Compensation

Human Resources is committed to maintaining a comprehensive, fair, and equitable compensation program that supports the mission of Gallaudet University and the Clerc Center (collectively referred to as “Gallaudet University”). Within the University’s financial resources, compensation for employees is designed to remain competitive with relevant labor markets while maintaining internal equity.

Salary ranges for regular status and extended temporary, exempt and non-exempt, non-union employees are maintained through a compensation process that includes an independent external market analysis conducted by a compensation consultant to support objectivity and neutrality.

The specific objectives of the compensation program are to:

• Maintain a compensation system that is fiscally responsible and defensible to the University’s funding sources.

• Provide competitive salaries to attract, retain, and motivate highly qualified employees.

• Establish and maintain equitable relationships among jobs across the University.

• Provide opportunities for salary growth and professional development.

• Use reliable market data to ensure salaries remain competitive with comparable institutions and relevant labor markets.

• Recognize mission-related competencies and specialized skills, including those that support effective communication and engagement within the bilingual ASL–English environment of the Gallaudet community.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and local laws and regulations.

Human Resources recognizes that total compensation extends beyond base salary and includes a range of benefits and workplace factors that support employee well-being and professional success. These include participation in federal retirement and insurance programs, flexible work arrangements, supportive workplace conditions, and opportunities for professional growth and development. Gallaudet University strives to foster a professional environment that encourages achievement, collaboration, and engagement in support of its mission.

All employees are assigned either an annual base salary (exempt employees) or an hourly pay rate (non-exempt employees). Base pay may be adjusted through general pay increases (cost of living adjustments) or through performance-based increases (merit), when authorized. The University recognizes the importance of maintaining competitive compensation; however, decisions regarding pay adjustments are made by the Executive Team after considering the University’s financial position and institutional priorities.

While Human Resources oversees the overall compensation program across Gallaudet University, decisions regarding individual faculty compensation are managed by the Office of the Dean of Faculty, and decisions regarding individual teacher compensation are managed by the Clerc Center administration team.