Compensation Study and Career Architecture Development

Supporting Our Next-Gen K-State Workforce

The Next-Gen K-State strategic plan calls us to be an employer of choice within Kansas and higher education — and we know that begins with how we support our people. Prioritizing employee well-being and satisfaction are paramount, and that often begins with a foundational framework for competitive rewards, recognition of excellence, and opportunities for continuous improvement and growth.

In fall 2024, K-State prioritized the launch of a compensation study initiative to begin in spring 2025, charting a data-informed, collaborative and comprehensive approach to compensation. The study set out to create:

• a refined compensation philosophy
• accompanying pay administration guidelines
• a strong foundation to support career pathways
• newly articlated faculty job structures/ranges
• a modified/refined set of staff job structures/ranges
• a graduate student compensation plan

In spring 2026, the Human Resources team will begin to articulate the results of the initial planning and discovery work produced by our consulting firm and steering committees. Additionally, the team has outlined a multi-year phased implementation plan that will move alongside the university's Budget Transformation initiative, bringing our compensation planning to fruition in alignment with our Next-Gen K-State strategic plan.

Questions?

Have a question or comment about K-State’s Compensation Study initiative? Submit it below or email KSUCompStudy@ksu.edu.