Salaries at GMU

At George Mason University, located in Fairfax, Virginia, 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 significantly between disciplines, with fields like engineering and business commanding higher compensation compared to humanities or social sciences. Additionally, administrative roles may have different pay structures based on responsibility levels and departmental budgets. While George Mason University does not publish fully transparent salary bands for all positions, some data on faculty and staff compensation can be accessed through public records or state employee salary databases, as it is a public institution in Virginia.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $60,000–$80,000 USD per year, depending on the department and research expectations. Entry-level roles may start lower but increase with tenure track progression.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $80,000–$100,000 USD annually, often reflecting seniority, publication record, and teaching load. Additional research funding may supplement income.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $100,000–$150,000 USD per year, with higher earnings for those in specialized or high-demand fields. Bonuses or stipends for leadership roles may apply.
• Department Chair: Compensation often falls between $120,000–$160,000 USD annually, influenced by department size and administrative duties. Additional stipends are common.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries range from $45,000–$65,000 USD per year, depending on experience and scope of responsibilities.

Salaries at George Mason University are generally competitive within the public university sector in Virginia, often benchmarked against other state institutions and adjusted based on cost-of-living considerations in the Northern Virginia area. Faculty and staff can expect periodic salary reviews and opportunities for progression through promotions or additional responsibilities. However, as a public institution, salary growth may be constrained by state budgets and funding allocations, which can impact raises or bonuses. For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, individuals are encouraged to consult official university resources or public salary databases, as specific compensation details may vary year to year.