Salary Structure FAQs
- Employees who are paid below the minimum of their job’s pay range may be eligible for a raise to minimum based on their university’s policies.
- Your pay placement within the pay range is based on factors like the rate at which you were hired, experience, skills, relevant education & certifications, quality of work, compensation management practices, and available funds. Most employees will earn somewhere between the minimum and the midpoint of the range of pay assigned to a job.
Maximum: the highest rate of pay for the job title.
- Employees who are paid at, or above, the maximum of their job’s salary range may remain eligible for lump sum payments.
- They will generally not be eligible for base-building salary increases until the top of the pay range increases above their current salary.
Your pay placement within the pay range is based on factors like the rate at which you were hired, experience, skills, relevant education & certifications, quality of work, compensation management practices, and available funds. Most employees will earn somewhere between the minimum and the midpoint of the range of pay assigned to a job.
- No, each job title in the library is matched with one pay grade and pay range that is evaluated and assigned by compensation professionals based on market data using best practice market pricing methods.
- The only thing that can be appealed is if there is a better fit job title in the job title library.
You can get a pay increase with the pay tools that exist today. These include:
- Pay Plan – Increase approved by Joint Committee on Finance for state employees
- Performance – Recognizes exceptional performance
- Parity – Maintains salary relationships for same classifications/titles
- Equity – Address salary differences relative to protected statuses (e.g., gender, race, age)
- Market – Address significant market issues in a job-specific industry
- Retention/Bonus – One-time payment lump sum payment
How to Find Your Salary Grade
- Look up your job in the Job Library.
Click to View Pay Grades and Ranges
System Administration - Comprehensive (CMP)
GRADES 15-35
These pay grades provide the salary structure for most of the Academic Staff, Limited Appointee, and University Staff employees. 9 month ranges are for academic year non-vacation accruing positions, sometimes referred to as c-basis, and do not apply to University Staff employees.
| Pay Grade | Minimum (12mo) | Midpoint (12mo) | Maximum (12mo) | Pay Grade | Minimum (9mo) | Midpoint (9mo) | Maximum (9mo) | |
| 15 | $28,100 | $43,050 | $58,000 | 15 | $22,991 | $35,223 | $47,455 | |
| 16 | $28,100 | $45,400 | $62,700 | 16 | $22,991 | $37,145 | $51,300 | |
| 17 | $30,000 | $48,850 | $67,700 | 17 | $24,545 | $39,968 | $55,391 | |
| 18 | $32,000 | $52,600 | $73,200 | 18 | $26,182 | $43,036 | $59,891 | |
| 19 | $34,600 | $56,800 | $79,000 | 19 | $28,309 | $46,473 | $64,636 | |
| 20 | $37,300 | $61,350 | $85,400 | 20 | $30,518 | $50,195 | $69,873 | |
| 21 | $40,200 | $66,250 | $92,300 | 21 | $32,891 | $54,205 | $75,518 | |
| 22 | $43,500 | $71,600 | $99,700 | 22 | $35,591 | $58,582 | $81,573 | |
| 23 | $47,000 | $77,300 | $107,600 | 23 | $38,455 | $63,245 | $88,036 | |
| 24 | $51,700 | $85,050 | $118,400 | 24 | $42,300 | $69,586 | $96,873 | |
| 25 | $56,800 | $93,550 | $130,300 | 25 | $46,473 | $76,541 | $106,609 | |
| 26 | $62,500 | $102,900 | $143,300 | 26 | $51,136 | $84,191 | $117,245 | |
| 27 | $68,800 | $113,200 | $157,600 | 27 | $56,291 | $92,618 | $128,945 | |
| 28 | $72,700 | $119,700 | $166,700 | 28 | $59,482 | $97,936 | $136,391 | |
| 29 | $77,000 | $126,650 | $176,300 | 29 | $63,000 | $103,623 | $144,245 | |
| 30 | $81,400 | $134,000 | $186,600 | 30 | $66,600 | $109,636 | $152,673 | |
| 31 | $86,100 | $141,700 | $197,300 | 31 | $70,445 | $115,936 | $161,427 | |
| 32 | $91,100 | $149,950 | $208,800 | 32 | $74,536 | $122,686 | $170,836 | |
| 33 | $96,400 | $158,650 | $220,900 | 33 | $78,873 | $129,805 | $180,736 | |
| 34 | $102,000 | $167,850 | $233,700 | 34 | $83,455 | $137,332 | $191,209 | |
| 35 | $107,900 | $177,600 | $247,300 | 35 | $88,282 | $145,309 | $202,336 |
Grades 51-58
These pay grades provide the salary structure for the Student Assistant positions. Institutions can set pay within these system wide ranges.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 51 | This pay grade reflects the pay for Undergraduate Assistant | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |
| 52 | This pay grade reflects the pay for Project Assistant-Grader/Reader | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |
| 53 | This pay grade reflects the pay for Research Assistant | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |
| 54 | This pay grade reflects the pay for Teaching Assistant | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |
| 55 | This pay grade reflects the pay for Dissertator positions, like Teaching Asst, Program Asst, & Project Asst | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |
| 56 | This pay grade reflects the pay for Research Intern | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |
| 57 | This pay grade reflects several titles including Postgraduate positions, Ad Hoc positions, Fellows, Doctoral positions, & Graduate positions | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |
| 58 | This pay grade reflects the pay for Lecturer (SA) | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |
Grade 59
This pay grade provides the salary structure for the Student Help positions. Institutions can set pay within these system wide ranges. Institution financial aid programs provide students four basic forms of assistance: grants, loans, assistant-ships, and part-time employment. The salary of a student employee may not exceed the established pay range minima for University Staff employees with similar duties.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 59 | This pay grade reflects the pay for Student Help titles | $7.25/hr | $25/hr |
Grade 60
This pay grade provides the salary structure for Temporary Employee (TE/LTE) positions. Institutions can set pay within these system wide ranges. University staff temporary employees must be paid at least the state ($7.25/hr) or federal ($7.25/hr) minimum wage, whichever is greater, unless a lower wage is authorized pursuant to Section 14 of the Fair Labor Standards Act and Wis. Stat. § 104.07. The salary of a university staff temporary employee may not exceed the established pay range maxima for the title assigned. Salary placement within the assigned salary range should take into consideration the pay of similar university staff who have an expectation of continued employment.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 60 | This pay grade reflects the pay for Temporary (TE/LTE) titles | $7.25/hr | The salary of a university staff temporary employee may not exceed the established pay range maxima for the title assigned. Salary placement within the assigned salary range should take into consideration the pay of similar university staff who have an expectation of continued employment. |
Grades 61-80, except 67
These pay grades provide the salary structure for Instructional and Research titles with minimum-only ranges. Institutions can set pay within these system wide ranges. Salary placement within these ranges is individually determined upon hire based on internal and external factors, in part based on department, discipline, field, degree/certifications, etc. Many of the titles can be found on Compensation Category B Instructional Academic Staff and Research Minimums.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 61 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 75% of Assistant Professor | $34,429 (12mo) / $28,169 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 62 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Assistant Professor | $39,019 (12mo) / $31,925 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 63 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 75% of Associate Professor | $43,585 (12mo) / $35,660 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 64 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Associate Professor | $49,395 (12mo) / $40,414 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 65 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 75% of Professor | $53,644 (12mo) / $43,072 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 66 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Professor | $59,664 (12mo) / $48,816 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 68 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Assistant Professor | $39,019 (12mo) / $31,925 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 69 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Associate Professor | $49,395 (12mo) / $40,414 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 70 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Professor | $59,664 (12mo) / $48,816 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 72 | This pay grade reflects the minimum for Visiting Instructor | $38,287 (12mo) / $31,326 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 73 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Professor | $70,227 (12mo) / $57,458 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 74 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Associate Professor | $58,158 (12mo) / $47,584 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 75 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Assistant Professor | $45,778 (12mo) / $37,455 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 77 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Instructor | $38,287 (12mo) / $31,326 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 78 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Assistant Professor | $45,778 (12mo) / $37,455 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 79 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Associate Professor | $58,158 (12mo) / $47,584 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 80 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Professor | $70,227 (12mo) / $57,458 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
Grade 67
This pay grade provides the salary structure for all Skilled Trades employees. Although Skilled Trades jobs will share this range, the rates for each specialized trade (e.g. Plumber, Electrician, etc.) will be paid based on the rates set in the Crafts Workers/Trades Rates, which is updated with each approved collective bargaining agreement.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 67 | This pay grade reflects the shared salary grade for all Skilled Trades jobs | See Crafts Workers/Trades Rates | See Crafts Workers/Trades Rates |
Grade 97
This salary grade provides the salary structure for jobs that are designated as needing market-specific ranges. Salary placement within these ranges is individually determined upon hire based on internal and external factors, in part based on department, discipline, field, degree/certifications, etc. Some jobs in this grade include Artist-in-residence, Coach, Modified Dean Titles, Professional Engineer, Veterinarian, etc. Pay maximums typically stay at or below 75% of the President's salary.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 97 | This pay grade reflects the shared salary grade for all jobs designated as needing a market-specific range | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |
Grade 98
This pay grade provides the salary structure for jobs that are designated as zero-dollar or non-paid positions. Some jobs in this grade include Academic Staff Backup, Associate of President, Department Chairperson, Honorary Associate/Fellow, Regent Professor, University Staff Backup etc.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 98 | This pay grade reflects the shared salary grade for all jobs designated as zero-dollar or no pay | (N) pay basis for no pay | (N) pay basis for no pay |
Grade 99
This pay grade provides the salary structure for jobs that are in the Executive Salary Ranges or part of the highest levels of institutional leadership. Salary placement within these ranges is individually determined upon hire based on internal and external factors, in part based on department, discipline, field, degree/certifications, etc. Salary ranges for executive-level positions are typically based on the peer groups defined by Regent Policy 20-28 Executive Salary Structure, Pay maximums typically stay at or below 75% of the President's salary.
The Executive Salary Hierarchy is, from highest level to lowest,
President Executive Vice President Senior Vice President Vice President Chancellor Vice Chancellor / Provost / Campus Dean (e.g. Campus Executive Officer) Associate Chancellor / Associate Vice President Associate Vice Chancellor / Associate Provost / Dean Assistant Chancellor / Assistant Vice President Assistant Vice Chancellor Associate Dean Assistant Dean |
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 99 | This pay grade reflects the shared salary grade for all jobs designated in the executive level or highest levels of institutional leadership | For all titles not included in the published Executive Salary Ranges, Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | For all titles not included in the published Executive Salary Ranges, Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |
Milwaukee (MIL)
SALARY STRUCTURE GRADES 15-35
These pay grades provide the salary structure for most of the Academic Staff, Limited Appointee, and University Staff employees. 9 month ranges are for academic year non-vacation accruing positions, sometimes referred to as c-basis, and do not apply to University Staff employees.
| Salary Grade | Minimum (12mo) | Midpoint (12mo) | Maximum (12mo) | Salary Grade | Minimum (9mo) | Midpoint (9mo) | Maximum (9mo) | |
| 15 | $28,100 | $43,050 | $58,000 | 15 | $22,991 | $35,223 | $47,455 | |
| 16 | $28,100 | $45,400 | $62,700 | 16 | $22,991 | $37,145 | $51,300 | |
| 17 | $30,000 | $48,850 | $67,700 | 17 | $24,545 | $39,968 | $55,391 | |
| 18 | $32,000 | $52,600 | $73,200 | 18 | $26,182 | $43,036 | $59,891 | |
| 19 | $34,600 | $56,800 | $79,000 | 19 | $28,309 | $46,473 | $64,636 | |
| 20 | $37,300 | $61,350 | $85,400 | 20 | $30,518 | $50,195 | $69,873 | |
| 21 | $40,200 | $66,250 | $92,300 | 21 | $32,891 | $54,205 | $75,518 | |
| 22 | $43,500 | $71,600 | $99,700 | 22 | $35,591 | $58,582 | $81,573 | |
| 23 | $47,000 | $77,300 | $107,600 | 23 | $38,455 | $63,245 | $88,036 | |
| 24 | $51,700 | $85,050 | $118,400 | 24 | $42,300 | $69,586 | $96,873 | |
| 25 | $56,800 | $93,550 | $130,300 | 25 | $46,473 | $76,541 | $106,609 | |
| 26 | $62,500 | $102,900 | $143,300 | 26 | $51,136 | $84,191 | $117,245 | |
| 27 | $68,800 | $113,200 | $157,600 | 27 | $56,291 | $92,618 | $128,945 | |
| 28 | $77,500 | $127,550 | $177,600 | 28 | $63,409 | $104,359 | $145,309 | |
| 29 | $87,300 | $143,700 | $200,100 | 29 | $71,427 | $117,573 | $163,718 | |
| 30 | $98,400 | $161,900 | $225,400 | 30 | $80,509 | $132,464 | $184,418 | |
| 31 | $110,900 | $182,450 | $254,000 | 31 | $90,736 | $149,277 | $207,818 | |
| 32 | $125,000 | $205,650 | $286,300 | 32 | $102,273 | $168,259 | $234,245 | |
| 33 | $140,900 | $231,800 | $322,700 | 33 | $115,282 | $189,655 | $264,027 | |
| 34 | $158,800 | $261,200 | $363,600 | 34 | $129,927 | $213,709 | $297,491 | |
| 35 | $178,900 | $294,350 | $409,800 | 35 | $146,373 | $240,832 | $335,291 |
Grades 51-58
These pay grades provide the salary structure for the Student Assistant positions. Pay for these positions is in the Graduate Assistants Handbook.
Grade 59
This pay grade provides the salary structure for the Student Help positions. Institutions can set pay within these system wide ranges. Institution financial aid programs provide students four basic forms of assistance: grants, loans, assistant-ships, and part-time employment. The salary of a student employee may not exceed the established pay range minima for University Staff employees with similar duties.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 59 | This pay grade reflects the pay for Student Help titles | $7.25/hr | $14.50/hr Rates above $14.50 require approval from UWM Human Resources |
Grade 60
This pay grade provides the salary structure for Temporary Employee (TE/LTE) positions. Institutions can set pay within these system wide ranges. University staff temporary employees must be paid at least the state ($7.25/hr) or federal ($7.25/hr) minimum wage, whichever is greater, unless a lower wage is authorized pursuant to Section 14 of the Fair Labor Standards Act and Wis. Stat. § 104.07. The salary of a university staff temporary employee may not exceed the established pay range maxima for the title assigned. Salary placement within the assigned salary range should take into consideration the pay of similar university staff who have an expectation of continued employment.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 60 | This pay grade reflects the pay for Temporary (TE/LTE) titles | $7.25/hr | The salary of a university staff temporary employee may not exceed the established pay range maxima for the title assigned. Salary placement within the assigned salary range should take into consideration the pay of similar university staff who have an expectation of continued employment. |
Grades 61-80, except 67
These pay grades provide the salary structure for Instructional and Research titles with minimum-only ranges, "Category B titles". Institutions can set pay within these system wide ranges. Salary placement within these ranges is individually determined upon hire based on internal and external factors, in part based on department, discipline, field, degree/certifications, etc. Many of the titles can be found on Compensation Category B Instructional Academic Staff and Research Minimums.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 61 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 75% of Assistant Professor | $34,429 (12mo) / $28,169 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 62 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Assistant Professor | $39,019 (12mo) / $31,925 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 63 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 75% of Associate Professor | $43,585 (12mo) / $35,660 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 64 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Associate Professor | $49,395 (12mo) / $40,414 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 65 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 75% of Professor | $53,644 (12mo) / $43,072 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 66 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Professor | $59,664 (12mo) / $48,816 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 68 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Assistant Professor | $39,019 (12mo) / $31,925 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 69 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Associate Professor | $49,395 (12mo) / $40,414 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 70 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 85% of Professor | $59,664 (12mo) / $48,816 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 72 | This pay grade reflects the minimum for Visiting Instructor | $38,287 (12mo) / $31,326 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 73 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Professor | $70,227 (12mo) / $57,458 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 74 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Associate Professor | $58,158 (12mo) / $47,584 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 75 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Assistant Professor | $45,778 (12mo) / $37,455 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 77 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Instructor | $38,287 (12mo) / $31,326 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 78 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Assistant Professor | $45,778 (12mo) / $37,455 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 79 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Associate Professor | $58,158 (12mo) / $47,584 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
| 80 | This pay grade reflects a minimum that is 100% of Professor | $70,227 (12mo) / $57,458 (9mo) | Minimum-only range |
Grade 67
This pay grade provides the salary structure for all Skilled Trades employees. Although Skilled Trades jobs will share this range, the rates for each specialized trade (e.g. Plumber, Electrician, etc.) will be paid based on the rates set in the Crafts Workers/Trades Rates, which is updated with each approved collective bargaining agreement.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 67 | This pay grade reflects the shared salary grade for all Skilled Trades jobs | See Crafts Workers/Trades Rates | See Crafts Workers/Trades Rates |
Grade 97
This salary grade provides the salary structure for jobs that are designated as needing market-specific ranges. Salary placement within these ranges is individually determined upon hire based on internal and external factors, in part based on department, discipline, field, degree/certifications, etc. Some jobs in this grade include Artist-in-residence, Coach, Modified Dean Titles, Professional Engineer, Veterinarian, etc. Pay maximums typically stay at or below 75% of the President's salary.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 97 | This pay grade reflects the shared salary grade for all jobs designated as needing a market-specific range | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |
Grade 98
This pay grade provides the salary structure for jobs that are designated as zero-dollar or non-paid positions. Some jobs in this grade include Academic Staff Backup, Associate of President, Department Chairperson, Honorary Associate/Fellow, Regent Professor, University Staff Backup etc.
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 97 | This pay grade reflects the shared salary grade for all jobs designated as zero-dollar or no pay | (N) pay basis for no pay | (N) pay basis for no pay |
Grade 99
This pay grade provides the salary structure for jobs that are in the Executive Salary Ranges or part of the highest levels of institutional leadership. Salary placement within these ranges is individually determined upon hire based on internal and external factors, in part based on department, discipline, field, degree/certifications, etc. Salary ranges for executive-level positions are typically based on the peer groups defined by Regent Policy 20-28 Executive Salary Structure, Pay maximums typically stay at or below 75% of the President's salary.
The Executive Salary Hierarchy is, from highest level to lowest,
President Executive Vice President Senior Vice President Vice President Chancellor Vice Chancellor / Provost / Campus Dean (e.g. Campus Executive Officer) Associate Chancellor / Associate Vice President Associate Vice Chancellor / Associate Provost / Dean Assistant Chancellor / Assistant Vice President Assistant Vice Chancellor (in Salary Grade 33) Associate Dean (in Salary Grade 29 or 97 depending on concurrent faculty appointment) Assistant Dean (in Salary Grade 28 depending on concurrent faculty appointment) |
| Pay Grade | Description | Minimum | Maximum |
| 99 | This pay grade reflects the shared salary grade for all jobs designated in the executive level or highest levels of institutional leadership | For all titles not included in the published Executive Salary Ranges, Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level | For all titles not included in the published Executive Salary Ranges, Contact Your Institution; this rate is set at the institution-level |