Salaries at MSM

At the Manhattan School of Music (MSM), located in New York City, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and specific field of expertise. Salaries often vary between performance-based disciplines, academic instruction, and administrative positions. While MSM does not publicly publish transparent salary bands or detailed compensation data on its official website, general trends in the higher education sector, particularly for music conservatories in urban areas like New York, provide some insight into expected ranges. Compensation may also be influenced by union agreements, grant funding for specific projects, and individual negotiations.

• Full-Time Faculty (Professor/Associate Professor): Typical salary range is approximately $70,000–$100,000 USD per year, depending on rank and seniority. Additional income may come from performance opportunities or external grants.
• Adjunct Faculty: Average pay ranges from $3,000–$5,000 USD per course, with variations based on teaching load and experience. Adjunct roles often lack benefits compared to full-time positions.
• Department Chair: Salaries generally fall between $90,000–$120,000 USD annually, reflecting leadership responsibilities and administrative duties alongside teaching.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Admissions Officer): Compensation typically ranges from $45,000–$65,000 USD per year, influenced by experience and the specific department's budget.
• Executive Roles (e.g., Dean or Director): Salaries can exceed $150,000 USD annually, often including bonuses or stipends for institutional leadership and fundraising efforts.

Salaries at the Manhattan School of Music appear to be competitive within the niche of music conservatories, though they may not always match those at larger research universities due to the specialized nature of the institution. Progression in compensation often depends on achieving higher academic ranks, securing external funding, or taking on administrative responsibilities. As a private institution, MSM's salary structure is not directly tied to public sector benchmarking, and detailed data remains limited. Prospective employees are encouraged to consider the high cost of living in New York City when evaluating overall compensation packages.