Southern Methodist University Salary

How much does the Southern Methodist University Pay for employees?

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Southern Methodist University in the United States is $109,108. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $52. Salaries at Southern Methodist University typically range from $95,264 to $125,085 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. Southern Methodist University’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

How Much Does Southern Methodist University Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Southern Methodist University. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for popular roles within the company, helping you benchmark potential earnings. Use 'View by Card/Table' option to find the data most relevant to your career path.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.
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Current Job Openings at Southern Methodist University

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Southern Methodist University. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Southern Methodist University’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Southern Methodist University’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their annual average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
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Average Salary ($/year)
Southern Methodist University
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
315Prince Georges County Planning Department
Greater Camden Partnership
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Southern Methodist University is below the average for the U.S. Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry by approximately 5%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Southern Methodist University average annual salary with several similar companies. Southern Methodist University average salary of $109,108 is lower than 315Prince Georges County Planning Department, which has an average salary of $113,444. It is higher than Greater Camden Partnership, with their average salary at $106,345. This places Southern Methodist University in a mid-range position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
The companies behind the question marks could be hiring your best people. Don't operate with incomplete data. Unlock your full competitive view with Salary.com for Business to precisely benchmark salaries, benefits, and more against your true competitors.

Employee Reviews: Working at Southern Methodist University

Considering a career at Southern Methodist 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 pace take time and much of the work is routine. Still, the culture remains respectful and inclusive. Service delivery meets expectations but leaves room for improvement. Streamlined permitting. A functional organization with some room for efficiency improvements.
Benefits are excellent, including paid leave and medical coverage. Processes are followed, but sometimes feel bureaucratic. Leadership shows real integrity. There is a strong sense of purpose in the work, but limited engagement from leadership. Connected us with key local resources. This supportive culture not only accelerates professional growth but also strengthens team cohesion and ensures inst...
Generally responsive and polite, though occasional delays can occur. Communication is professional and frequent, which helps maintain trust and efficiency across all levels. Job duties rarely change, which limits excitement.
Working here offers stability and opportunities for meaningful impact in public service. The staff is welcoming, and leadership is transparent about goals. I appreciate the clarity of roles and the strong emphasis on public accountability. I’m proud to be part of a company that truly values its employees and their contributions. Expanded impact.
The stability and comprehensive benefits are excellent, and it’s truly inspiring to see the direct impact of our work on the community and educational outcomes. It's rare to find an organization this large that maintains such strong relationships and community feel. The emphasis on mentorship here is fantastic, especially for newer employees. Innovation is rare, and promotions typically go to long...

Southern Methodist University Overview

Website
www.smu.edu
Founded In
1911
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
6425 Boaz Ln Dallas Texas TX 75205
Revenue
$500 Million - $1B
Phone Number
+1 2147682000
Social Media
About Southern Methodist University
Established in 1911 and located in Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private university that offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through several schools.

What Benefits Does Southern Methodist University Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Southern Methodist 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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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Dallas?

Understanding the cost of living near Dallas is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Southern Methodist University.
Dallas' Cost of Living Index is approximately 101.6 (1.6% more expensive than US average; 9.2% more than TX average). Major city, corporate hub, housing costs above US avg in desirable areas. DART bus/rail. When planning your budget based on a salary from Southern Methodist University, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,300 - $2,000+ A significant portion of Southern Methodist University salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $96 (DART monthly regional pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $410 - $600 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $430 - $800+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $390 - $720+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,776 - $4,376+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Southern Methodist University

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

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Southern Methodist University is approximately from $95,264 to $125,085. 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 Southern Methodist University pay compared to 315Prince Georges County Planning Department?

The average annual salary at Southern Methodist University is $109,108, or an hourly wage of $52, in comparison to 315Prince Georges County Planning Department which pays $113,444 per year or $55 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Southern Methodist University?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Southern Methodist 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 Southern Methodist University?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Southern Methodist 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 Southern Methodist University in Dallas is fair given the local cost of living?

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

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

An individual's actual salary at Southern Methodist 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.