Salaries at CU Denver

Salary expectations at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), located in Denver, Colorado, are influenced by several factors including role, academic rank, experience, and field of expertise. Salaries for faculty and staff are often determined based on market benchmarks for higher education institutions, with considerations for seniority and specialized skills. While CU Denver operates as a public university under the University of Colorado system, it does provide some transparency through publicly available salary data for certain positions via state and university resources. However, detailed salary bands for every role may not always be accessible to the public, and individual compensation can vary based on negotiation, funding, and departmental budgets.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $60,000–$80,000 USD annually, depending on the department and field. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases tied to research funding and publications.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $80,000–$100,000 USD per year. Mid-career faculty often see salary growth with tenure and additional responsibilities like mentoring or administrative duties.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $100,000–$150,000+ USD annually. Seniority, leadership roles, and external grants significantly impact earnings at this level.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries generally fall between $45,000–$65,000 USD per year, varying based on experience and specific job scope.
• Department Chair: Compensation often ranges from $120,000–$160,000 USD annually, with bonuses or stipends for leadership roles in larger departments.

Salaries at CU Denver are generally competitive within the public university sector, aligning with state and regional benchmarks for higher education in Colorado. As a public institution, compensation often reflects budgetary constraints and legislative funding, though faculty in high-demand fields like medicine, engineering, or business may command higher pay due to market competition. Salary progression typically follows a structured path, with periodic reviews for merit-based raises or promotions, especially for tenured faculty. For prospective employees, understanding the public sector context and exploring departmental norms can provide clarity on long-term earning potential at CU Denver.