As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a University President in the United States is $306,336 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $147.
However, a University President's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
Smart Recruiting
A University President's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a University President's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level University President | $266,604 |
| Intermediate Level University President | $272,418 |
| Senior Level University President | $277,264 |
| Specialist Level University President | $285,016 |
| Expert Level University President | $294,707 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract University Presidents. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 29.35% |
| Employee Recognition | 1.63% |
| Organizational Structure | 1.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Staff Development
|
$444,187 |
45%
|
|
Public Service
|
$382,920 |
25%
|
|
Organizational Structure
|
$376,793 |
23%
|
|
Programming
|
$376,793 |
23%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$346,160 |
13%
|
|
Accountability
|
$343,096 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University Presidents enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a University President with a Bachelor's Degree is between $302,299 and $354,266).
University President Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.5% |
| High School | 4.5% |
| Associates | 54.5% |
| Bachelors | 9.1% |
| Masters | 54.5% |
| Doctorate | 31.8% |
Understanding how a University President's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a University President can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $222,829 in 2023 to around $219,061 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of University President salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $222,829 |
| 2024 | $221,339 |
| 2025 | $219,061 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for University President and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current University President job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A University President's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a University President earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a University President is $386,382.
The highest pay for University President is $390,612.
The lowest pay for University President is $182,294.
Plans and directs all policies, objectives, and initiatives for an institution. Develops and implements university mission and vision. Oversees all financial, academic, and operational functions. Requires an advanced degree. Typically reports to board of regents. Top level management. Aligns the company's long-term vision with actionable plans. Responsible for building relationships with key stakeholders, including the board of directors, investors, partners, and regulators. Provides overall vision, direction, and leadership for an organization. Develops organizational strategic initiatives and guides business operations. Defines key metrics and sets KPIs for organization. Typically requires extensive leadership experience in senior management or executive roles. Has extensive industry and/or operational knowledge. Past leadership of a company or business unit, including overall P&L responsibility.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
