Employee and Labor Relations
Employees in the University System of Maryland (USM)
The USM greatly values the dedication and hard work of its employees who keep our institutions running in support of our providing an affordable and accessible education for Maryland students and their families, as well as innovative research that spurs the state and regional economy. The System remains committed to providing competitive wages and benefits to recruit and retain a highly skilled workforce.
Employee Benefits
The USM offers a variety of competitive benefits options to eligible faculty and staff working for a USM institution. In addition to comprehensive leave benefits (accumulated annual leave from 11-25 days per year, 15 days of accumulated sick leave per year, three personal days per year, observance of 15 or 16 State- and USM-designated holidays per year), the USM offers competitive health benefits, desirable retirement options, life insurance plans, and tuition remission. The value of these benefits is significant, at approximately 30% of regular employee wages (not including tuition remission).
Click below for more information about the Systemwide benefits offerings.
History of Wage Increases
Eligible USM employees received a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and a 2.5% merit increase effective July 1, 2024. Eligible USM employees previously realized a 2% COLA and 2.5% merit increase effective July 1, 2023, and increases totaling 10% for fiscal year 2023.
In addition, the Board of Regents approved an increase to $18.22 per hour ($38,000 annually) to the nonexempt range minimum and an increase to $44,948 to the minimum of the exempt salary structures effective July 1, 2024.
Click below to view USM employee COLA & Merit increase history.
