Salaries at MSU

At Montana State University (MSU), located in Bozeman, Montana, salary expectations for faculty and staff are determined by several factors, including role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary significantly between disciplines, with STEM fields typically commanding higher compensation due to market demand. Additionally, administrative roles may have different pay structures compared to academic positions. While MSU does not publish fully transparent salary bands for all positions, some data on average salaries for certain roles is accessible through public records and state employee salary databases, as MSU is a public institution. This allows for a general understanding of compensation trends at the university.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $60,000–$75,000 USD annually, depending on the department. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on research funding and teaching performance.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $75,000–$90,000 USD per year. Mid-career faculty often see salary growth tied to tenure and publication records.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $90,000–$120,000 USD annually. Seniority, leadership roles, and external grants can push compensation higher.
• Department Chair: Compensation often falls between $100,000–$130,000 USD per year, reflecting additional administrative responsibilities.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries range from $40,000–$55,000 USD annually, varying by experience and specific job duties.

Salaries at Montana State University are generally competitive within the context of public universities in the region, though they may lag behind larger research institutions or private universities in urban areas. As a public university, MSU salaries are often benchmarked against state guidelines and funding allocations, which can limit rapid salary progression. However, faculty may have opportunities for additional income through grants, consulting, or summer teaching. Overall, while compensation reflects the cost of living in Montana, prospective employees should consider the balance between salary and the quality of life offered in Bozeman when evaluating opportunities at MSU.