to public sector salary benchmarking, which can limit access to comprehensive data. For prospective employees, understanding salary competitiveness may require direct negotiation or comparison with similar institutions in the region. Overall, while specific figures are not widely disclosed, the university strives to balance fair compensation with its commitment to a faith-based educational environment.