The MIT pay structure consists of fifteen pay grade ranges (2-16) covering Administrative, SRS Administrative, and Support staff jobs. There are many jobs within each pay grade, resulting in a range of salaries for each pay grade. Each year, Compensation reviews the pay structure to ensure it remains competitive with the market. Note: Faculty, Other Academic, and SRS Technical jobs do not have a formal pay structure (i.e., pay grades).
A pay grade range is a structured range of salaries or wages for a specific job classification within an organization, with a minimum, midpoint, and maximum. There are many different types of jobs contained in each pay grade with varying market pay rates. A market pay rate, is the typical compensation range for a specific job in a particular location and industry. It reflects the current conditions of the job market, influenced by factors such as job responsibilities, required skills, and the overall demand for that type of role. As a result, pay grade ranges are wider to accommodate a variety of jobs.
A pay range is a smaller portion of a pay grade range, usually starting from the minimum and extending to around the midpoint. The pay range is used when considering starting salaries for new hires, transfers, or promotions to a job. A pay range is the annual salary range or hourly wage range that MIT reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for such a position at that time. For those jobs where there is no formal pay structure (Faculty, Other Academic, and SRS Tech staff), only a pay range will exist. The pay range is based on the review of market data and/or internal equity. Pay ranges apply to all jobs, regardless of employee type.
Note: The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring, or for an employee receiving a promotion, will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibility of the position, the individual’s work experience and education/training, and internal peer equity. These factors impact where an individual’s pay falls within a range.
Administrative Staff and SRS Administrative Staff are paid semimonthly on a salary basis and Support Staff are paid weekly based on an hourly rate.
Pay grade ranges effective March 31, 2025. Pay grade range 1 has been discontinued as of May 1, 2025. Annual rates are based on a 40-hour work week.
| Pay Grade | Minimum | Midpoint | Maximum | Minimum (Hourly) | Midpoint (Hourly) | Maximum (Hourly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $44,790 | $51,220 | $57,655 | $21.53 | $24.63 | $27.72 |
| 3 | $45,230 | $55,450 | $65,665 | $21.75 | $26.66 | $31.57 |
| 4 | $46,020 | $61,128 | $76,235 | $22.13 | $29.39 | $36.65 |
| 5 | $50,500 | $68,293 | $86,085 | $24.28 | $32.83 | $41.39 |
| 6 | $58,450 | $76,948 | $95,445 | $28.10 | $36.99 | $45.89 |
| 7 | $67,200 | $88,795 | $110,390 | $32.31 | $42.69 | $53.07 |
| 8 | $77,500 | $102,288 | $127,075 | $37.26 | $49.18 | $61.09 |
| 9 | $88,550 | $117,338 | $146,125 | $42.57 | $56.41 | $70.25 |
| 10 | $102,350 | $135,138 | $167,925 | |||
| 11 | $120,440 | $161,060 | $201,680 | |||
| 12 | $144,505 | $193,205 | $241,910 | |||
| 13 | $173,500 | $231,935 | $290,370 | |||
| 14 | $208,115 | $278,265 | $348,410 | |||
| 15 | $249,745 | $333,905 | $418,065 | |||
| 16 | $299,705 | $400,740 | $501,780 |
Other Payroll Categories
While there is no formal pay structure for Sponsored Research Technical jobs, the FTE minimum salary as of 1/2/24 for Sponsored Research Technical staff is $50,000.
It is recommended that pay ranges be included when posting Sponsored Research Technical jobs. This will give potential applicants a sense of the likely salary. To establish this range, hiring managers are advised to work with their Compensation Specialist, who will analyze the market, review comparable jobs at the Institute and examine internal equity.
For more information about Sponsored Research appointments, see MIT Policies and Procedures Section 5.2.
