Salaries at CUNY Law

Salary expectations at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law at Queens College are influenced by several factors, including the individual's role, academic rank, years of experience, and specific field of expertise. As a public institution within the CUNY system, salaries are often determined by collective bargaining agreements with unions representing faculty and staff, such as the Professional Staff Congress (PSC-CUNY). These agreements establish salary bands for different positions, ensuring a level of transparency. While exact figures for individual employees are not always publicly disclosed, general salary ranges for various roles are often accessible through union contracts or public sector salary databases provided by the state of New York.

• Professor (Full-Time): Typical salary range is approximately $90,000–$130,000 USD per year, depending on seniority and research contributions. Additional compensation may come from grants or administrative duties.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range falls between $75,000–$100,000 USD annually, with variations based on years of service and academic achievements.
• Assistant Professor: Entry-level faculty often earn between $60,000–$80,000 USD per year, with potential increases tied to tenure track progression.
• Adjunct Lecturer: Part-time teaching roles typically pay $3,000–$5,000 USD per course, influenced by course load and experience.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Director): Salaries generally range from $50,000–$90,000 USD annually, depending on the scope of responsibilities and department.

Salaries at CUNY School of Law are generally competitive within the public higher education sector in New York, though they may lag behind private institutions. As part of the public sector, compensation is often benchmarked against state guidelines, with periodic adjustments based on union negotiations. Career progression, such as moving from assistant to full professor, typically brings incremental salary increases, though additional funding for research or special projects can enhance earnings. For prospective employees, understanding the union-driven salary structure is key to setting realistic expectations in this academic environment.