Salaries at UK

At the University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, Kentucky, salary expectations for faculty and staff are determined by several factors including role, academic rank, experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary significantly between disciplines, with higher compensation typically offered in fields like medicine, engineering, and business compared to humanities or social sciences. Additionally, seniority and tenure status play a crucial role in determining pay for academic positions. While the University of Kentucky does provide some transparency through public records for certain roles, comprehensive and up-to-date salary bands for all positions are not always readily accessible to the public. Employees and prospective hires may need to consult internal human resources departments for precise figures.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $60,000–$80,000 USD per year, depending on the department and research funding. Entry-level roles often start at the lower end, with potential increases based on performance and grants.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $80,000–$100,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty may see boosts from tenure status and additional research or teaching responsibilities.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $100,000–$150,000 USD per year, with higher earnings in specialized fields or for those with significant research contributions and seniority.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries generally fall between $40,000–$60,000 USD per year, influenced by experience and specific departmental needs.
• Department Chair: Compensation often ranges from $120,000–$180,000 USD annually, reflecting leadership duties and additional administrative responsibilities.

Salaries at the University of Kentucky are generally competitive within the public university sector, particularly when benchmarked against other institutions in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and similar-sized public universities in the region. Salary progression for academic roles often follows a structured path tied to promotion and tenure, while administrative roles may see incremental raises based on performance reviews and budget allocations. As a public institution, compensation is influenced by state funding and legislative priorities, which can impact annual adjustments or bonuses. For the most accurate and current data, individuals are encouraged to refer to official university resources or public salary databases maintained by the state of Kentucky.