Salaries at WSU

At Wichita State University, located in Wichita, Kansas, 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 generally commanding higher compensation compared to humanities or social sciences. Additionally, administrative roles may have different pay structures based on the scope of responsibility and leadership level. While Wichita State University 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. Employees are encouraged to consult with human resources or refer to specific departmental guidelines for detailed compensation information.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $50,000–$65,000 USD annually, depending on the department and research expectations. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on tenure track progress.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $65,000–$85,000 USD per year, often reflecting seniority, publication record, and teaching load. Additional funding may be available through grants.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $85,000–$120,000 USD annually, with higher earnings for those with significant research contributions or administrative duties.
• Department Chair: Compensation generally falls between $90,000–$130,000 USD per year, influenced by the size of the department and additional leadership responsibilities.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Academic Advisor): Salaries range from $40,000–$55,000 USD annually, often based on experience and specific job scope.

Salaries at Wichita State University are generally competitive within the region for public universities, though they may lag behind larger research institutions or private universities in major metropolitan areas. As a public university, compensation often aligns with state benchmarks for higher education roles, and progression typically depends on performance evaluations, tenure status, and budget allocations. Faculty and staff may also benefit from periodic raises or bonuses tied to institutional funding or exceptional achievements, though such incentives are not guaranteed. For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, prospective employees should note that exact salary data may not always be publicly available and can vary year to year based on economic conditions and university priorities.