Academic Affairs Specialist Salary in the United States

How much does an Academic Affairs Specialist make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Academic Affairs Specialist in the United States is $44,414 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, an Academic Affairs Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,816
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,158 to $50,382
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,374

Key Factors That Influence Academic Affairs Specialist Salaries

An Academic Affairs Specialist'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.

How Experience Level Affects Academic Affairs Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Academic Affairs Specialist'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $41,369
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $41,533
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $43,585
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $45,906
  • Expert (over 8 years): $46,072
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Academic Affairs Specialist less than 1 year $41,369
Early Career Level Academic Affairs Specialist 1-2 years $41,533
Mid-Level Level Academic Affairs Specialist 2-4 years $43,585
Senior-Level Level Academic Affairs Specialist 5-8 years $45,906
Expert Level Academic Affairs Specialist over 8 years $46,072

Top Paying Cities for Academic Affairs Specialist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $56,019
  • San Francisco: $55,406
  • Oakland: $54,238

Academic Affairs Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Academic Affairs Specialist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Insurance, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Academic Affairs Specialist positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Academic Affairs Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Academic Affairs Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance $48,855 $23.0 10%

How Education impacts an Academic Affairs Specialist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Academic Affairs Specialist professionals enter the field with a high school degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Academic Affairs Specialist with a high school is between $47,574 and $51,108.

Academic Affairs Specialist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Academic Affairs Specialist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 24.1%
High School 24.1%
Associate's Degree 24.1%
Bachelor's Degree 41.4%
Master's Degree or MBA 6.9%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 3.4%

Academic Affairs Specialist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Academic Affairs Specialist'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$39,158
Average $44,414/year
$50,382
$3,263
Average $3,701/month
$4,198
$753
Average $854/week
$969
$19
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $50,382 $4,198 $969 $24
Average $44,414 $3,701 $854 $21
25th Percentile $39,158 $3,263 $753 $19

Most common benefits for Academic Affairs Specialist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Academic Affairs Specialist

Here are companies hiring for Academic Affairs Specialist and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Academic Affairs Specialist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Academic Affairs Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Academic Affairs Specialist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Academic Affairs Specialist?

The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Academic Affairs Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

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