Understanding University Salaries for Non-Faculty Roles
University salaries extend beyond faculty to essential non-teaching roles like staff, admin, HR, groundskeepers, janitors, librarians, and student workers. This page explores these university wages, focusing on higher ed compensation. For faculty-specific data, visit our professor salaries hub.
Non-faculty university salary varies by role, experience, and location. Admin and HR often earn $70,000-$100,000, while support roles like groundskeepers and janitors range $30,000-$45,000. Librarians average $60,000-$80,000, and student workers $12-$15 hourly. These positions support campus operations and student success.
Average university wages for staff reflect institutional budgets and regional costs. Public universities may offer lower base pay but strong benefits. Understanding these dynamics aids career planning in higher ed.
Key Factors in Non-Faculty University Salaries:
- Role Type: Admin/HR higher than maintenance.
- Experience: Senior staff command premiums.
- Location: Urban campuses pay more.
- Institution Size: Larger universities offer better wages.
Recent trends show 3-5% growth in university staff salaries for 2025, outpacing inflation slightly. However, support roles lag behind admin. Benefits like health insurance and retirement add 20-30% to total compensation.
Non-faculty roles provide stable careers in higher ed. Student workers gain experience, transitioning to full-time positions. For global faculty comparisons, explore US, Australia, UK, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, or China pages.
These university wages contribute to vibrant campuses. Below, detailed breakdowns by role.
University salaries for non-faculty roles often include tuition remission and flexible hours, enhancing appeal. Maintenance staff ensure safe environments, while admin drives operations.
In 2025, higher ed faces staffing shortages, boosting wages for skilled roles like HR and librarians. Student workers fill gaps, earning while learning.
Compare these to faculty: non-faculty university salary is lower but offers diverse paths. Explore opportunities to advance your higher ed career.
Data sourced from industry reports; actual figures vary. For personalized advice, consult HR resources.
University Salaries by Non-Faculty Role
Average US salaries based on 2025 data; actual wages vary by location and experience.
| Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Admin (e.g., Dean/Director) | $80,000 - $100,000 |
| HR Specialist | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| Groundskeeper | $35,000 - $45,000 ($17-$18/hr) |
| Janitor/Custodian | $30,000 - $40,000 ($15-$18/hr) |
| Librarian | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| Student Worker (Cafe/Library) | $24,000 - $26,000 ($12-$15/hr) |
| IT Support Staff | $50,000 - $70,000 |
| Maintenance Technician | $40,000 - $55,000 |
Salaries at Specific US Universities (Non-Faculty Examples)
University of Michigan admin salaries average $90,000. University of Iowa HR around $75,000. Ohio State groundskeepers $40,000.
University of California janitors $35,000. Purdue librarians $70,000. Salaries at Purdue University for staff competitive.
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill student workers $13/hr. University of Kentucky maintenance $45,000.
University of Michigan salary for admin $90,000. Salaries at University of Michigan public data.
University of Florida HR $80,000. University of Illinois janitors $38,000.
University of Missouri groundskeepers $36,000. Arizona State librarians $65,000.
Indiana University student workers $12/hr. Ohio University salary database for staff.
University of Wisconsin admin $85,000. Harvard non-faculty $75,000 average.
Rutgers HR $78,000. University of Tennessee maintenance $42,000.
University of Texas janitors $35,000. University of Virginia librarians $68,000.
Florida State student workers $14/hr. Michigan State groundskeepers $38,000.
| Role/University | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Admin - U Michigan | $90,000 |
| HR - U Iowa | $75,000 |
| Groundskeeper - Ohio State | $40,000 |
| Janitor - U California | $35,000 |
| Librarian - Purdue | $70,000 |
| Student Worker - UNC Chapel Hill | $13/hr |
| Maintenance - U Kentucky | $45,000 |
| Admin - U Florida | $85,000 |
| HR - U Illinois | $80,000 |
| Groundskeeper - U Missouri | $36,000 |
| Librarian - Arizona State | $65,000 |
| Student Worker - Indiana U | $12/hr |
| Janitor - U Wisconsin | $38,000 |
| Admin - Harvard | $95,000 |
| HR - Rutgers | $78,000 |
| Maintenance - U Tennessee | $42,000 |
| Groundskeeper - U Texas | $39,000 |
| Librarian - U Virginia | $68,000 |
| Student Worker - Florida State | $14/hr |
| Janitor - Michigan State | $37,000 |
Figures from 2025 data. For faculty, see professor hub.
How Rate My Professor Can Boost Your Salary
While primarily for faculty, positive Rate My Professor feedback indirectly aids staff promotions by enhancing department reputation, leading to budget increases for raises.
Admin and HR roles benefit from strong faculty-student relations, improving retention and justifying higher university wages.
Earning Extra Income: Teachers Pay Teachers
Librarians and student workers can supplement university salary via Teachers Pay Teachers, selling resources for $500-$5,000 yearly extra.
This boosts overall higher ed wages without full-time commitment.
Advance Your University Career
Use these insights on university salaries to negotiate better wages or explore roles. For faculty, check professor hub.
Frequently Asked Questions about University Salaries
What is the average university admin salary?
University admin salaries range from $80,000 to $100,000, higher for senior roles. For faculty salaries, see our professor salaries hub.
What is the average HR salary at a university?
University HR roles average $70,000-$90,000. Explore more non-faculty wages here.
What do groundskeepers earn at universities?
Groundskeepers average $35,000-$45,000 yearly. Compare with janitorial roles below.
What is the average janitor salary in higher ed?
Janitors earn $30,000-$40,000 annually. These roles support campus operations.
What do university librarians earn?
Librarians average $60,000-$80,000. Essential for academic support.
What is student worker pay at universities?
Student workers earn $12-$15 hourly. Great entry-level opportunities.