American University Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at American University in the United States is $93,653. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $45. Salaries at American University typically range from $82,167 to $106,978 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does American University Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at American University. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Program Director Paradise Valley Area, with an annual salary of $172,930. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Direct Care Worker

$29,582 / year

Salary Range: $27,512 - $32,795

Healthcare

Program Supervisor East Valley

$83,400 / year

Salary Range: $71,968 - $91,652

Terminal Operations

Overnight Caregivers

$36,954 / year

Salary Range: $33,333 - $41,438

Security Services

Program Director

$87,344 / year

Salary Range: $76,931 - $98,909

Safety and Security

Overnight/Weekend Caregivers

$40,572 / year

Salary Range: $36,579 - $45,402

Security Services

Program Director East Valley

$115,599 / year

Salary Range: $98,653 - $133,801

Security Specialization

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

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About American University: Company Profile

Website
www.american.edu
Founded In
1893
Employees
3,000 - 7,500 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Location
WASHINGTON
Revenue
$500 Million - $1B
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
AU is an educational institution that offers degree programs in humanities, arts, engineering, health science and business administration.

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into American University's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
Training programs are solid, and leadership encourages feedback and innovation. Coworkers are supportive and professional. This organization creates a positive work culture emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and employee recognition. The culture values diversity, respect, and collaboration.
The organization functions well enough, though it can be hard to reach the right person. The staff here are easy to work with and clearly experienced. However, there’s little excitement in the day-to-day. Inclusive environment with diverse perspectives. They encourage open dialogue and actively seek feedback to improve operations. The team’s professionalism and compassion are equally strong. Upper...
Policies change frequently, requiring quick adaptation. Training is thorough, and professional development is supported. Being part of a company dedicated to meaningful public service work adds a deep sense of fulfillment and pride to my daily responsibilities. Mission-driven environment with passionate coworkers. The onboarding process was smooth, and I felt welcomed from day one.
It’s not the most exciting place to work, but it provides security. This combination creates a positive workplace culture focused on both professional growth and meaningful community impact. Teams function well, but collaboration is limited to direct departments. This balance allows me to pursue my passions outside of work while still contributing meaningfully during my hours.

Is American University’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does American University's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
UOFL $79,270
-15.4%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where UOFL primarily operates.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE $76,153
-18.7%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
MIAMI UNIVERSITY $81,580
-12.9%
MIAMI UNIVERSITY may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM $75,641
-19.2%
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+23.2%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Washington?

Understanding the cost of living near Washington is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at American University.
Washington D.C.'s Cost of Living Index is approximately 148.7 (48.7% more expensive than US average). Nation's capital, very high housing costs, extensive public transit (WMATA), high overall expenses. When planning your budget based on a salary from American University, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,200 - $3,300+ A significant portion of American University salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $70-200+ (WMATA SmarTrip varies by use) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $680 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $500 - $900+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,770 - $5,880+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About American University

FAQ 1: What is the average salary for employees at American University?
The average annual total compensation for employees at American University is approximately $93,653. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $82,167 to $106,978, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.
FAQ 2: How much does American University pay compared to UOFL?
The average annual salary at American University is $93,653, or an hourly wage of $45, in comparison to UOFL which pays $79,270 per year or $38 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does having a professional certification impact salary for relevant roles at American University?
Professional certifications like PMP (for Project Managers), CPA (for Accountants), or another relevant certification for the industry can often lead to higher salaries and better job prospects at American University for applicable roles. Certifications demonstrate a verified level of expertise and commitment to a profession, making candidates more competitive.
FAQ 4: Does American University offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Washington?
While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially American University, incorporate cost of living considerations into their overall salary structure for different locations rather than as a separate, itemized adjustment. This means their base pay bands for roles in high-cost cities like New York City are generally set higher to account for these local market factors.
FAQ 5: What's the typical process for salary reviews and raises at American University?
Most companies, likely including American University, conduct formal salary reviews annually, often tied to performance evaluations. During these reviews, factors like individual performance, meeting goals, company performance, and market adjustments are typically considered for potential salary increases.