Unveiling the Pinnacle of Compensation at Princeton University
Princeton University, one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions in the United States, not only attracts top global talent through its academic excellence and research prowess but also offers some of the most competitive compensation packages in higher education. Nestled in Princeton, New Jersey, this private research university employs thousands across faculty, administration, and specialized roles, with salaries reflecting its $38 billion endowment and world-class status. While average faculty salaries hover around $228,000 annually, certain positions command multimillion-dollar packages, driven largely by the university's investment arm and executive leadership.
The compensation landscape at Princeton is diverse, spanning tenured professors earning upwards of $350,000 to investment managers reaping tens of millions. This article delves into the top paying jobs, drawing from public financial disclosures, job postings, and salary surveys to provide a comprehensive view. Whether you're an aspiring academic, administrator, or finance expert eyeing higher education careers, understanding these roles reveals pathways to elite remuneration.
The Investment Powerhouse: PRINCO Executives Leading the Pack
The Princeton University Investment Company, known as PRINCO, manages the university's vast endowment, generating returns that fund operations and financial aid. It's no surprise that PRINCO executives top the salary charts, with performance-based incentives tied to investment success. For fiscal year 2024, these roles dominated the highest-paid list according to public tax filings.
Andrew Golden, President of PRINCO until June 2024, received total compensation exceeding $14.5 million, including substantial other reportable compensation of $72,090. This reflects bonuses and incentives from strong endowment performance. Similarly, Managing Directors like Jonathan Erickson ($2.9 million), Edward Karns ($2.4 million), Tae Kyoon Kim ($2 million), Jennifer Birmingham ($1.9 million), and Susan Butler Ciniglio ($1.5 million) earned multimillion-dollar packages. These positions demand expertise in asset allocation, private equity, and hedge funds, often requiring decades of Wall Street experience.
PRINCO roles exemplify how endowment management elevates pay in elite universities. Responsibilities include partnering with top investment firms, maintaining an equity-biased portfolio, and achieving long-term returns above benchmarks. For professionals with CFA credentials or private equity backgrounds, these jobs offer unparalleled rewards in the nonprofit sector. Public disclosures highlight how such compensation supports Princeton's financial sustainability.
Executive Leadership: Steering the University Vision
Beyond investments, Princeton's core leadership commands seven-figure salaries reflective of their strategic oversight. President Christopher L. Eisgruber earned $1.4 million in total compensation for fiscal 2024, encompassing base pay, benefits, and other perks. As the 20th president since 2013, Eisgruber oversees a $4 billion+ annual budget, fundraising, and policy amid national debates on free speech and affirmative action.
The Provost, currently Jennifer Rexford, follows closely at $872,000, managing academic affairs, faculty appointments, and research initiatives. Vice Presidents and Deans round out high earners: Ramona Romero, Vice President and General Counsel ($875,000), handles legal challenges from lawsuits to compliance. Former Executive Vice President Charlotte Treby Williams received $828,000. Deans, such as Gene Andrew Jarrett (Dean of the Faculty, around $716,000 in prior data), supervise departments and tenure processes.
These roles require advanced degrees (often PhDs or JDs), proven leadership, and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics—board trustees, alumni donors, and government regulators. Salaries include housing allowances, retirement contributions, and relocation support, enhancing total value.
Senior Faculty: Where Scholarship Meets Substantial Pay
Princeton's 1,076 professors (2024-2025) average $228,190 annually, up 5.57% from prior year, outpacing national trends. Full professors lead, with job postings averaging $265,000 and peaks at $271,000–$350,000 for mathematics. Associate and assistant professors earn less but climb rapidly post-tenure.
| Rank | Average Salary | Example Range |
|---|---|---|
| Full Professor | $265,000–$280,000 | $271k–$350k (Math) |
| Associate Professor | $164,900 (peer avg) | Varies by dept |
| Assistant Professor | $135,200 (peer avg) | $110k–$160k entry |
Base salary covers nine months (September–May), with summer pay at 1/9th per month up to two months from grants. Overrides add for chairs or advising. Tenure-track paths demand publications, grants, and teaching excellence. Recent job data shows 42% of postings over $200,000.
High-Paying Departments and Specialized Academic Roles
Certain departments offer premium pay due to market demand or funding. Near Eastern Studies averages $182,000 in postings, mathematics $166,000, and Ludwig Princeton Branch (cancer research) $164,000. Economics postdocs hit $145,000, far above the $77,000 average.
- STEM Fields: Physics research staff, AI lab postdocs ($100,000+)
- Social Sciences: Economics, public affairs professors
- Humanities: East Asian Studies ($166k–$241k)
These reflect endowments, grants from NSF/NIH, and talent wars with tech firms. Chemical engineering postdocs start lower at $67,000 but grow.
Administrative and Professional Staff Opportunities
Non-faculty staff average $105,703 (6,547 employees), with directors and managers reaching $150,000+. Physicians and finance directors top lists per Glassdoor. H1B data shows research scholars at $137,500 (90th percentile).
Key roles: HR executives, IT systems admins ($100k+), development officers fundraising millions.
Athletics: Coaching in the Ivy Tradition
Men's head coaches average $222,019, women's $161,974. Football and basketball lead, though Ivy rules cap at academic levels—no athletic scholarships. Endowed positions boost stability.
Benchmarking Against Ivy Peers
Princeton ranks third for full professors ($280,300), behind Columbia ($296,500) and Stanford ($289,500). Presidents average $1M+ across Ivies. PRINCO's scale gives edge over smaller endowments.
Trends, Benefits, and Future Outlook
Salaries rose 5%+ recently amid inflation, talent competition. Total packages include TIAA retirement, health, sabbaticals—adding 30% value. Future: AI/quantum hires may push STEM pay higher. Salary trends signal growth.
Navigating Careers: Paths to Princeton's Top Jobs
PhDs from top programs, fellowships, networking via conferences. For PRINCO: Investment banking stints. Apply via Princeton HR. Tailor CVs to research excellence or financial acumen.
Princeton's top paying jobs blend prestige, impact, and pay, fueling its mission. Aspiring professionals should monitor openings and build credentials strategically.
Photo by Mathew Browne on Unsplash
