The factors used to set salary, in addition to market, include performance, relevant experience, applicable educational credentials and responsibility. Appointing officers set starting salaries based on these factors, with sensitivity to internal equity. Justification for these decisions is documented by the appointing officer. Market data is provided annually to each appointing officer from Human Resources. Starting salaries and their justification are reviewed and approved by Human Resources, Affirmative Action and the appropriate Vice President.

The salary increase program for Faculty and Executive, Administrative and Professional (EAP) staff is based on merit. The merit pay adjustments reflect individual performance. Salary adjustments for equity, market and promotions are in addition to the merit increase.

Merit increases will normally take effect on August 6 each year. Merit increases must be approved by the appropriate Vice President and submitted to Human Resources.

Review information for the 2023 Salary Increase Program

When an incumbent is identified as needing a special pay adjustment due to market, the adjustment is normally made during the salary increase program in addition to the merit increase. However, mid-year adjustments are occasionally made when justified by market and/or internal equity concerns, with the approval of the appropriate appointing officer, Human Resources and Vice President.

Faculty and staff members are welcome to meet with the compensation analyst in Human Resources to review salary and title information. To pursue a resolution to a title and/or salary question/concern, the faculty or staff member will discuss their concerns with their supervisor. If no resolution is reached, the faculty or staff member is welcome to meet with their appointing officer. If no resolution comes from this meeting, the faculty or staff member is welcome to meet with their executive officer. The executive officer's decision shall be final.

Hourly Wage Schedules - The Union Contract page includes wage schedules for Professional Support Staff (PSS), Public Safety (Officer & Command), and Maintenance, Grounds and Service (MGS) staff. The wage schedules are in the Appendix section toward the back of the contract. 

The objective of the university’s compensation program is to attract, retain, motivate and reward faculty and staff fairly, equitably and competitively. The university is committed to fair and equitable compensation that compliments the responsibilities of the position and the performance of the incumbents. Compensation rates for executive, administrative and professional (EAP) positions are set based on market data for similar positions within local, regional and/or national markets with a sensitivity to internal equity. Market ranges are assigned to each position from survey sources. The minimum of the range will normally apply to new staff possessing qualifications not significantly greater than the minimum required. The maximum of the market range will normally apply to staff members exhibiting qualifications and/or responsibilities significantly above those normally needed for the position.

Compensation rates for visiting and affiliate faculty positions are based on market for similar positions within the department as well as the qualifications of the incumbent and are typically lower than the tenure track compensation schedule. The minimum rate will normally apply for persons possessing qualifications not significantly above the minimum. The starting rates will be administratively set by the appointing officer at a level judged to be commensurate with the applicant’s educational credentials, prior experience and special skills.