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Classification & Compensation

WSU is dedicated to ensuring our faculty and staff are recognized and rewarded for their contributions while driving to success the strategic initiatives of the university by offering competitive salaries and a robust benefits package.

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General Salary FAQs, Eligibility, & Dates

Go to the General Salary Information page for resources regarding salary increases for Classified Staff, Administrative Professionals, Faculty, and Academic Student Employees.

Minimum Wage

View the different minimum wage rates for the State of Washington.

Overtime Eligibility Changes

Washington State L&I salary threshold changes are expected annually on January 1 of each year through 2028. Review the Overtime Eligibility FAQs for more information.

The salary threshold for 2026 has been announced, and has been set to $80,168.40 annually ($6680.70 monthly).

Civil Service/Classified Changes

In addition to the 3% MSI, OFM has approved Starting Wage and Targeted Range changes for select titles and/or series effective July 1, 2025. HRS will determine impacts and work with Modernization to make necessary changes in Workday.

These changes were reviewed and approved at the June 23, 2025 OFM HR Director’s Meeting.

OPDRS

Go to the OPDRS log in screen.

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Classification & Compensation Philosophy

Our guiding principles include:

  • Assess our jobs in the market based on their assigned responsibilities, taking into account job scope, accountabilities, and value to the University;
  • Provide transparency in salary setting processes with annual communication regarding decisions; provide structure & accountability;
  • Align our total compensation, including salary plus benefits, for comparable work with leading academic institutions (public and private) and similar organizations with whom the University competes for talent;
  • Establish consistent linkage of system-wide programs, systems and processes while accommodating a level of flexibility in administration to allow campuses to operate with relative autonomy within their respective markets;
  • Utilize Washington State- or bargaining unit- established salary ranges and steps for civil service salaries.
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Classification & Compensation Guidance & Resources

Administrative Professionals (AP)


Classified Staff (CS)


Non-Permanent (NPS/NPNS)


Student Employment