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Overview
Overview
This process uses a large national dataset and multiple validation steps to establish fair,
consistent salary ranges that support equity, transparency, and long-term growth for
both faculty and staff.
Benchmark Institutions and Role Data
Benchmark Institutions and Role Data
We begin by gathering salary data for each position type from approximately 89 peer institutions nationwide. These institutions are selected because they are similar to Russell Sage University (post-merger) in mission, size, academic mix, financial scope, student body characteristics, workload expectations, geography, and cost of living.
To ensure transparency, the benchmark group includes a broad cross-section of similar private, non-profit institutions.
Examples of institutions included in the benchmark dataset include:
Gannon University, University of Bridgeport*, Utica University, Mercyhurst University, Moravian University, Daemen University*, Nazareth University, King’s College, Hartwick College, Keuka College, Roberts Wesleyan University, Washington & Jefferson College, Houghton University, Franklin Pierce University, and St. John Fisher University*.
At the request of the Compensation Committee, Siena College was also included for comparison, even though it does not fully meet all benchmark criteria. Including Siena allows the committee to see how compensation compares across a slightly broader regional context.
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program
*Indicates an institution that offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.
In total, at least seven institutions in the full benchmark group offer a PharmD, reflecting the merged institutional profile and strengthening the national dataset.
Data Collection by Position Type
For each position type, we collect dozens of individual salary data points, one from each comparable institution.
Example:
For an Assistant Beekeeper or an Assistant Professor of Beekeeping, we draw from salary data across approximately 89 comparable institutions, each contributing one real data point for that role.
Determining the Market Median for Each Position
Determining the Market Median for Each Position
Once all salary data points are collected for a specific role, we calculate the median salary, meaning the middle value when all salaries for that role are ordered from lowest to highest.
The median is used because it reflects what a typical individual earns in a role and avoids distortion from unusually high or low salaries. With approximately 89 data points per position, the median provides a stable and reliable market reference.
Example:
If the median salary for Assistant Beekeeper or Assistant Professor of Beekeeping across the benchmark institutions is $50,000, that figure becomes a key reference point.
Grouping Comparable Roles to Establish a Band Midpoint
Grouping Comparable Roles to Establish a Band Midpoint
Before creating a salary band, we take an additional step to ensure internal consistency and fairness.
At this stage, we group together multiple closely related roles that are similar in responsibility, scope, and level, even if job titles differ across institutions.
Each role group includes at least 20 comparable positions. We calculate the median salary of this group, which becomes the midpoint of the salary band.
This step ensures that salary bands are based on clusters of comparable work, not a single job title.
Example:
An Assistant Beekeeper role may be grouped with comparable positions such as Assistant Butterfly Collector, Associate Pollination Specialist, or Vice Deputy of Daffodil Categorization. For faculty, this may include Assistant Professor of Beekeeping and Assistant Professors in closely related disciplinary or applied fields.
Creating a Salary Band Around the Group Median
Creating a Salary Band Around the Group Median
Using the group median as the midpoint, we create a salary band by applying a fixed percentage above and below that value.
The salary band allows for differences in experience, longevity, and performance while remaining aligned with the market.
Example:
If the group median for Assistant Beekeeper–level roles is $50,000, a salary band might range from $45,000 to $55,000.
Mapping Russell Sage Positions to the Salary Band
Mapping Russell Sage Positions to the Salary Band
Each Russell Sage position is mapped to the appropriate salary band. We compare the current Sage salary to both the lower bound of the band and the group median.
This comparison identifies where Sage salaries align with market benchmarks and where gaps may exist.
Example:
If a Russell Sage Assistant Beekeeper earns $45,000, that salary sits at the lower end of a band built from approximately 89 institutional data points and at least 20 comparable roles, showing both current placement and room for growth.
Supporting Growth and Advancement
Supporting Growth and Advancement
Salary bands are designed to support progression over time.
An Assistant Beekeeper or Assistant Professor of Beekeeping may begin below the median and, with experience and strong performance, progress within the band over time. When an employee is promoted, for example to Director of Beekeeping or Associate Professor, the position moves into a new salary band based on a separate benchmark group.
How to Stay Informed
How to Stay Informed
Regular updates will be shared through internal communications, open forums, and this site. Draft documents (as appropriate) and feedback opportunities will be posted as the project moves through each phase.
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