Salaries at USAO

At the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO), located in Chickasha, Oklahoma, salary expectations for faculty and staff are generally determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary between disciplines, with fields like sciences and business potentially commanding higher pay due to market demand. While USAO does not widely publish transparent salary bands or detailed compensation data on its official platforms, some information may be accessible through state employee salary databases or public records, as it is a public institution. For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, prospective employees are encouraged to consult directly with the university’s human resources department.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is approximately $45,000–$55,000 per year (USD). This entry-level academic position often depends on the field and may include additional stipends for research or teaching overloads.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is around $55,000–$65,000 per year (USD). Mid-level faculty often see increases based on tenure status and publication records.
• Full Professor: Salary typically falls between $65,000–$80,000 per year (USD). Seniority, leadership roles, and external funding can push compensation higher.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Academic Advisor): Salaries range from $35,000–$45,000 per year (USD), often tied to experience and specific departmental needs.
• Department Chair: Compensation averages $70,000–$85,000 per year (USD), with additional stipends for administrative duties.

Salaries at USAO are generally aligned with those of other public liberal arts colleges in Oklahoma, reflecting state funding constraints and regional cost-of-living factors. As a public institution, compensation often follows state benchmarking for higher education roles, though it may not always compete with private universities or institutions in larger metropolitan areas. Career progression typically involves incremental raises tied to tenure, promotions, or additional responsibilities, though significant jumps may depend on securing grants or moving into administrative positions. For those considering a career at USAO, understanding the public sector context is key to setting realistic salary expectations.