Salaries at UMS

At the University of Missouri System, salary expectations are determined by a combination of factors including role, academic rank, experience, and field of expertise. Salaries for faculty and staff often vary based on whether the position is tenured, tenure-track, or non-tenure track, as well as the specific campus within the system, such as the flagship campus in Columbia. Additionally, market demand for certain disciplines, like engineering or medicine, can influence compensation. The University of Missouri System does provide some transparency through public salary databases for state employees, which include many university roles, though exact figures for specific positions may not always be detailed for privacy reasons.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $60,000–$80,000 USD annually, 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 $80,000–$100,000 USD per year. Mid-career faculty often see salary growth tied to tenure status and publication records.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $100,000–$150,000+ USD annually. Seniority, leadership roles, and external research funding can significantly impact earnings at this level.
• Department Chair: Compensation often falls between $120,000–$180,000 USD per year, reflecting additional administrative responsibilities and oversight.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Academic Advisor): Salaries generally range from $40,000–$60,000 USD annually, with variations based on experience and specific job duties.

Salaries at the University of Missouri System are generally competitive within the public university sector, often benchmarked against peer institutions in the Midwest and aligned with state funding constraints. Progression in academic roles typically follows a structured path, with salary increases tied to promotions in rank or additional responsibilities. As a public institution, compensation is influenced by state budgets, which may limit rapid salary growth compared to private universities. However, benefits such as retirement plans and health insurance add to the overall compensation package, making positions attractive despite potential salary caps in certain fields.