Salaries at NAU

At Northern Arizona University (NAU), located in Flagstaff, Arizona, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary significantly between disciplines, with fields like engineering and business commanding higher compensation compared to humanities or social sciences. Additionally, administrative roles may have different pay structures based on leadership responsibilities and departmental budgets. While NAU does not publish fully transparent salary bands for all positions, some data on average salaries for public university employees in Arizona can be accessed through state resources or university reports, though specific individual compensation remains confidential.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $60,000–$75,000 USD per year, depending on the department. Entry-level roles often start at the lower end, with potential increases based on research output and teaching evaluations.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $75,000–$90,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty may see boosts from tenure, publications, or securing research grants.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $90,000–$120,000 USD per year. Seniority, leadership roles, and external funding often contribute to higher earnings at this rank.
• Department Chair: Compensation generally falls between $100,000–$140,000 USD annually, reflecting additional administrative duties and oversight responsibilities.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Academic Advisor): Salaries range from $40,000–$55,000 USD per year, often tied to experience and specific job scope within the university structure.

Salaries at Northern Arizona University are generally competitive within the context of public universities in the southwestern United States, though they may lag behind private institutions or those in larger metropolitan areas. As a public university, NAU’s compensation often aligns with state benchmarking for higher education roles, with periodic adjustments based on budget allocations and cost-of-living considerations. Faculty and staff can expect gradual salary progression through promotions, tenure, or additional responsibilities, though significant jumps may depend on external funding or departmental priorities. For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, prospective employees are encouraged to consult directly with NAU’s human resources department.