Salaries at UW-Madison

At the University of Wisconsin - Madison, 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 higher compensation typically offered in fields like engineering, medicine, and business compared to humanities. The university, as a public institution, adheres to state guidelines and often provides transparent salary data through public records, though exact figures for individual employees may require specific requests or access to annual reports. This transparency helps prospective employees gauge potential earnings based on their position and qualifications.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $60,000–$80,000 USD per year, depending on the department. Entry-level roles may start lower, with increases based on research output and teaching performance.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $80,000–$100,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see salary growth tied to tenure and additional responsibilities like committee leadership.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $100,000–$150,000+ USD per year. Seniority, research funding, and national recognition can push earnings higher in competitive fields.
• Academic Advisor: Average salary range is $45,000–$60,000 USD annually. Compensation may vary based on experience and the specific school or program within the university.
• Administrative Director: Salaries often fall between $70,000–$110,000 USD per year, influenced by the scope of responsibilities and department size.

Salaries at the University of Wisconsin - Madison are generally competitive within the public university sector, often benchmarked against other Big Ten institutions and adjusted to reflect cost-of-living considerations in Wisconsin. As a public university, compensation is subject to state budget constraints, which may limit annual raises or bonuses compared to private institutions. However, the university offers a clear path for salary progression through tenure tracks and promotions for academic staff, while administrative roles may see incremental increases based on performance and seniority. Overall, while exact figures can fluctuate, the university's commitment to transparency allows for informed expectations among current and prospective employees.