Salaries at MTSU

At Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, salary expectations for faculty and staff are determined by several key factors, including role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary significantly between academic disciplines, with fields like business, engineering, and health sciences typically commanding higher compensation due to market demand. Administrative roles are influenced by the scope of responsibility and seniority. While MTSU, as a public institution, adheres to state guidelines for compensation, specific salary bands or detailed breakdowns for individual positions are not always publicly disclosed in a comprehensive, accessible format on the university's official website. However, general salary information may be available through state transparency initiatives or public records for public universities in Tennessee.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $50,000–$65,000 USD annually, depending on the department and research expectations. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on tenure track progression.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $65,000–$80,000 USD per year, often reflecting mid-career status, publication records, and teaching load. Additional research funding may supplement income.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $80,000–$110,000 USD annually, with higher earnings for senior faculty with significant research contributions or administrative duties.
• Department Chair: Compensation ranges from $90,000–$130,000 USD per year, influenced by department size and leadership responsibilities, often including stipends or bonuses.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Academic Advisor): Salaries generally fall between $40,000–$55,000 USD annually, varying based on experience and specific job scope.

Salaries at MTSU are generally competitive within the context of public universities in Tennessee, though they may lag behind larger research institutions or private universities in high-cost states. As a public institution, compensation often aligns with state benchmarking for higher education roles, ensuring a degree of transparency and equity. Faculty and staff can expect gradual salary progression through promotions, tenure, and merit-based increases, though significant jumps may depend on securing external grants or moving into administrative positions. For prospective employees, understanding salary expectations requires considering regional cost of living, which is relatively moderate in Murfreesboro compared to national averages, enhancing the real value of compensation.