Salaries at VLS

At Vermont Law School, located in South Royalton, Vermont, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and specialized expertise in legal education or environmental law, which are key focus areas of the institution. Salaries may also vary based on whether the position is tenure-track, adjunct, or administrative. While Vermont Law School does not publicly publish detailed salary bands or specific compensation data on its official website, general trends in higher education and law school compensation can provide a framework for understanding potential earnings. Salaries are often aligned with industry standards for small, specialized law schools in the United States.

• Professor (Tenured/Tenure-Track): Typical salary range is approximately $90,000–$130,000 USD per year, depending on seniority and research contributions. Additional compensation may come from grants or consulting opportunities in legal fields.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is around $70,000–$100,000 USD annually, often reflecting mid-career status with potential for tenure-based increases.
• Adjunct Professor: Compensation is generally per course, ranging from $3,000–$6,000 USD per course, with no benefits or long-term contracts in most cases.
• Academic Dean or Director: Salaries typically fall between $100,000–$150,000 USD per year, influenced by leadership responsibilities and institutional priorities.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Admissions Officer): Earnings are usually in the range of $40,000–$60,000 USD annually, depending on experience and department size.

Salaries at Vermont Law School appear to be competitive within the niche of specialized law schools, though they may not match those at larger, research-intensive universities. Progression in compensation often depends on achieving tenure, securing leadership roles, or contributing to the school’s reputation through publications and advocacy. As a private institution, salary data is not subject to public sector benchmarking or mandatory disclosure, which limits transparency. Prospective employees are encouraged to negotiate based on their qualifications and to consider the cost of living in rural Vermont, which can impact overall financial planning.