Salaries at UAF

At the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), 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 pay due to market demand and research funding opportunities. UAF, as a public institution, adheres to state guidelines for compensation, and while some salary data may be accessible through public records, the university does not widely publish transparent salary bands or detailed breakdowns for all positions on its official website. Employees are often subject to collective bargaining agreements, particularly for unionized roles, which can influence pay scales and benefits.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $60,000–$80,000 USD per year, depending on the department and research focus. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on tenure track progression.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $80,000–$100,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see raises tied to seniority, publications, and grant funding.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $100,000–$130,000 USD per year. Seniority, leadership roles, and external funding significantly impact earnings at this level.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries generally fall between $40,000–$60,000 USD per year, varying by responsibility and experience. Bonuses are rare in these roles.
• Research Scientist: Compensation ranges from $70,000–$110,000 USD annually, heavily dependent on grant funding and project scope. Additional stipends may apply for fieldwork in Alaska’s unique environment.

Salaries at UAF are generally competitive within the context of Alaska’s high cost of living and the public sector framework of the state. However, they may lag behind private institutions or universities in more urbanized regions of the United States. Progression in academic roles often follows a structured path with periodic reviews for promotion and pay increases, while administrative roles may have less frequent adjustments. As a public university, UAF benchmarks its compensation against other state institutions, though specific data for comparison is not always publicly available. Employees and prospective hires are encouraged to consult directly with human resources for the most current and personalized salary information.