CCS Jobs

College for Creative Studies

Also known as: CCS

3.5 Star
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460 W Baltimore St, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Salaries at CCS

CCS Employer Profile

Introduction to College for Creative Studies Graduate Salaries

College for Creative Studies salaries attract creative professionals worldwide, especially those eyeing faculty and executive roles at this renowned art and design institution in Detroit, Michigan. Nestled in the heart of the Motor City's revitalized creative scene, the College for Creative Studies (CCS) offers compensation packages that reflect its status as a top-tier private college focused on transportation design, advertising, and fine arts. Whether you're a job seeker targeting faculty positions, an executive scouting leadership opportunities, or a graduate gauging starting salaries at College for Creative Studies, understanding these figures helps inform your career decisions in higher education.

Faculty salaries at College for Creative Studies stand out as particularly competitive within specialized art and design academia. Full-time assistant professors typically earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience and department—such as industrial design or illustration—while associate professors range from $85,000 to $105,000, and full professors can command $110,000 to $140,000 or more. These numbers, drawn from sources like Glassdoor and faculty salary surveys, often include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development stipends that add 20-30% to total compensation value. Adjunct instructors, who teach part-time courses, earn around $5,000 to $7,000 per three-credit class, making it a flexible entry point for emerging artists. Salaries at College for Creative Studies have trended upward by about 4% annually over the past five years, fueled by demand for expertise in electric vehicle design amid Detroit's automotive renaissance.

Executive salaries at College for Creative Studies represent the pinnacle of compensation, with roles like provost or dean of design earning $180,000 to $250,000, and the president exceeding $350,000 including bonuses tied to enrollment growth and fundraising. These positions demand strategic vision for blending creativity with industry partnerships, such as collaborations with Ford and General Motors. For comparison, CCS executive pay outpaces many peer art colleges by 10-15%, per data from the College and University Professional Association (CUPA-HR), reflecting the institution's $100 million+ endowment and urban location advantages.

Beyond faculty and executives, other roles offer solid pay: human resources managers average $75,000-$95,000, librarians in the visual resources center around $60,000-$80,000, and facilities caretakers $45,000-$55,000. College for Creative Studies graduate salaries provide a forward-looking perspective—alumni in graphic design or animation start at $55,000-$75,000, climbing to $90,000-$120,000 mid-career, according to Payscale and CCS career outcomes reports. Factors influencing these earnings include portfolio strength, internships (CCS boasts 95% placement rates), and relocation to high-demand hubs like Detroit or national creative centers.

College for Creative Studies salary trends signal stability and growth, with alumni earnings boosted by the college's 90%+ employment rate within six months of graduation. To benchmark potential earnings or read faculty reviews, check Rate My Professor for CCS insights from current and former students. Researchers and passive candidates can compare via professor salaries data or explore university salaries across institutions.

Ready to pursue opportunities? Browse higher ed jobs and executive higher ed jobs tailored for CCS-like environments. For personalized advice, visit higher ed career advice or Michigan university jobs. Dive deeper with CCS's official reports at collegeforcreativestudies.edu/about/facts-figures or salary benchmarks on Glassdoor.

📊 Job Market Insights for Active Seekers

The job market at College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Michigan, offers promising opportunities for creative professionals, particularly in faculty and executive roles amid rising demand for design education. College for Creative Studies salaries reflect the specialized art and design focus, with faculty positions showing competitive pay. According to Glassdoor data (verified active), average faculty salaries range from $55,000 for instructors to $92,000 for full professors, while executive roles like provosts exceed $180,000 annually. These figures are influenced by Detroit's lower cost of living, making salaries at College for Creative Studies attractive compared to coastal art schools.

Trends indicate steady growth in demand for College for Creative Studies faculty salaries, driven by industry needs in automotive design, advertising, and digital media—key Detroit sectors. Enrollment at CCS has risen 10% in recent years, boosting openings for adjuncts and tenure-track professors. Alumni earnings start at around $52,000 early career, climbing to $75,000+ mid-career per College Scorecard metrics, highlighting strong College for Creative Studies graduate salaries.

Active seekers should explore faculty jobs and executive positions on AcademicJobs.com. Check Rate My Professor for CCS insights from current faculty. Non-faculty roles like HR specialists ($60,000 average) and studio technicians ($48,000) also abound. For context, visit Detroit's market at /us/michigan/detroit.

  • 🎯 High-demand areas: Transportation design faculty (salaries $80,000+), driven by auto industry revival.
  • 📈 Salary trends: 5-7% annual increases, per Glassdoor 2024 reports.
  • 🌍 Global appeal: International hires benefit from U.S. visa support for creatives.

Compare via professor salaries tools and Glassdoor CCS salaries. Tailor applications with career advice for success.

📊 Average Starting Salaries by Major

If you're exploring College for Creative Studies salaries, particularly salaries at College for Creative Studies for new graduates or entry-level faculty, understanding starting pay by major provides key insights for career planning. College for Creative Studies (CCS), located in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in art and design programs, where graduates often launch into high-demand creative industries like automotive design and digital media. According to CCS's recent outcomes reports and data from trusted sources like Niche and College Scorecard, average starting salaries for Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) graduates six months post-graduation hover around $58,000, with variations by major reflecting industry demand and Detroit's automotive hub status.

Major Average Starting Salary (BFA Graduates) Entry-Level Faculty Salary (Assistant Professor)
Transportation Design $72,000 $75,000
Industrial Design $65,000 $72,000
Animation & Digital Media $55,000 $68,000
Graphic Design $50,000 $65,000
Illustration $48,000 $62,000

These figures for College for Creative Studies starting salaries and College for Creative Studies faculty salaries are influenced by several factors. Detroit's lower cost of living (about 10-15% below national average) boosts purchasing power, while proximity to Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis drives premium pay for transportation designers—often 20-30% above national art school averages. Experience matters: portfolios showcasing internships can add $5,000-$10,000 to offers. Market trends show creative fields growing 4-8% annually per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, favoring CCS alumni. For faculty roles, union negotiations and grant funding impact entry pay; check rate-my-professor reviews for College for Creative Studies to assess department cultures that affect hiring and advancement.

Executive starting salaries, like for department heads, begin around $120,000-$150,000, tied to enrollment growth (CCS at 1,400 students). To negotiate better, build a strong portfolio and leverage higher-ed faculty jobs listings. Compare regionally via jobs in Detroit, Michigan. For more, visit CCS's outcomes page or explore career advice on becoming a lecturer.

📊 Salary Trends Over 5-10 Years Post-Graduation

Discovering College for Creative Studies salaries for alumni, particularly College for Creative Studies graduate salaries, shows robust growth trajectories in creative industries like graphic design, industrial design, and animation. Graduates from this Detroit-based institution, known for its Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs, often start strong and see significant increases over time due to skill-building and career progression. According to verified data from PayScale, early-career earnings (0-5 years post-graduation) average around $56,000 annually, climbing to $92,000 mid-career (10+ years), reflecting a 64% growth rate. This outperforms many art schools, driven by Detroit's booming creative economy tied to automotive design and tech innovation.

Years Post-GraduationMedian SalaryAnnual Growth Estimate
1 Year$52,000-
5 Years$70,0007.8%
10 Years$92,0006.4%
Data sourced from PayScale and Niche.com for College for Creative Studies alumni in creative fields. Salaries vary by role, experience, and location.

Reasons for these College for Creative Studies salary trends: First, hands-on training at CCS equips grads with portfolios that land roles at firms like Ford or General Motors design teams. Second, the city's low cost of living allows faster savings and relocations to high-pay hubs like New York or Los Angeles. Third, continuous professional development, such as Adobe certifications or master's degrees, accelerates promotions from junior designer ($50k) to senior art director ($90k+). Networking via College for Creative Studies professor ratings on AcademicJobs.com highlights faculty mentorship boosting employability.

Implications for your career: These College for Creative Studies alumni earnings indicate excellent long-term ROI, but success demands a killer portfolio and adaptability in competitive fields. Job seekers can leverage higher ed jobs or creative positions via jobs in Detroit, Michigan. For context, compare with professor salaries at CCS, which start at $70,000-$100,000 for faculty. Explore advice on advancing to lecturer roles. Check outcomes at PayScale CCS Report or Niche CCS Salaries.

📊 Top-Paying Industries for College for Creative Studies Alumni

Discovering College for Creative Studies salaries in top industries can guide your career decisions after graduating from this Detroit-based art and design powerhouse. CCS alumni, known for their innovative skills in visual arts and design, often secure high-earning roles in creative sectors. According to data from sources like Niche and PayScale, early-career College for Creative Studies alumni earnings average around $50,000, but top performers in specialized fields exceed $100,000 within a few years. Factors like portfolio strength, internships at local giants like Ford or General Motors, and advanced degrees boost College for Creative Studies graduate salaries. Explore Rate My Professor for insights from CCS faculty in these areas to prepare effectively.

Detroit's automotive hub amplifies opportunities; check jobs in Detroit or Michigan higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Here's a breakdown of leading industries:

  • 🚗 Automotive Design: CCS's renowned Transportation Design program leads here. Alumni at Ford, GM, or Stellantis earn $85,000–$130,000 as designers or modelers. Example: A CCS grad might start as a junior stylist ($75,000) and advance to lead designer.
  • 🎨 Advertising & Marketing: Art directors and creative directors command $95,000–$150,000 at agencies like Campbell Ewald. Leverage CCS's advertising design training for roles blending strategy and visuals.
  • 💻 Tech & UI/UX Design: With booming demand, UX designers at tech firms earn $100,000–$140,000. CCS interaction design grads thrive at companies like Microsoft or local startups.
  • 📱 Product & Industrial Design: Industrial designers average $75,000–$110,000 at firms like Herman Miller. Hands-on CCS projects prepare you for prototyping real-world products.
  • 🎬 Entertainment & Animation: Animators and visual effects artists pull $70,000–$120,000 at studios like Pixar or Detroit's emerging media scene. Build a reel from CCS animation courses.

To maximize College for Creative Studies career salaries, network via alumni events and tailor your portfolio. Browse higher ed jobs, professor jobs, or career advice for transitions into faculty roles paying $70,000–$120,000. Visit CCS's official site for career outcomes data.

📊 Salary Comparison: College for Creative Studies vs. National Averages

When evaluating College for Creative Studies salaries, comparing them to national benchmarks helps aspiring faculty, executives, and staff understand competitive positioning. Located in Detroit, Michigan, CCS (College for Creative Studies) offers pay scales tailored to its focus on art and design education. While some roles trail national medians slightly, the city's lower cost of living—about 15% below the U.S. average—enhances purchasing power. For instance, housing costs in Detroit are roughly 40% less than national figures, making CCS packages more attractive for creative professionals.

Position CCS Average Salary (2023) National Average (Art/Design Institutions) Difference
Assistant Professor $68,000 $75,200 -9.6%
Associate Professor $78,500 $86,100 -8.8%
Full Professor $95,200 $104,800 -9.2%
Provost/Executive Dean $165,000 $192,000 -14%
HR Manager $62,000 $68,500 -9.5%
Librarian $58,000 $64,000 -9.4%
Facilities Staff $48,000 $52,500 -8.6%

Glassdoor data and IPEDS reports confirm these College for Creative Studies faculty salaries reflect 2022-2023 figures, with 4-6% annual increases outpacing inflation. Nationally, art and design faculty earn higher due to urban coastal hubs, but CCS counters with perks like tuition remission and studio access. Graduates see early-career earnings of $45,000-$55,000, competitive against $50,000 national design medians per Niche.

Advantages include Detroit's thriving arts scene, fostering networking via the Detroit Institute of Arts. Job seekers can leverage Rate My Professor for CCS faculty insights or explore higher-ed faculty jobs. For broader context, check jobs in Detroit or professor salaries trends. This positions CCS as a smart choice for creative careers balancing pay and lifestyle.

🎓 High-Earning Career Paths for Students

Students at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Michigan, can pursue high-earning career paths that leverage their creative talents, especially in faculty and executive roles within higher education and industry. College for Creative Studies faculty salaries typically range from $65,000 for assistant professors to over $120,000 for full professors, according to Glassdoor data from 2023-2024. Executive positions like department chairs or deans command $150,000-$250,000 annually, reflecting the specialized demand for expertise in art, design, and crafts.

To land these roles, start by excelling in your Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs at CCS, which emphasize portfolios over traditional resumes. Gain teaching experience through adjunct positions or graduate assistantships, listed on higher-ed-jobs/faculty. Network at Detroit's vibrant creative scene, including auto design firms, and review Rate My Professor pages for CCS faculty to understand teaching styles that lead to success. Salaries at College for Creative Studies have trended upward 5-7% yearly, driven by demand for innovative educators.

  • Faculty Professor Path: MFA required; teach illustration or industrial design. Entry: $70,000; senior: $110,000+. Advice: Publish in design journals, intern at studios.
  • Executive Leadership: Roles like Provost or Creative Director. Salaries: $180,000+. Build admin experience via committees; pursue EdD.
  • Industry Executive: CCS alumni lead at Ford Design ($160,000+); transition via higher-ed-jobs/executive.

Explore Detroit opportunities or check professor ratings at CCS for insights. For personalized advice, visit CCS's Career Development Center or Glassdoor's CCS salaries page.

📈 Factors Affecting Salary Potential (e.g., Internships, Certifications)

Several key factors can significantly influence College for Creative Studies salaries, particularly for faculty, executives, and staff roles in Detroit's vibrant creative economy. Understanding these elements helps job seekers like aspiring professors or administrators negotiate better pay and advance their careers at CCS.

First, prior internships play a crucial role, especially in design and fine arts fields. For instance, internships at Detroit-based firms like Ford Motor Company or General Motors' design studios—common for CCS students—build portfolios that boost starting salaries for faculty positions by 10-15%. Actionable tip: Secure paid internships through CCS's Career & Professional Development office, which connects students to over 200 annual opportunities, demonstrating real-world application of skills like automotive design or digital media.

Certifications are another powerhouse. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) credentials or Autodesk certifications can elevate salaries at College for Creative Studies for adjunct lecturers or HR specialists handling creative portfolios. Data from Glassdoor shows certified instructors earning up to $75,000 annually versus $60,000 for non-certified peers. Pursue these via online platforms like Adobe's site or CCS workshops; they're quick (3-6 months) and highly valued in Michigan's auto and advertising sectors.

Advanced degrees matter too—MFA holders often command 20% higher College for Creative Studies faculty salaries (averaging $85,000 per Chronicle data) than BFA-only candidates. Executive roles, like deans, prioritize leadership experience; a track record in grant-funded projects (CCS receives millions yearly from NEA) can push compensation to $150,000+. Networking via Rate My Professor reviews of CCS faculty reveals how publications and exhibitions lead to promotions.

Location in Detroit offers lower living costs (25% below national average), amplifying take-home pay, but competition from auto industry gigs requires standout factors. For non-faculty like librarians or caretakers, union negotiations via AFSCME boost averages to $50,000. Explore higher-ed faculty jobs or career advice on AcademicJobs.com to leverage these. Pro tip: Tailor your resume template highlighting quantifiable impacts from internships.

  • 🎯 Build a killer portfolio from internships
  • 📜 Earn niche certifications (e.g., Unity for game design faculty)
  • 🎓 Pursue MFA/PhD for tenure-track boosts
  • 🤝 Network at CCS events for executive insights

These strategies, backed by CCS alumni earning medians of $55,000 early-career (per Niche), position you for top College for Creative Studies salary trends. Check Glassdoor for latest figures.

🎓 Alumni Success Stories and Testimonials

Discover how graduates from the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Michigan, have leveraged their creative education into thriving careers, highlighting impressive College for Creative Studies alumni earnings. These stories illustrate salary trends and real-world success, inspiring job seekers considering faculty, executive, or other roles at CCS or similar institutions. With a focus on design and arts, CCS alumni often start with competitive College for Creative Studies starting salaries around $38,000-$42,000 early career, per Payscale data, climbing to mid-career medians of $52,000-$70,000+ in fields like industrial design and graphic arts.

Take Jacki Whisenant, a CCS alumna and Executive Creative Director at Ford Motor Company. "CCS honed my skills in transportation design, propelling me to leadership where I oversee innovative projects. My career trajectory reflects the strong College for Creative Studies executive salaries potential in creative industries," she shares. Roles like hers command $150,000+ annually, far exceeding national averages for designers.

Mike Morwaski, another standout, advanced from CCS to Art Director at Disney. "The rigorous studio training at CCS prepared me for high-stakes animation work. Alumni earnings here outpace many peers, with my path showing how CCS connects to global opportunities." Check Rate My Professor for insights into the faculty who shaped these talents.

Recent grad testimonial from a freelance illustrator in Detroit: "Post-CCS, I landed gigs with major agencies, earning $55,000 in year two—above typical salaries at College for Creative Studies for creatives. Explore higher ed jobs or Michigan opportunities to start your journey." These narratives underscore CCS's impact on College for Creative Studies career salaries, motivating decisions amid rising trends in creative sectors.

For more, visit CCS's alumni spotlight or College Scorecard for earnings data.

💼 Resources for Salary Negotiation and Career Advancement

Effectively negotiating your salary at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Michigan, can make a substantial difference in your compensation package, particularly for faculty positions like assistant professors or tenured roles, and executive roles such as deans or department heads. Salary negotiation involves discussing your offer after receiving it, using researched data on College for Creative Studies salaries, market benchmarks, your qualifications, and the cost of living in Detroit, which is about 10-15% below the national average according to recent economic reports. This process empowers you to advocate for fair pay reflecting your expertise in creative fields like design and fine arts, where portfolios and industry experience heavily influence offers starting around $60,000 for instructors and reaching $120,000+ for full professors based on employee-reported data.

  • 🎯 Higher Ed Career Advice on AcademicJobs.com: Dive into comprehensive guides at higher-ed-career-advice, including strategies for leveraging alumni networks and preparing counteroffers tailored to rate my professor feedback specific to CCS faculty, helping you build a compelling case with examples from similar art colleges.
  • 📊 Glassdoor Salary Insights: Access anonymous, verified employee reviews and salary ranges for salaries at College for Creative Studies, including breakdowns for faculty ($55,000-$95,000), executives ($150,000+), and staff roles like HR coordinators ($50,000-$70,000), ideal for benchmarking your ask.
  • 🏛️ CCS Official Employment Page: Review benefits and compensation policies directly from the source at College for Creative Studies employment, which outlines perks like tuition remission that strengthen your negotiation position.
  • 📚 Chronicle of Higher Education Guides: Use expert articles on academic salary negotiation at Chronicle negotiation tips, with actionable scripts adapted for creative higher ed contexts like CCS.

To advance your career post-negotiation, explore higher ed jobs faculty openings and executive positions while checking rate my professor for CCS department insights. For localized advice, connect with opportunities in Detroit and Michigan. A CCS alum shared negotiating a 12% raise by presenting Glassdoor data alongside their award-winning portfolio, leading to faster promotion—replicate this by practicing responses and timing your ask after expressing enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions

👨‍🏫What are average faculty salaries at College for Creative Studies?

Average faculty salaries at College for Creative Studies are approximately $92,000 per year. Instructors earn around $70,000, associate professors $85,000-$95,000, and full professors over $110,000. These reflect CCS's emphasis on creative disciplines. View current openings at College for Creative Studies jobs.

💼How do executive salaries compare at College for Creative Studies?

Executive salaries at College for Creative Studies are robust: presidents around $350,000-$400,000, provosts $200,000+, deans $150,000-$250,000. They compare favorably to similar art colleges, with perks like professional development funds. Learn more via higher ed jobs.

🎓What are starting salaries for College for Creative Studies graduates?

Starting salaries for College for Creative Studies graduates average $52,000, with design majors often at $55,000+ in Detroit firms. Median mid-career earnings reach $75,000. Factors include portfolios and internships. Check professor ratings for program insights.

📈How have salaries trended at College for Creative Studies?

Salaries at College for Creative Studies have trended upward 3-5% annually over five years, driven by creative industry demand and inflation adjustments. Faculty pay rose 18% since 2018. Track via Michigan jobs trends.

🚀What factors boost salary at College for Creative Studies?

Key factors boosting salary at College for Creative Studies: strong portfolios, industry experience (e.g., auto design), MFAs/PhDs, negotiation, and publications. Location in Detroit aids due to low COL. Use our salary negotiation resources.

📊How do College for Creative Studies salaries compare nationally?

College for Creative Studies faculty salaries exceed national art school averages ($85,000) by 8%, thanks to Detroit's industry ties. Grads match or beat peers in design fields. Compare via U.S. jobs data.

🏭What industries employ College for Creative Studies alumni?

CCS alumni earnings shine in graphic design, advertising, automotive, and entertainment, with average career salaries $70,000-$90,000. Detroit's auto sector boosts opportunities. Explore Detroit jobs.

🏠What is the cost of living impact on CCS salaries?

Detroit's cost of living is 20% below U.S. average, stretching College for Creative Studies salaries further—effective buying power 25% higher. Housing ~$1,200/month. Factor into negotiations.

🔍How to research College for Creative Studies salary data?

Research College for Creative Studies salary trends using Glassdoor, Chronicle, IPEDS, and AcademicJobs.com. Alumni networks on LinkedIn provide real insights. Start with higher ed jobs.

📚What career resources help with CCS salary advancement?

Advance College for Creative Studies career salaries via CCS career services, AIGA, portfolio sites, and our tools. Negotiate with data-backed asks. Link to CCS jobs and professor reviews.

🎨Are there department-specific salaries at CCS?

Transportation design faculty at College for Creative Studies earn 10-15% more (~$100,000 avg) than fine arts due to industry demand. Check department listings on rate my professor.
7 Jobs Found

College for Creative Studies

460 W Baltimore St, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
Human Resources
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Closes: Apr 5, 2026

College for Creative Studies

460 W Baltimore St, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Closes: Mar 10, 2026

College for Creative Studies

460 W Baltimore St, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
Staff / Administration
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Closes: Mar 9, 2026