Ferris State University Salary

As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at Ferris State University in the United States is $37. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $77,988. Salaries at Ferris State University typically range from $33 to $43 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Ferris State University Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Ferris State University. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Program Director Paradise Valley Area, with an hourly wage of $83. The table below outlines the hourly wage ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Direct Care Worker

$14 / hour

Salary Range: $13 - $16

Healthcare

Program Supervisor East Valley

$40 / hour

Salary Range: $35 - $44

Terminal Operations

Caregiver

$19 / hour

Salary Range: $17 - $22

Security Services

Overnight Caregivers

$18 / hour

Salary Range: $16 - $20

Security Services

Program Director

$42 / hour

Salary Range: $37 - $48

Safety and Security

Overnight/Weekend Caregivers

$20 / hour

Salary Range: $18 - $22

Security Services

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

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About Ferris State University: Company Profile

Website
www.ferris.edu
Founded In
1884
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Location
BIG RAPIDS
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media

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

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Ferris State University's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
I’ve been supported in my career here every step of the way. Working in this organization has been a fulfilling experience. Great for those who value stability more than rapid innovation. Staff are courteous, though processes can feel rigid.
Staff enjoy access to continuous learning opportunities and flexible work arrangements, helping maintain motivation and satisfaction in their meaningful roles. The staff are well-meaning and approachable. The environment encourages open communication, collaboration, and innovation, allowing everyone to contribute meaningfully. Cut approval times by half. There’s a real sense of pride in what we do...
A capable team that may benefit from more cross-department collaboration. The workplace culture encourages innovation and creativity, allowing employees to bring fresh ideas forward. A wonderful environment to grow and contribute meaningfully. The organization places a strong emphasis on professional integrity and service.

Is Ferris State University’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Ferris State 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
FRANKLIN & MARSHALL COLLEGE $39
+4.8%
Reflects structural premiums typical of FRANKLIN & MARSHALL COLLEGE's large-cap national operations.
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY $37
-0.5%
Aligns perfectly with prevailing regional benchmarks for this specific job family.
FOX VALLEY PAGANS $38
+2.1%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
HAVERFORD COLLEGE $43
+13.5%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for HAVERFORD COLLEGE's specialized projects.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $56
+47.9%
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 Grand Rapids?

Understanding the cost of living near Grand Rapids is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Ferris State University.
Grand Rapids' Cost of Living Index is approximately 89.5 (10.5% less expensive than US average; 2.0% less than MI average). Western MI city, growing, affordable housing. The Rapid bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Ferris State University, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,000 - $1,500+ A significant portion of Ferris State University salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $40 (The Rapid monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $380 - $560 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $630+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $360 - $660+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,210 - $3,580+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Ferris State University

FAQ 1: What is the estimated average total compensation at Ferris State University?
Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Ferris State University, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $37 per hour . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.
FAQ 2: How much does Ferris State University pay compared to FRANKLIN & MARSHALL COLLEGE?
The average annual salary at Ferris State University is $77,988, or an hourly wage of $37, in comparison to FRANKLIN & MARSHALL COLLEGE which pays $81,732 per year or $39 per hour.
FAQ 3: What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Ferris State University?
Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Ferris State University can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.
FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from Ferris State University in Grand Rapids is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from Ferris State University in Grand Rapids is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Ferris State University and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Grand Rapids" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: Are promotions at Ferris State University usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?
Yes, promotions at Ferris State University are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.