Salaries at UA

At the University of Alaska System, salary expectations for faculty and staff are determined by a variety of factors including role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary significantly between disciplines, with fields like engineering and health sciences typically commanding higher compensation due to market demand. The university operates as a public institution, and while it adheres to state guidelines for compensation, detailed salary bands or individual pay data may not always be publicly disclosed in a comprehensive format. However, some transparency exists through periodic reports or collective bargaining agreements for unionized employees, which provide insight into general pay structures.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is approximately $60,000–$80,000 USD per year, depending on the department and campus. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on research output and teaching evaluations.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is around $80,000–$100,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see increments tied to tenure status and additional responsibilities like committee leadership.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $100,000–$130,000 USD per year. Seniority, publication record, and grant funding can significantly influence higher-end compensation.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries generally fall between $45,000–$65,000 USD annually, varying by level of responsibility and years of service.
• Department Chair: Compensation often ranges from $110,000–$150,000 USD per year, reflecting additional administrative duties and leadership roles.

Salaries at the University of Alaska System are generally competitive within the context of public higher education institutions in the region, though they may lag behind private universities or institutions in more urbanized states. As a public university system, compensation is often benchmarked against state budgets and comparable roles in other Alaskan public sector positions. Progression in salary is typically tied to performance reviews, promotions in rank, and external funding for research-focused roles. While specific individual salaries are not always publicly available, the university’s commitment to transparency through periodic disclosures helps provide a general understanding of pay structures for prospective employees.