Salaries at CCC

At Columbia College Chicago, located in Chicago, Illinois, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, experience, academic rank, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary between academic departments, with fields like film, media, and arts potentially aligning with industry standards, while administrative roles may follow regional benchmarks for higher education institutions. While Columbia College Chicago does not publicly publish transparent salary bands or detailed compensation data on its official website, some information may be inferred from general industry reports, job postings, and employee reviews. Prospective employees are encouraged to consult with the university’s human resources department for specific salary details during the hiring process.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range of $50,000–$65,000 USD per year, depending on department and prior teaching experience. Entry-level roles may start at the lower end, with potential increases based on tenure track progression.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range of $65,000–$80,000 USD annually, often reflecting seniority, research contributions, and teaching load. Additional funding for creative projects may supplement income in arts-focused disciplines.
• Full Professor: Salary range of $80,000–$100,000+ USD per year, with higher earnings tied to long-term service, leadership roles, and notable achievements in academia or industry.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Typical range of $40,000–$55,000 USD annually, influenced by role scope and years of experience. Bonuses or benefits may apply for senior administrative positions.
• Department Chair: Salary range of $85,000–$110,000 USD per year, often including stipends for leadership responsibilities and oversight of academic programs.

Salaries at Columbia College Chicago appear to be competitive within the context of private liberal arts colleges, though they may not always match those at larger research universities or public institutions with state funding. Progression in compensation often depends on performance reviews, promotions, and contributions to the college’s mission of fostering creativity and innovation. As a private institution, salary structures are not typically benchmarked against public sector standards, and detailed data remains limited. Employees and candidates often note that benefits, campus culture, and opportunities for professional development add significant value to overall compensation packages at the university.