Since 2002, the association has collected and tabulated salary figures from Texas community colleges using four distinct ranges, from “lowest quarter” to “highest quarter” paid. The lowest and highest actual salaries for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are presented for each range. Ranges were based on the total salary range for each degree, subtracting the lowest salary from the highest, then dividing the result into four equal monetary quarters.

Significantly, the TCCTA study of full-time faculty salaries measures actual salaries paid instead of a sample or hypothetical model. The study assumes a nine-month contract, with 12- month contracted salaries adjusted accordingly at 75 percent. Colleges were asked not to include teaching overloads, administrative stipends, or grant-funded positions in their calculations.

Members are urged to view the ranking in the context of the entire survey. Factors beyond average salary, including the breakouts into ranges, should be considered in making comparisons. Readers should weigh a host of other factors, such as the additional benefits (listed by college below) reported by the schools in narrative form. Many of these benefits cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Consider using other comparison tools like a cost of living calculator or the Department of Labor Consumer Price Index (linked below).