Salaries at JMU

At James Madison University (JMU), located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by a combination of factors including role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary significantly between disciplines, with fields like business, engineering, and health sciences commanding higher compensation due to market demand. JMU, as a public institution, adheres to state guidelines for salary structures, and while specific individual salaries may not always be publicly disclosed, the university provides some transparency through general salary bands and ranges for different positions via state and institutional reports. These ranges are often accessible through public records or university budget documents, ensuring a level of accountability.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $60,000–$75,000 USD annually, depending on the department and prior experience. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on research output and teaching evaluations.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $75,000–$90,000 USD per year. Mid-career faculty often see increments tied to tenure status and additional responsibilities like program coordination.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $90,000–$120,000 USD annually, with senior faculty benefiting from longevity, leadership roles, and external research funding.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Academic Advisor): Salaries generally fall between $40,000–$55,000 USD per year, influenced by experience and specific job duties.
• Department Chair: Compensation ranges from $100,000–$130,000 USD annually, often including stipends for administrative duties alongside base faculty pay.

In general, JMU salaries are competitive within the context of public universities in Virginia, often benchmarked against other state institutions to ensure fairness and retention of talent. Salary progression for faculty typically follows a structured path tied to promotion and tenure, while administrative roles may see incremental raises based on performance reviews and budgetary constraints. As a public university, JMU's compensation aligns with state funding priorities, which can impact annual adjustments or bonuses. While specific figures for every role may not be publicly available, the university's commitment to transparency through state reporting offers a reasonable overview for prospective employees seeking to understand salary expectations.