Salaries at SUNY

At SUNY - The State University of New York, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by a combination of role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary significantly between disciplines, with STEM fields generally commanding higher compensation due to market demand. Additionally, salaries are influenced by whether a position is tenured, tenure-track, or adjunct. SUNY, as a public university system, adheres to state guidelines and union agreements, which provide some level of transparency through published salary bands and collective bargaining agreements. However, exact figures for individual roles may not always be publicly accessible and can depend on campus-specific budgets across the SUNY system’s multiple locations.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $50,000–$70,000 USD annually, depending on the campus and discipline. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on research funding or teaching load.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $70,000–$90,000 USD per year. Mid-career faculty often see salary growth tied to tenure status and publication record.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $90,000–$130,000 USD annually. Seniority, leadership roles, and external grants can push compensation higher.
• Adjunct Lecturer: Compensation is often per course, averaging $3,000–$5,000 USD per course. These roles lack benefits and job security compared to full-time positions.
• Administrative Director: Salaries range from $60,000–$100,000 USD annually, varying by department size and campus. Bonuses or stipends may apply for senior administrative roles.

Salaries at SUNY are generally competitive within the public university sector, though they may lag behind private institutions or universities in high-cost states. As a public entity, SUNY salaries are often benchmarked against state employee pay scales, with periodic adjustments based on union negotiations and state budgets. Career progression can lead to significant salary increases, especially for faculty achieving tenure or moving into administrative leadership. However, budget constraints in the public sector may limit rapid salary growth compared to private universities. For the most accurate and up-to-date data, individuals are encouraged to consult specific SUNY campus human resources departments, as salary details can vary widely across the system.