Salaries at UM

At the University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 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 medicine, engineering, and business typically commanding higher compensation due to market demand and research funding opportunities. The university adheres to a structured pay scale for many positions, and while it does not publish fully transparent salary bands for all roles, some data is accessible through public records as it is a public institution. This allows for a general understanding of compensation across different positions, though individual salaries may depend on negotiation, tenure status, and additional responsibilities.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $70,000–$100,000 USD annually, depending on the department. Entry-level roles often start at the lower end, with increases based on research output and teaching performance.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $90,000–$130,000 USD per year. Mid-career faculty may see boosts from tenure and external grants.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $120,000–$200,000+ USD annually. Seniority, leadership roles, and prestigious research contributions often push compensation higher.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Manager): Salaries generally fall between $50,000–$80,000 USD per year, influenced by experience and scope of responsibilities.
• Department Chair: Compensation often ranges from $150,000–$250,000 USD annually, reflecting additional administrative duties and seniority.

Salaries at the University of Michigan are generally competitive within the realm of public universities in the United States, often benchmarked against peer institutions in the Big Ten Conference and other top-tier research universities. Progression in compensation is tied to promotions, tenure reviews, and performance evaluations, with opportunities for additional income through research grants, consulting, or bonuses in certain fields. As a public institution, salary data for many roles is subject to state disclosure laws, providing a level of transparency, though exact figures for specific individuals or niche roles may not always be publicly detailed. Overall, the university strives to balance competitive pay with fiscal responsibility, aligning with public sector standards while attracting top talent.