Compensation Sneak Peak: So far, between two-thirds and three-quarters of members do not feel we are being paid appropriately for our levels of responsibility and experience. Review a few of members comments on compensation in general and provide feedback on how you feel salary increases should be structured in our contract.
Here’s what you said in completing the contract survey:
Q: Do you think you are being paid appropriately for your level of responsibility?
A: No one else in my department knows how to do my job, which is very complicated and always changing, and requires an incredible amount of attention to detail. My supervisor didn’t know enough to guide me when I started, and I had to figure out everything on my own in a way that went well beyond my expectations, given the job description.
A: Burnout is very real, beyond my department, but it is not being addressed. Do more with less time is the expectation. Show up even when you don’t have the bandwidth. How do we do thoughtful, meaningful work, in a way that feels rewarding in this reality? We love the work we do but it has become unsustainable and unhealthy without the right support.
Q: Do you think you are being paid appropriately for your years of service?
A: I’ve worked at Rutgers for almost 4 years and came into my new position with a lower salary than if I had quit Rutgers and applied as an outside hire. That doesn’t engender loyalty and actual promotes leaving and coming back in order to get a salary that is worthy of your experience.
A: I have been here for 30 years and my salary is most definitely not what it should be … I love working with the students and that is the only reason that I have stayed this long.
Q: Does your monthly take-home pay cover the cost of your housing and other necessities?
A: Housing costs and cost of living (groceries, utilities, insurance etc) have increased exponentially over the last few years- in 3 years my rent has increased almost $1000 and the only way I am able to afford my current living situation is by living with 3 other people.
A: PSE&G bills (electric and gas) has raised over 50% last 2 years together, my mortgage increased 42% because of Essex County “re-evaluation”, and groceries are at least 20% higher 2025 alone. I used to be able to pay all the bills, now I can’t anymore. I got a second job at … to help a little bit.
How Should Raises Be Structured?
An overwhelming majority of members thus far prioritize across the board percentage-based salary increases as most desirable, while many members believe that opportunities for increases based on longevity and equity should be expanded. Fewer are proponents of going back to including a merit-based component and far fewer thus far have advocated for across-the-board flat dollar pay raises.
Compensation Follow Up Question: How Should Raises Be Structured?
Create your own user feedback surveyHave you taken the entire survey with the ability to add comments yet? If not, take the full Contract Survey now.
