Salaries at USM

At the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary significantly between disciplines, with fields like engineering and business commanding higher pay due to market demand, while humanities roles may align with lower industry benchmarks. Additionally, administrative positions are scaled based on responsibility and seniority. While USM does not widely publish transparent salary bands for all positions, some data may be accessible through public records or state employee salary databases, as it is a public institution.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $50,000–$65,000 USD per year, depending on the department. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on research output and teaching evaluations.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $65,000–$80,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see raises tied to tenure status and publication records.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $80,000–$100,000+ USD per year. Seniority, leadership roles, and external funding can push compensation higher.
• Department Chair: Compensation often falls between $90,000–$120,000 USD annually, reflecting additional administrative duties and oversight responsibilities.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Academic Advisor): Salaries generally range from $35,000–$50,000 USD per year, with variations based on experience and specific job scope.

Salaries at the University of Southern Mississippi are generally competitive within the context of public universities in the southeastern United States, though they may lag behind larger research institutions or private colleges. As a public university, compensation often aligns with state budgeting constraints and benchmarking against similar institutions. Faculty and staff can expect gradual salary progression through promotions, tenure, and performance reviews, though significant jumps may depend on securing grants or taking on leadership roles. For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, individuals are encouraged to consult official university resources or state salary disclosures, as specific data may not always be publicly detailed.