Salaries at RISD

At the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), located in Providence, Rhode Island, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and the specific field of expertise. Salaries often vary between academic departments due to differences in demand for specialized skills, particularly in art and design disciplines. While RISD does not publicly publish transparent salary bands or detailed compensation data, some information can be inferred from industry standards, regional benchmarks, and occasional disclosures in public reports or job postings. The university aims to align its compensation with competitive standards for private art and design institutions in the United States.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is approximately $60,000–$75,000 USD per year, depending on department and prior teaching experience. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on performance reviews.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is around $75,000–$90,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see incremental raises tied to tenure status and contributions to the university.
• Full Professor: Salaries generally fall between $90,000–$120,000 USD per year, with senior faculty benefiting from long-term service, research funding, or leadership roles within RISD.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries typically range from $45,000–$60,000 USD annually, influenced by the scope of responsibilities and years of service.
• Department Chair: Compensation often ranges from $100,000–$130,000 USD per year, reflecting additional administrative duties and seniority.

Salaries at RISD are generally competitive within the niche of specialized art and design schools, though they may not match those at larger research universities. Progression often depends on achieving tenure, securing grants, or taking on leadership roles. As a private institution, RISD’s compensation structure is not tied to public sector benchmarking, which can result in more flexibility but less transparency compared to state universities. For prospective employees, understanding salary potential may require direct negotiation or discussions during the hiring process, as comprehensive public data remains limited.