Pacific Lutheran University Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Pacific Lutheran University in the United States is $106,704. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $51. Salaries at Pacific Lutheran University typically range from $93,221 to $122,219 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Pacific Lutheran University Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Pacific Lutheran University. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the President, with an annual salary of $825,979. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Is Pacific Lutheran University’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Pacific Lutheran 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
School of Management, New Jersey Institute Of Technology $117,241
+9.9%
Reflects structural premiums typical of School of Management, New Jersey Institute Of Technology's large-cap national operations.
University Biology Dept $96,767
-9.3%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like University Biology Dept.
Washington State University College of Nursing $101,746
-4.6%
Washington State University College of Nursing may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
Regus - Bogota, Capital Tower Tower 1 $96,039
-10.0%
Regus - Bogota, Capital Tower Tower 1 focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+8.1%
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 Pacific Lutheran University

Considering a career at Pacific Lutheran 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.
The work environment is respectful, though not especially engaging. It's a comfortable place to stay long-term, it’s ideal for those seeking challenge, recognition, or the freedom to innovate frequently. Employees feel valued and motivated in this organization thanks to supportive leadership and a culture of open communication. Leadership values transparency and open dialogue. Employee wellness fo...
Advancement opportunities exist but aren't always transparent. Leadership is accessible and genuinely cares about staff well-being. Just don't expect rapid change or cutting-edge practices in day-to-day operations. It’s a place where success feels shared and celebrated. Predictable, and it is dynamic. Structured routine, though little flexibility in role responsibilities. Colleagues are supportive...
Work is done carefully, though there’s a tendency for updates to come later than expected. They exemplify professionalism in every task, fully recommend them. The leadership is generally very supportive and focused on the mission. Most rewarding is seeing how our collective efforts transform students' lives daily.
Stability, purpose, and support define this job. Top-tier research support. A very supportive and well-run organization.
A dependable employer with minimal surprises. Outstanding grant writing. Made archival retrieval instant.

Pacific Lutheran University Overview

Website
www.plu.edu
Founded In
1975
Employees
500 - 1,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
12180 Park Ave S Tacoma Washington WA 98447
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
+1 2535357411
Social Media
About Pacific Lutheran University
PLU is the small, private university where caring means more than kindness and consideration it means a bold commitment to expanding well-being, opportunity, and justice. This commitment derives from our Lutheran heritage, and it defines our faculty and staff who work to create an environment where learners feel heard, and valued. It characterizes our student body, who arent afraid to do things di

What Benefits Does Pacific Lutheran University Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Pacific Lutheran 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 Tacoma?

Understanding the cost of living near Tacoma is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Pacific Lutheran University.
Tacoma's Cost of Living Index is approximately 110.5 (10.5% more expensive than US average; 1.0% less than WA average). South of Seattle, port city, housing more affordable than Seattle but rising. Pierce Transit, Sound Transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from Pacific Lutheran University, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,400 - $2,000+ A significant portion of Pacific Lutheran University salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $120 - $210 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $99 (ORCA monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $440 - $650 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $400 - $730+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $390 - $720+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,849 - $4,319+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Pacific Lutheran University

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

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Pacific Lutheran University is approximately from $93,221 to $122,219. 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 Pacific Lutheran University pay compared to School of Management, New Jersey Institute Of Technology?

The average annual salary at Pacific Lutheran University is $106,704, or an hourly wage of $51, in comparison to School of Management, New Jersey Institute Of Technology which pays $117,241 per year or $56 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Pacific Lutheran University?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Pacific Lutheran 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 Pacific Lutheran University?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Pacific Lutheran 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 Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. Why might an individual's actual salary at Pacific Lutheran University differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at Pacific Lutheran University can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.