Salaries at CWU

Salary expectations at Central Washington University (CWU), located in Ellensburg, Washington, are typically determined by a combination of factors including role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. For academic positions, salaries often align with professorial ranks such as assistant, associate, or full professor, while administrative roles are influenced by the scope of responsibility and seniority. CWU, as a public institution, adheres to state guidelines for compensation, and some salary data may be accessible through public records. However, the university does not widely publish transparent salary bands or detailed breakdowns on its official website, making precise figures reliant on external reporting or individual disclosure.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is approximately $50,000–$60,000 USD per year, depending on the department and discipline. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on research output or teaching evaluations.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is around $60,000–$75,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see increments tied to tenure status and additional responsibilities.
• Full Professor: Salaries generally fall between $80,000–$100,000 USD per year, with higher earnings possible for those with significant research funding or administrative duties.
• Department Chair: Compensation typically ranges from $85,000–$110,000 USD, reflecting added leadership responsibilities and seniority.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Academic Advisor): Salaries often range from $40,000–$55,000 USD, varying based on experience and specific job scope.

Salaries at Central Washington University are generally competitive within the context of public universities in the Pacific Northwest, though they may lag behind larger research institutions or private colleges. As a public sector employer, CWU benchmarks its compensation against state and regional standards, ensuring a degree of fairness and transparency. Salary progression for faculty often depends on achieving tenure or securing grants, while administrative staff may see growth through promotions or expanded roles. While exact figures can vary year to year, prospective employees should note that compensation reflects both market conditions and the university’s commitment to equitable pay within public funding constraints.