At the United States Naval Academy (USNA), located in Annapolis, Maryland, salary expectations for faculty and staff are primarily determined by federal pay scales, given its status as a federal military institution. Salaries are influenced by factors such as rank, role, years of service, and specific qualifications. Unlike many civilian universities, compensation at USNA often aligns with government General Schedule (GS) pay grades for civilian employees and military pay scales for uniformed personnel. While the university does not publish specific, transparent salary bands for all positions, general pay information can be inferred from federal guidelines and military compensation charts, which are publicly accessible through government resources.
- Assistant Professor: Typically falls within GS-11 to GS-13 pay grades, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $100,000 USD annually, depending on experience and academic field. Seniority and research contributions may elevate pay within this range.
- Associate Professor: Often within GS-13 to GS-14 levels, earning approximately $90,000 to $130,000 USD per year. Additional funding for research or teaching excellence may supplement base pay.
- Full Professor: Generally at GS-14 or GS-15, with salaries between $110,000 and $160,000 USD annually. Longevity and leadership roles often impact placement within this range.
- Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Directors): Salaries range from $50,000 to $120,000 USD per year (GS-9 to GS-14), based on role complexity and experience.
- Military Faculty (e.g., Naval Officers): Compensation follows military pay scales, typically ranging from $40,000 to $120,000 USD annually, depending on rank (e.g., Lieutenant to Captain) and years of service, with additional allowances for housing and benefits.
Salaries at the United States Naval Academy are generally competitive within the context of federal and military employment, though they may not always match the upper limits of private university compensation. Progression often depends on promotions within federal pay grades or military ranks, with periodic adjustments based on government-wide cost-of-living increases. As a public sector institution, USNA salaries are benchmarked against standardized federal pay systems, ensuring consistency but limiting flexibility compared to private institutions. Benefits such as pensions, healthcare, and housing allowances for military personnel add significant value to overall compensation packages.