George Mason University Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at George Mason University in the United States is $118,011. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $57. Salaries at George Mason University typically range from $103,044 to $135,267 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at George Mason University

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Is George Mason University’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does George Mason 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
Virginia Commonwealth University $108,338
-8.2%
Virginia Commonwealth University operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Regent University $101,482
-14.0%
Regent University focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Virginia $97,506
-17.4%
Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Virginia may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
Wichita State University $102,780
-12.9%
Wichita State University likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
-2.3%
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.

Employee Reviews: Working at George Mason University

Considering a career at George Mason University? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Excellent job stability with structured career progression. Collaboration occurs, but departmental silos sometimes hinder cross-team communication. Leadership values transparency and open dialogue. The structure works, but feels rigid. There’s an emphasis on employee well-being and work-life balance.
Supportive culture with resources for both staff and student success. The work can be challenging but also deeply rewarding, especially when you see the results in the community or student success. The organization supports professional development and maintains clear communication channels. Management is polite but distant. Employee development is a key focus, with extensive training programs and...
Teamwork and mission focus are evident in everything they do. What stands out is how the organization adapts to educational trends while maintaining core values. The mission is strong, but change take time and careful process. Professional learning opportunities are abundant and relevant.
Management promotes work-life harmony and supports flexible schedules. There’s rarely any unexpected overtime, and policies are designed to protect employee time. I’ve received excellent support for professional development and continuing education. Work-life balance is maintained through flexible schedules and wellness initiatives. I’ve had access to workshops and tuition support for career advan...
This organization offers stability with a focus on employee development, transparent leadership, and collaboration. Predictable, and it is dynamic. It's a great place for those who like dependable, meaningful work. Collaboration across departments is effective.

George Mason University Overview

Website
www.gmu.edu
Founded In
Data pending, update soon.
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
4400 University Dr Fairfax Virginia VA 22030
Revenue
$200 Million - $500 Million
Phone Number
+1 7039931000
Social Media
About George Mason University
George Mason University, founded in 1972 and located in Fairfax, Virginia, is a public research university.

What Benefits Does George Mason University Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. George Mason University offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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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 George Mason 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 George Mason 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 George Mason 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.

FAQs of George Mason University

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at George Mason University?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at George Mason University is approximately from $103,044 to $135,267. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does George Mason University pay compared to Virginia Commonwealth University?

The average annual salary at George Mason University is $118,011, or an hourly wage of $57, in comparison to Virginia Commonwealth University which pays $108,338 per year or $52 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at George Mason University?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at George Mason University due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at George Mason University?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at George Mason University, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from George Mason University in Washington is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from George Mason University in Washington is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at George Mason University and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Washington" to understand its purchasing power.

6. What are the key factors that influence salary levels at George Mason University?

Several key factors influence salary levels at George Mason University. These primarily include: 1. Job Role & Responsibilities: More complex roles with greater impact typically command higher pay. 2. Experience & Skills: Your years of relevant experience and specific in-demand skills are critical. 3. Performance: Strong performance can lead to higher raises and bonuses. 4. Location: Office location impacts pay due to varying local market rates and cost of living. 5. Industry Benchmarks: George Mason University likely benchmarks its salaries against other companies in the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sector. You can explore how these factors play out in our detailed salary data.