Salaries at SAU

Salary expectations at Southern Arkansas University (SAU) are influenced by a variety of factors including role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Located in Magnolia, Arkansas, SAU operates as a public institution, and salaries often align with state guidelines for higher education employees. Typically, faculty compensation is determined by rank—such as instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor—while administrative roles are based on position level and responsibilities. Unfortunately, SAU does not publicly disclose detailed salary bands or specific figures for individual roles on its official website, making precise data challenging to obtain. However, general trends in Arkansas public university salaries suggest a structured pay scale with periodic adjustments based on state budgets and performance evaluations.

• Instructor: Typical salary range is approximately $40,000–$50,000 USD per year. This entry-level academic role often requires minimal experience and may not include research obligations.
• Assistant Professor: Average salary range is around $50,000–$65,000 USD annually. This role usually requires a terminal degree and may include bonuses or stipends for research or grant funding.
• Associate Professor: Salaries generally fall between $65,000–$80,000 USD per year, reflecting greater seniority and a track record of research or teaching excellence.
• Full Professor: Compensation often ranges from $80,000–$100,000+ USD annually, with additional benefits for long-term service or leadership roles within departments.
• Administrative Roles (e.g., Dean or Director): Salaries typically range from $90,000–$150,000 USD per year, depending on the scope of responsibility and institutional budget allocations.

Salaries at Southern Arkansas University appear to be competitive within the context of public universities in Arkansas, though they may lag behind larger research institutions or private colleges in other states. Progression in pay often correlates with tenure, promotions in rank, or taking on additional administrative duties. As a public institution, SAU’s salary structures are likely benchmarked against state standards for higher education, ensuring a degree of transparency and equity. However, without specific public data from the university itself, these figures are estimates based on regional trends and may vary. Employees and prospective hires are encouraged to consult directly with SAU’s human resources department for the most accurate and up-to-date compensation information.