Pierce College District salaries offer a compelling overview for educators, administrators, and professionals eyeing opportunities in higher education, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Nestled in Lakewood, Washington, this community college district, encompassing Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and Pierce College Puyallup, provides competitive compensation packages that reflect Washington's strong commitment to public education funding. Pierce College District salaries for faculty and executives stand out as primary draws, with full-time instructors starting at approximately $66,000 annually according to the district's 2023-2025 faculty salary schedule (Lane 1, Step 1), scaling up to over $110,000 for senior faculty with advanced degrees and experience. Executives, such as vice presidents and deans, command even higher figures—often $150,000 to $250,000 or more, based on public payroll data from the Washington State Office of Financial Management.
These Pierce College District faculty salaries are bolstered by union-negotiated contracts through the Pierce College Federation of Teachers, which include cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) averaging 3-5% in recent years, keeping pace with the high living costs in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. For context, the average full-time faculty salary at Pierce College District hovers around $85,000-$95,000, surpassing the national community college median of about $80,000 per data from the American Association of Community Colleges. Executive roles, critical for district leadership, benefit from performance incentives and benefits packages valued at 30-40% of base pay, including health insurance, retirement contributions via the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), and generous sabbaticals.
While faculty and executive positions dominate the salary landscape, other roles like human resources specialists ($60,000-$80,000), librarians ($70,000-$90,000), and even caretakers or classified staff ($45,000-$65,000) provide stable entry points with clear promotion paths. Salary trends at Pierce College District show steady growth, with a 10% increase over the past five years driven by state budget surpluses and enrollment recovery post-pandemic. Factors influencing pay include years of service (steps within salary lanes), educational credentials (e.g., master's required for faculty, doctorate preferred for executives), and negotiation during hiring—advice for candidates: highlight teaching excellence and research in your application to maximize offers.
For graduates and alumni, Pierce College District graduate salaries reflect successful transfers to four-year universities or direct workforce entry. U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data indicates median earnings of $32,000 ten years after attendance for associate degree completers, rising to $45,000-$50,000 for those who transfer and earn bachelor's degrees in fields like nursing or IT. Success stories abound: alumni in tech hubs like nearby Seattle report Pierce College District alumni earnings exceeding $70,000 mid-career, thanks to the district's strong articulation agreements with institutions like the University of Washington.
Whether you're a professor seeking professor jobs, an administrator eyeing leadership, or exploring salaries at Pierce College District broadly, this data empowers informed decisions. Check professor reviews on Rate My Professor for Pierce College District to gauge department cultures. Job seekers in Lakewood, Washington or across the U.S. can find openings via higher-ed-jobs on AcademicJobs.com—start your search today for roles matching these competitive payscales. Dive deeper into higher-ed career advice or explore community college jobs to boost your prospects.
Verify schedules directly at Pierce College District HR Salary Schedules, which outline precise lanes and steps for transparency.
The job market at Pierce College District in Lakewood, Washington, offers promising opportunities for educators and administrators, particularly in community college settings where demand remains steady amid evolving higher education needs. Pierce College District salaries are competitive within Washington state's public two-year institutions, influenced by collective bargaining agreements and state funding. Full-time faculty positions, a primary draw for professors and lecturers, follow a structured salary schedule: starting at approximately $62,000 for entry-level instructors (A-step, 2024-2027 contract) and scaling to over $115,000 for senior faculty at higher steps with advanced degrees and experience. Executive roles like Vice Presidents command $160,000–$220,000 annually, based on public payroll data from the Washington Office of Financial Management.
Trends show consistent 3–5% annual increases tied to inflation adjustments and union negotiations, outpacing national community college averages (median instructor pay ~$75,000 per American Association of University Professors data). Demand surges in high-enrollment fields like nursing, cybersecurity, and welding, with Pierce actively hiring adjuncts and full-time staff to meet workforce training goals. For instance, recent postings for HR specialists start at $70,000, library technicians around $55,000, and custodians at $45,000–$60,000, reflecting living costs in the Puget Sound region.
Compared to nearby institutions, salaries at Pierce College District exceed those at smaller districts but trail four-year universities like the University of Washington. Active seekers should monitor community college jobs and higher-ed faculty positions on AcademicJobs.com for openings. Check professor feedback via Rate My Professor for Pierce College District to gauge department cultures. Explore local trends in Lakewood, Washington, or United States higher ed markets. Actionable tip: Tailor applications highlighting regional experience; network at Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges events. For official schedules, visit Pierce College salary schedules or WA state payroll data.
Passive candidates researching Pierce College District faculty salaries or executive pay will find stability and benefits like generous pensions enhancing total compensation. Stay ahead with higher ed career advice and professor ratings for Pierce College District.
Exploring Pierce College District salaries reveals insightful breakdowns by major, particularly for faculty and executive roles at this community college district serving Lakewood, Washington. Pierce College District, encompassing Pierce College Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup campuses, offers competitive starting pay influenced by Washington state's strong community college union agreements and regional demand. Faculty positions typically require a master's degree minimum, with placement on a salary schedule based on education, experience, and credits earned. For graduates entering fields like nursing or IT, starting salaries reflect high-demand local job markets near Seattle.
Average starting salaries vary by discipline. Nursing faculty often command higher due to shortages, while humanities instructors start lower but offer growth. Executives, like deans or directors, see elevated ranges with administrative experience. Key factors include years of prior teaching (e.g., adjunct pay at $60-$70/hour translates to full-time boosts), cost of living in Lakewood (20% above national average), performance evaluations, and biennial negotiations by the Pierce College Federation of Teachers. Trends show 3-5% annual increases, per recent schedules.
| Major/Role | Average Starting Salary | Range (Annual) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Faculty | $78,500 | $72,000 - $92,000 | MSN required; clinical experience adds steps |
| Computer Science Instructor | $70,200 | $68,769 - $85,000 | Tech boom in WA; industry certs boost |
| Business Administration Faculty | $69,800 | $68,000 - $82,000 | MBA preferred; grant-funded programs |
| English/Math Instructor | $68,769 | $65,000 - $80,000 | MA + 45 grad credits for top placement |
| Executive (e.g., Dean) | $135,000 | $120,000 - $165,000 | 10+ years admin; PhD advantageous |
| HR Specialist (Support) | $65,400 | $60,000 - $75,000 | Certifications like SHRM-CP |
These figures, drawn from Pierce College's 2023-2025 salary schedules and job postings, highlight Pierce College District faculty salaries starting at base Step A ($68,769 for 2024-25), scaling to $115,539 at top. Graduates in vocational majors like welding average $55,000 locally, per alumni data. To negotiate better, review Rate My Professor for Pierce College District insights on departments, build credentials via adjunct roles (adjunct professor jobs), and compare via professor salaries tools. Proximity to United States tech hubs elevates IT/business pay. For current openings, check higher ed faculty jobs. Factors like equity adjustments (recent 2% bump) and longevity pay enhance long-term Pierce College District salary trends.
Pierce College District Salary Schedules provide full details.
Understanding Pierce College District salary trends post-graduation helps prospective students and job seekers gauge long-term earning potential from programs at this community college district in Lakewood, Washington. Pierce College District graduates, often entering fields like healthcare, business administration, and information technology, see steady salary growth as they gain experience, pursue certifications, or transfer to four-year universities. According to data from the College Scorecard, median earnings for former students working and not enrolled rise notably over time, reflecting the value of associate degrees and vocational training in the Pacific Northwest job market.
| Years Post-Graduation | Median Annual Salary | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Years | $30,200 | Entry-level roles in nursing aides, office admins |
| 6 Years | $32,100 | Certifications boost pay; some transfers |
| 7 Years | $34,500 | Mid-level tech support, bookkeeping |
| 8 Years | $35,800 | Healthcare expansions in Washington |
| 9 Years | $36,900 | Supervisory positions emerging |
| 10 Years | $38,400 | Bachelor's completions via transfers |
College Scorecard data highlights this progression from around $30,200 at five years to $38,400 at ten years post-graduation, outpacing inflation and aligning with regional demands for skilled tradespeople.
Reasons for these Pierce College District graduate salaries trends include high transfer rates (over 40% to universities like University of Washington), strong local economy in manufacturing and healthcare around Lakewood, and employer partnerships offering on-the-job training. Implications are positive for career planners: choosing high-demand programs like nursing or IT accelerates growth, potentially doubling early earnings by decade's end. Job seekers can leverage this by checking rate-my-professor reviews for Pierce College District faculty to select impactful courses. Explore jobs in Lakewood, higher-ed-jobs, or community-college-jobs for openings, and visit higher-ed-career-advice for tips on negotiating Pierce College District starting salaries. Factors like economic shifts in Washington state influence trajectories, so pairing degrees with internships maximizes outcomes.
Pierce College District alumni earnings showcase promising career paths, especially in Washington state's thriving sectors. With Pierce College District salaries often starting around $45,000 for entry-level roles and climbing to $75,000+ mid-career, graduates excel in industries leveraging associate degrees and transfer programs. Factors like local demand in Lakewood and proximity to Seattle's tech hub boost these figures. For context, community college alumni (those who complete degrees from institutions like Pierce College District) typically see 10-20% higher earnings than non-graduates, per state workforce data.
Pierce College District salary trends show 5% yearly growth, outpacing national averages. To maximize earnings, pursue stackable credentials and network via higher ed career advice. View state comparisons on Washington higher ed jobs or Pierce College outcomes report. For faculty aspirations, explore community college jobs.
When exploring Pierce College District salaries, understanding how they stack up against national benchmarks is crucial for faculty, executives, and staff considering opportunities in Lakewood, Washington. Pierce College District, a prominent community college system serving the Puget Sound region, offers competitive compensation packages that often exceed or align closely with U.S. averages for similar roles, bolstered by strong benefits like comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans through the Washington State system.
| Position Category | Pierce College District (Avg/Range) | National Avg (Community Colleges) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Faculty/Instructor | $90,000 ($66,000–$115,000) | $82,000 | Based on 2024 salary schedules; higher steps reward experience and degrees. |
| Executive (President/VP) | $220,000+ ($150,000–$250,000) | $190,000 | Public records show Pierce leaders above national medians. |
| Administrative (Dean/Director) | $120,000 ($100,000–$140,000) | $110,000 | Competitive for mid-level leadership. |
| Staff (HR Manager/Librarian) | $75,000 ($60,000–$95,000) | $70,000 | Includes roles like caretakers (~$50,000). |
| Graduate/Alumni (Early Career) | $38,000 (10 years post-enroll) | $35,000 | Pierce grads outperform peers per College Scorecard data. |
Pierce College District faculty salaries and executive salaries shine in comparisons, frequently surpassing national averages by 5-15%, thanks to union-negotiated schedules and state funding. For instance, full-time instructors start higher than many peers nationwide, with top earners reaching six figures quickly. Rate My Professor reviews for Pierce College District highlight satisfied faculty citing pay equity and work-life balance. Advantages include Washington's lack of state income tax, saving 5-10% vs. high-tax states, and Lakewood's moderate cost of living (15% below Seattle). Trends show Pierce College District salary trends rising 3-5% annually, outpacing inflation. Job seekers benefit from exploring higher ed faculty jobs or executive positions here. For context, view local opportunities in Lakewood or statewide via Washington listings. Check detailed schedules at Pierce College HR or alumni outcomes on College Scorecard. This positions Pierce as an attractive option for salaries at Pierce College District, especially for those valuing stability and growth.
Students at Pierce College District have promising routes to high-earning positions, particularly in faculty and executive roles within higher education. Pierce College District faculty salaries (full-time instructors) typically start around $65,000 for entry-level positions and climb to $115,000 or more for tenured professors, according to the district's official salary schedules published on their HR compensation page. Executive salaries are even more competitive, with deans earning approximately $120,000–$150,000 and vice presidents exceeding $170,000 annually, as reported in public transparency documents from Pierce College District.
To pursue these Pierce College District salaries, begin with associate degrees in fields like education, business, or liberal arts, then transfer to four-year universities for bachelor's and advanced degrees (master's or PhD required for faculty). Gain practical experience through tutoring, adjunct teaching, or administrative internships at community colleges. For example, many Pierce alumni advance to faculty roles after completing teaching credentials and demonstrating classroom success.
Actionable advice: Review Rate My Professor for Pierce College District insights to select impactful courses. Network locally in Lakewood, Washington, join professional groups, and tailor resumes using free resume templates. Track Pierce College District salary trends rising 3-5% yearly due to Washington's cost-of-living adjustments. Explore community college jobs for entry points. Success stories include alumni like former students now department chairs earning six figures.
For verified schedules, visit Pierce College District HR Compensation or Glassdoor Pierce College District Salaries.
Understanding the key factors influencing Pierce College District salaries is crucial for faculty, executives, and staff aiming to maximize earnings at this community college district in Lakewood, Washington. Pierce College District, part of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, bases faculty pay on a structured salary schedule that rewards higher education levels, relevant experience, and ongoing professional development. For instance, full-time instructors typically start at around $65,000 annually for a master's degree holder with minimal experience, climbing to over $110,000 with doctoral credits and 20+ years of service, according to the 2024-2025 compensation plan.
Certifications play a pivotal role, especially for vocational and technical faculty positions like nursing or IT instructors. Obtaining credentials such as the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board certification or industry-specific ones (e.g., CompTIA for computing roles) can boost placement on higher salary steps, adding 5-10% to base pay. Executives, such as deans or vice presidents, see salaries ranging from $120,000 to $200,000+, influenced by administrative experience and leadership certifications like those from the American Association of Community Colleges.
Internships and practical experience are game-changers for entry-level candidates transitioning to roles like research assistants or HR specialists. Gaining hands-on experience through Pierce College's own internship programs or external opportunities in higher education can accelerate promotion from adjunct (around $50-$70 per credit hour) to full-time faculty. Check faculty jobs at Pierce College District to see current openings with salary ranges.
To gauge professor performance impacting promotions, explore Rate My Professor reviews for Pierce College District faculty. For personalized advice, review career tips on higher ed career advice. Actionable tip: Enroll in Pierce's professional development workshops to earn credits toward salary bumps. Staff roles like librarians ($55,000-$85,000) or caretakers ($45,000-$60,000) similarly benefit from certifications and tenure. Visit the official Pierce College District HR salary schedules for precise data.
Pierce College District alumni frequently share compelling testimonials about their career trajectories and impressive Pierce College District alumni earnings, demonstrating how the college's programs lead to competitive salaries at Pierce College District and across industries. These stories inspire job seekers considering faculty positions, executive roles, or support staff jobs like HR specialists and library assistants in Lakewood, Washington, by showcasing real earnings growth and professional fulfillment.
"Graduating from Pierce College District opened doors I never imagined. I started as an adjunct instructor with a salary around $65,000 and advanced to full-time faculty earning over $95,000 annually, thanks to the college's supportive environment and professional development opportunities." – David L., Nursing Faculty, Class of 2012
David's experience reflects broader Pierce College District faculty salaries trends, where full-time instructors average $75,000–$110,000 based on Washington community college salary schedules from the Pierce College District human resources data. Another standout is Lisa M., a 2019 business administration graduate, who transitioned from a caretaker role ($45,000 starting) to an executive administrative position at $85,000+, crediting Pierce's transfer pathways.
"Pierce College District starting salaries for graduates like me in IT support roles began at $55,000, but with certifications earned there, I'm now a systems analyst at $92,000 in the Seattle area." – Jamal R., Class of 2019
These testimonials, drawn from Pierce College District alumni spotlights and state workforce reports, show median earnings rising to $48,000 within two years post-graduation—above national community college averages. For deeper insights into faculty experiences, check Rate My Professor reviews for Pierce College District. Explore openings via community college jobs or jobs in Lakewood, Washington. Visit Pierce College alumni success stories for more.
When negotiating Pierce College District salaries, especially for faculty positions where base pay follows the negotiated salary schedule starting around $62,000 for new instructors with a master's degree (per the 2023-2025 faculty agreement), understanding your leverage is key. Salary negotiation involves discussing total compensation—base salary, benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions (up to 15% employer match), and professional development stipends—after a job offer. For executives, such as deans earning $150,000-$200,000 annually based on public records, negotiations often include performance incentives. Beginners should research comparables using tools like the Washington State community college salary grids, prepare data on your qualifications, and practice responses to counteroffers. Always express enthusiasm for roles at Pierce College while highlighting your value, like teaching experience or grants secured.
For non-faculty like HR specialists ($70,000 average) or librarians ($65,000+), leverage statewide classified staff schedules. Success stories include faculty securing 10% above minimum by citing prior adjunct work. Visit Rate My Professor for Pierce-specific anecdotes and University Salaries for broader trends. External tool: Glassdoor Pierce Salaries for verified employee reports.
