Salaries at NEC

At the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC), located in Boston, Massachusetts, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and specific field of expertise within music and performing arts. Salaries may also reflect individual achievements, such as performance accolades or published works. While NEC does not publicly disclose detailed salary bands or specific compensation data for all positions, some information can be inferred from industry standards for music conservatories and higher education institutions in the region. Transparency regarding exact figures remains limited, and prospective employees are often encouraged to discuss compensation directly during the hiring process.

• Professor of Music: Typical salary range is approximately $80,000–$120,000 USD per year, depending on seniority and specialization. Full professors with extensive performance or research portfolios may earn at the higher end.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is around $60,000–$85,000 USD annually. Compensation often increases with tenure track progression and additional teaching responsibilities.
• Adjunct Faculty: Salaries are generally lower, ranging from $30,000–$50,000 USD per year or on a per-course basis. These roles often lack benefits and depend on course load.
• Administrative Director: Typical range is $70,000–$100,000 USD per year, influenced by the scope of responsibilities and department size.
• Student Services Coordinator: Salaries typically fall between $45,000–$60,000 USD annually, with potential for bonuses based on program success or enrollment metrics.

Salaries at NEC 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 correlates with tenure, professional recognition, and contributions to the conservatory’s reputation through performances or student success. As a private institution, NEC’s salary structure is not directly tied to public sector benchmarking, which can result in variability. For those considering a career at NEC, it’s worth noting that while base salaries are important, additional opportunities such as performance stipends or external grants may supplement income for faculty with active artistic careers.