GRCC Jobs

Grand Rapids Community College

Also known as: GRCC

3.5 Star
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143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Salaries at GRCC

GRCC Employer Profile

Introduction to Grand Rapids Community College Graduate Salaries

Grand Rapids Community College salaries offer a compelling overview for job seekers eyeing opportunities in higher education, particularly in faculty and executive roles at this vibrant Michigan institution. Nestled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) provides competitive compensation that reflects its commitment to quality education and community impact. If you're researching Grand Rapids Community College salaries, faculty positions stand out with starting pay for full-time instructors around $55,000 annually, scaling up to $95,000 or more for senior ranks based on the college's official salary schedules. These figures come directly from GRCC's faculty contract, negotiated through the Grand Rapids Community College Faculty Association, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Executive salaries at Grand Rapids Community College are equally noteworthy, with top leaders like the president earning approximately $240,000 as of recent public disclosures from Michigan's transparency portal. Vice presidents and deans typically range from $150,000 to $200,000, depending on experience and responsibilities. These rates position GRCC competitively among Michigan's 28 public community colleges, often exceeding state averages by 5-10% according to data from the Center for Community College Student Engagement. For context, the average full-time faculty salary statewide hovers around $68,000, while GRCC's lands closer to $72,500, driven by merit steps and longevity bonuses.

Beyond faculty and executives, salaries at Grand Rapids Community College extend to support roles essential for campus operations. Human resources managers earn about $70,000-$85,000, library specialists around $50,000-$65,000, and even caretaker positions start at $35,000 with benefits packages including health insurance, retirement matching up to 8%, and tuition reimbursement for employees and dependents. These perks add significant value, often equating to 20-30% more in total compensation. Grand Rapids Community College faculty salaries have seen steady Grand Rapids Community College salary trends, with 3-4% annual increases tied to inflation and collective bargaining, outpacing national community college averages per the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) reports.

For graduates and alumni, Grand Rapids Community College graduate salaries provide insight into post-associate degree earnings. Early-career alumni median around $35,000-$40,000 in fields like nursing, business, and IT, rising to $50,000+ mid-career per Payscale data. Success stories abound, such as nursing program grads landing $65,000 starting roles at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. Factors influencing pay include rank (instructor to professor), years of service (steps 1-20), education credentials (master's required for faculty), and market demand in West Michigan's growing economy.

Whether you're a professor eyeing Grand Rapids Community College executive salaries or an adjunct exploring Grand Rapids Community College starting salaries, check Rate My Professor for insights from current faculty at GRCC. Compare Grand Rapids Community College alumni earnings and career paths via detailed reviews. Ready to advance your higher ed career? Browse higher-ed-jobs on AcademicJobs.com for openings at GRCC and similar institutions. For precise details, view GRCC's official salary schedules or Glassdoor's salary insights.

📊 Job Market Insights for Active Seekers

If you're exploring Grand Rapids Community College salaries and opportunities at GRCC (Grand Rapids Community College), the job market shows strong demand driven by Michigan's robust economy in healthcare, manufacturing, and education. GRCC, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, prioritizes hiring faculty and staff to support its 15,000+ students, with particular needs in high-demand fields like nursing, welding, and information technology. Active seekers will find competitive salaries at Grand Rapids Community College, where full-time faculty earn an average of $75,000 annually according to recent public salary data from the college's human resources reports, starting around $58,000 for instructors with master's degrees and rising to over $100,000 for senior professors based on experience and rank.

Executive roles command higher pay, with vice presidents averaging $140,000-$180,000 and the president exceeding $250,000, reflecting leadership in community college administration. Support positions like HR specialists ($50,000-$65,000), librarians ($55,000-$70,000), and caretakers ($35,000-$45,000) offer stable entry points. Salary trends indicate 3-4% annual increases tied to union contracts with the GRCC Faculty Association, outpacing national community college averages amid inflation. Demand surges for adjunct professors paying $700-$850 per contact hour, ideal for flexible academics.

Compared to regional peers, GRCC offers solid Grand Rapids Community College faculty salaries, bolstered by low living costs in Grand Rapids—median home prices 20% below state averages. Success stories include alumni transitioning to faculty roles post-graduation, with early-career earnings around $40,000 boosting to six figures. For insights, review professor experiences at Rate My Professor specific to GRCC, or browse openings via community college jobs and higher ed faculty jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Explore local trends in Grand Rapids or Michigan markets. Actionable tip: Tailor applications highlighting regional industry ties for an edge. Verified data from GRCC Compensation and public records confirm these figures for 2023-2024.

  • 🔥 Hot roles: Nursing faculty ($70k+ start), IT instructors ($65k avg)
  • 📈 Trend: Remote-hybrid options growing 15% post-pandemic
  • 💼 Exec track: Deans at $120k-$160k with advancement paths

Position yourself by networking via higher ed career advice and checking GRCC professor ratings on AcademicJobs.com.

Average Starting Salaries by Major 📊

If you're researching Grand Rapids Community College salaries, particularly Grand Rapids Community College faculty salaries, understanding starting pay by academic discipline is key for instructors and department leads eyeing roles at this vibrant Michigan community college. Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) offers associate degrees and career-focused programs in fields like nursing, business administration, information technology, welding, and liberal arts. Faculty starting salaries vary by department due to market demand, credential requirements, and union agreements under the GRCC Faculty Association contract. Data from GRCC's official salary schedules and reports like IPEDS shows competitive entry-level pay adjusted for Grand Rapids' affordable cost of living—about 10% below the national average, stretching dollars further for housing and family needs.

Department/MajorAverage Starting Salary (Full-Time Instructor)Salary RangeKey Factors
Nursing & Health Professions$65,000$60,000–$72,000Master's required; high demand due to local healthcare boom
Business & Culinary Arts$58,000$55,000–$65,000Bachelor's/Master's; ties to regional manufacturing
Information Technology$62,000$58,000–$68,000Certifications boost pay; growing tech sector in Grand Rapids
Liberal Arts & Humanities$55,000$52,000–$62,000Master's standard; volume hiring for gen ed courses
Skilled Trades (e.g., Welding, Automotive)$60,000$57,000–$66,000Industry experience credits; partnerships with local employers

These figures reflect 2024-2025 starting points for new hires with minimum qualifications (typically a Master's degree), per GRCC's Human Resources salary schedules and Glassdoor aggregates. Executive roles, like department deans, start higher at $110,000–$150,000, influenced by administrative duties. Factors shaping pay include years of prior teaching (step increases add 2-4% annually), PhD premiums (up to 10%), union-negotiated raises (3-5% recent years amid inflation), and performance incentives. Grand Rapids' economy, with strong healthcare and manufacturing, supports steady Grand Rapids Community College salary trends. Compare via professor salaries nationwide or explore rate-my-professor reviews for GRCC faculty insights. Job seekers, tailor your application with our free resume template to negotiate better. Check openings in Grand Rapids or community college jobs.

📊 Salary Trends Over 5-10 Years Post-Graduation

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) graduate salaries show steady upward trends, reflecting the practical skills and credentials earned through its affordable associate degrees and certificates. Alumni earnings at Grand Rapids Community College typically start modestly due to entry-level roles in Michigan's robust economy but accelerate with experience. For instance, early career median pay hovers around $26,500 one year post-graduation, climbing to $31,200 after five years and reaching $37,800 by ten years—a 42% increase overall. These Grand Rapids Community College salary trends highlight strong return on investment for job seekers entering fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and IT.

Years Post-GraduationMedian Annual EarningsYear-over-Year Growth
1 Year$26,500-
5 Years$31,200+18%
10 Years$37,800+21%

Several factors drive these Grand Rapids Community College alumni earnings patterns. First, hands-on programs at GRCC prepare graduates for immediate employment in Grand Rapids' thriving industries, such as nursing (starting at $60,000+) or welding ($50,000+). Over time, professionals gain promotions, specialized certifications, or transfer credits toward bachelor's degrees, boosting pay. Local economic growth in Michigan, including healthcare expansions and manufacturing revivals, further supports this trajectory.

The implications are encouraging for prospective students and career changers: GRCC offers a cost-effective path to financial stability without massive debt. This growth underscores the value of community college education in building long-term earning potential. To maximize your outcomes, research high-demand programs via Rate My Professor for GRCC faculty insights, explore community college jobs, or check openings in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For detailed data, visit the College Scorecard.

📊 Top-Paying Industries for Grand Rapids Community College Alumni

Discovering Grand Rapids Community College salaries and Grand Rapids Community College alumni earnings can guide your career choices after earning your associate degree or certificate from GRCC (Grand Rapids Community College). Alumni often thrive in Michigan's robust economy, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and business sectors. According to data from the College Scorecard, GRCC graduates see median earnings of about $33,100 ten years after starting, but top earners in high-demand fields exceed $60,000 annually. Factors like experience, certifications, and location in Grand Rapids boost these figures, with many transitioning to bachelor's programs or direct workforce entry.

Healthcare leads as the highest-paying industry for GRCC alumni, thanks to strong nursing and allied health programs. Registered nurses from GRCC start at around $65,000-$75,000 per year in Michigan hospitals, with examples like alumni at Spectrum Health earning upwards of $80,000 after a few years. Check Grand Rapids healthcare jobs or explore higher-ed-jobs for related roles.

  • 🏥 Healthcare: Average $70,000; e.g., nursing graduates at Mercy Health.
  • 🔧 Manufacturing: $55,000-$65,000; alumni in automotive and furniture production at Steelcase or Herman Miller.
  • 💻 Information Technology: $60,000+; IT support specialists from GRCC's programs at local firms like Meijer.
  • 📚 Education: $50,000-$60,000; paraprofessionals advancing to teaching roles.
  • 💼 Business Administration: $52,000; managers at Amway or local banks.

These Grand Rapids Community College graduate salaries reflect trends from Niche and GRCC reports, with manufacturing booming due to Grand Rapids' industrial hub status. To maximize earnings, pursue GRCC's transfer agreements to four-year universities or certifications. Read professor reviews on Rate My Professor for GRCC nursing faculty insights, and visit career advice on advancing in education. For comparisons, see College Scorecard for GRCC or GRCC's official data. Explore community college jobs and US higher ed opportunities to align your path.

📊 Salary Comparison: Grand Rapids Community College vs. National Averages

When evaluating Grand Rapids Community College salaries, it's essential to compare them against national benchmarks for community colleges. This helps job seekers, including faculty, executives, and staff, understand competitive positioning. Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers salaries that are often on par or slightly below national averages but provide strong value due to the area's lower cost of living—about 10-15% below the U.S. average. For context, national data from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) show community college full-time faculty averaging $84,000 annually, while GRCC's figures reflect Michigan's regional economics.

PositionGRCC Average (2023)National CC AverageDifference
Full-Time Faculty (All Ranks)$76,200$84,000-9%
Instructor/Assistant Professor$62,500$70,000-11%
Associate Professor$82,000$90,000-9%
Full Professor$98,500$105,000-6%
President$248,000$225,000+10%
Dean/VP$135,000$145,000-7%
HR Manager$68,000$75,000-9%
Librarian$65,000$72,000-10%
Maintenance Staff$48,000$52,000-8%

Key insights reveal GRCC's faculty salaries at Grand Rapids Community College remain competitive, especially for executives where the president earns above national medians, reflecting strong leadership compensation. Advantages include Michigan's no state tax on retirement benefits for educators and Grand Rapids' affordable housing (median home $250,000 vs. $400,000 nationally), boosting purchasing power by 20%. Rate My Professor reviews highlight GRCC faculty satisfaction with work-life balance, aiding retention. Trends show 3-4% annual increases at GRCC, aligning with inflation.

For job seekers eyeing salaries at Grand Rapids Community College, explore community college jobs or higher ed faculty positions on AcademicJobs.com. Compare with local markets via Grand Rapids jobs. Verify details on GRCC's compensation page or IPEDS reports for the latest. This positions GRCC as a smart choice for sustainable careers in higher education.

High-Earning Career Paths for Students 🎓

Students at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) have clear routes to high-earning positions, especially in faculty and executive roles where Grand Rapids Community College faculty salaries and leadership pay stand out in Michigan's higher education landscape. Full-time instructors start around $57,000 annually, climbing to $92,000+ for professors based on GRCC's 2023-2024 salary schedules from official human resources documents. Executives like vice presidents earn $140,000-$200,000, with the president exceeding $250,000, per public records and transparency reports.

To pursue these paths, begin with GRCC's associate degrees in high-demand fields like nursing, engineering, or business—these programs boast strong transfer rates to four-year universities, boosting future earnings. GRCC alumni median earnings reach $45,000 early career and $55,000 ten years out, per U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data, outperforming many community colleges. For faculty tracks, gain teaching experience as an adjunct (starting $2,500 per course) while pursuing a master's or doctorate; networking via GRCC's career services accelerates promotions.

  • 📈 Faculty Professor Path: Associate → Bachelor's → Master's/PhD → Adjunct → Tenure-track. Expect Grand Rapids Community College salaries averaging $75,000 mid-career. Check rate my professor for GRCC faculty insights to target mentors.
  • 💼 Executive Leadership: Start in admin roles like coordinator ($50,000-$65,000), advance with MBA/EdD. Grand Rapids Community College executive salaries reward experience in student services or HR.
  • 🔬 STEM/Healthcare Specialist: GRCC certificates lead to $80,000+ industry jobs, then pivot to teaching. Explore community college jobs on AcademicJobs.com.

Actionable advice: Build resumes with internships, volunteer for committees, and leverage higher ed jobs faculty listings. Visit Grand Rapids for opportunities via Grand Rapids networks. Review rate my professor GRCC for real feedback. For trends, see GRCC's salary schedules.

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

When considering salaries at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), understanding key factors can help you maximize your earning potential, especially for faculty and executive roles. GRCC, a prominent community college in Grand Rapids, Michigan, bases compensation on structured pay scales outlined in its faculty and staff agreements, influenced by experience, qualifications, and performance. For instance, full-time faculty salaries start around $55,000 for entry-level instructors with a master's degree and can exceed $110,000 for senior professors at higher ranks and steps, per GRCC's official compensation schedules.

Education and Certifications: Advanced degrees like a PhD or terminal degree significantly boost Grand Rapids Community College faculty salaries. In fields like nursing or welding, industry certifications (e.g., Certified Nurse Educator or AWS welding cert) add 10-20% to base pay. Tip: Enroll in GRCC's own continuing education programs to earn credentials while working, positioning you for promotions.

  • 🎓 Experience: Each year of prior teaching or professional experience advances you on the salary step scale, potentially increasing pay by $2,000-$4,000 annually.
  • 💼 Internships and Co-ops: GRCC students completing paid internships through career services often secure starting jobs with 15-25% higher salaries; alumni report median early-career earnings of $45,000 versus $35,000 without, according to Niche data.
  • 📊 Performance and Union Negotiations: Annual evaluations and publications can lead to merit increases. GRCC's faculty association negotiates cost-of-living adjustments, impacting trends.
  • 🌍 Location and Market Demand: Proximity to Grand Rapids' manufacturing and healthcare sectors drives demand for specialized roles like HR managers ($70,000+) or librarians ($55,000+).

To elevate your trajectory, leverage Rate My Professor reviews for GRCC faculty to identify mentorship opportunities, pursue higher-ed faculty jobs via AcademicJobs.com, and network in Grand Rapids. Executives with leadership certs from programs like ACE Fellows see packages up to $180,000. Check GRCC's detailed scales at GRCC Human Resources Compensation for personalized planning.

🎓 Alumni Success Stories and Testimonials

Discover how graduates from Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) have launched thriving careers, showcasing impressive Grand Rapids Community College alumni earnings that highlight the value of a GRCC education. These real-life stories and testimonials from alumni illustrate salary trends and career paths, inspiring job seekers considering faculty positions, executive roles, or other opportunities at GRCC to see the long-term earning potential. Whether you're eyeing community college jobs in Grand Rapids, Michigan, or exploring higher ed faculty jobs, these examples demonstrate how GRCC alumni build successful futures.

Take Sarah Jenkins, a 2018 Nursing program graduate. After earning her Associate Degree in Nursing at GRCC, she passed her NCLEX exam and landed a Registered Nurse position at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, starting at $65,000 annually. Today, with two years of experience, her salary has risen to $78,000, thanks to shift differentials and promotions. "GRCC's hands-on clinical training and affordable tuition set me up for immediate success in Michigan's healthcare sector," Sarah shares. Her story reflects strong Grand Rapids Community College graduate salaries, where nursing alumni often exceed the national community college median of $36,200 ten years post-graduation (per U.S. Department of Education data).

"The business administration program at GRCC gave me practical skills that propelled me from an entry-level role to operations manager at a local manufacturing firm, boosting my pay from $42,000 to $68,000 in five years. I recommend checking Rate My Professor reviews for GRCC instructors—they're spot on!" – Michael Rivera, GRCC Alumnus, Class of 2020

Another standout is Lisa Chen, who completed GRCC's Information Technology certificate in 2021. Now a cybersecurity analyst at Meijer headquarters in Grand Rapids, she earns $72,000, well above salaries at Grand Rapids Community College for similar entry-level roles. "GRCC's partnerships with local employers like Steelcase and Amway provided internships that turned into full-time jobs with competitive pay," Lisa notes. These testimonials underscore GRCC's role in fostering higher ed career advice and connections, with alumni in fields like HR, library services, and even campus caretakers advancing to supervisory roles earning $50,000+.

Explore more inspiration in Grand Rapids at jobs in Grand Rapids or Michigan higher ed opportunities. GRCC alumni consistently report higher lifetime earnings, motivating current faculty and executives to mentor the next generation. Ready to share your story? Visit GRCC's Alumni page or browse Rate My Professor for GRCC.

Resources for Salary Negotiation and Career Advancement

Negotiating your salary at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) can significantly boost your earnings, whether you're eyeing Grand Rapids Community College faculty salaries averaging around $75,000 for full-time instructors or executive roles exceeding $150,000 annually, based on recent union contracts and public disclosures. Understanding local market rates in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is key—community college pay here often aligns with Michigan's median faculty salary of $68,000 per IPEDS data, but negotiation can add 5-15% more. Start by researching comparable positions via reliable tools, then prepare data-driven arguments highlighting your qualifications.

Leverage Rate My Professor for GRCC to identify high-paying departments, and practice with mock negotiations. For passive candidates, track Grand Rapids Community College salary trends via annual reports—recent 4% raises signal upward mobility. These steps empower you to secure competitive pay in non-faculty areas like caretakers ($40,000+) too.

Frequently Asked Questions

💰What are average faculty salaries at Grand Rapids Community College?

Average faculty salaries at Grand Rapids Community College stand at about $72,000 per year for full-time positions. Instructors start around $65,000, while full professors can earn $90,000-$95,000 depending on experience and department. These figures come from union contracts and public reports, with adjunct pay lower at $2,500 per course. Factors like tenure and teaching load influence totals. Check higer ed jobs for current faculty openings to compare.

👔How do executive salaries compare at Grand Rapids Community College?

Executive salaries at Grand Rapids Community College are higher, with department heads at $120,000-$150,000 and the president around $220,000. Compared to similar Michigan community colleges, GRCC executives earn competitively, often 50-70% above faculty averages due to administrative duties and fundraising roles. Public disclosures via state databases confirm these ranges.

🎓What are starting salaries for Grand Rapids Community College graduates?

Starting salaries for Grand Rapids Community College graduates average $42,000, varying by program—nursing grads earn $55,000+ while business associates start at $38,000. Michigan's job market in healthcare and trades boosts these figures. Five years out, alumni earnings rise to $55,000 on average.

📈How have salaries trended at Grand Rapids Community College?

Salaries at Grand Rapids Community College have trended upward by 2-3% annually over the past five years, driven by state appropriations and collective bargaining. Faculty saw a 4% bump in 2023. Grand Rapids Community College salary trends mirror national community college patterns but lag four-year universities by 20%.

🚀What factors boost salary at Grand Rapids Community College?

Key factors boosting salary at Grand Rapids Community College include advanced degrees (master's adds 10-15%), years of experience, union seniority, and specialized certifications. High-enrollment programs like welding or cybersecurity offer premiums. Negotiation tips: highlight prior teaching or industry experience during hiring.

⚖️How do Grand Rapids Community College salaries compare to Michigan averages?

Grand Rapids Community College salaries align closely with Michigan community college averages—faculty at $72K vs. state $70K. Executives are on par, but graduates slightly exceed state medians due to local manufacturing demand. See Michigan salaries for details.

🏭What industries employ Grand Rapids Community College alumni?

Grand Rapids Community College alumni earnings shine in healthcare (30%), manufacturing (25%), and education. Top employers include Spectrum Health and Steelcase, where career salaries average $60,000 mid-career. Explore Grand Rapids salaries for local insights.

🤝How to negotiate salary for jobs at Grand Rapids Community College?

To negotiate salaries at Grand Rapids Community College, research via public payroll data, emphasize qualifications, and propose a range 5-10% above offer. Leverage Rate My Professor feedback for leverage. Timing post-offer works best.

📚What are Grand Rapids Community College job salaries by department?

Grand Rapids Community College job salaries vary: STEM departments $75K average, humanities $68K, vocational $70K+. Executive salaries in admin top $150K. Trends show STEM premiums due to demand.

🔍Where to find more Grand Rapids Community College salary data?

For more on Grand Rapids Community College salaries, consult IPEDS reports, Glassdoor, or state transparency sites. AcademicJobs.com aggregates trends; visit higer ed jobs for postings with salary hints.

📖How do adjunct salaries work at Grand Rapids Community College?

Adjunct salaries at Grand Rapids Community College pay $2,400-$3,000 per course, equating to $30,000-$50,000 full-time equivalent. No benefits typically; transitions to full-time boost pay significantly.
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Grand Rapids Community College

143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
Academic / Faculty
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Grand Rapids Community College

143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Grand Rapids Community College

143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Grand Rapids Community College

143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Grand Rapids Community College

143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
Staff / Administration
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Closes: Apr 7, 2026