Quick Answer: Arizona State University (ASU) employs approximately 24,000 people across four metropolitan campuses (Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, West Valley) and a substantial online education enterprise. Pay ranges from $17–$22/hr for service positions to $200,000+ for senior faculty. Apply through cfo.asu.edu/applicant. ASU offers state-employee benefits including the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) pension and tuition reduction for self and dependents.
Working at ASU
Arizona State University is a Carnegie R1 public research university known for one of the largest enrollments and most innovative organizational structures in U.S. higher education. ASU employs approximately 24,000 across the Tempe flagship and three Phoenix-area campuses. The university’s organizational model is distinct — ASU dissolved traditional academic departments years ago in favor of trans-disciplinary schools, which influences how some faculty positions are structured.
How to Apply at ASU
- Visit cfo.asu.edu/applicant and create an account.
- Search by job category (Staff, Faculty, Student, Temporary).
- Prepare resume, cover letter, and 3 references.
- Submit through the portal — background check required.
ASU Pay Ranges
| Role | Pay |
|---|---|
| Custodial / Food Service / Grounds | $17–$22/hr |
| Skilled Trades | $26–$40/hr |
| Administrative Assistant | $36,000–$50,000 |
| Mid-career Manager | $65,000–$100,000 |
| Director | $105,000–$185,000+ |
| Assistant Professor | $80,000–$130,000 |
| Associate Professor | $100,000–$155,000 |
| Full Professor (humanities) | $130,000–$200,000 |
| Full Professor (engineering, business, law) | $180,000–$350,000+ |
Benefits at ASU
Health insurance: Multiple state-administered medical plans plus dental and vision.
Retirement: Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) defined-benefit pension; some classified staff and faculty have alternative defined-contribution options.
Tuition reduction: ASU offers a tuition reduction program for eligible employees and dependents within the Arizona public university system. Eligibility, percentage covered, and rules vary by employee category.
How to Ask About Tuition Reduction
- Wait for the interview stage.
- Ask about ASU’s tuition reduction program: eligibility, percentage covered, and dependent inclusion.
- Confirm whether benefits extend to other Arizona universities (UA, NAU).
- Get specifics in writing in the offer letter.
Unions at ASU
Arizona is a right-to-work state with limited public-sector unionization. ASU faculty and staff are largely not unionized; some service-worker categories may have informal representation, and skilled trades workers often hold national craft union membership through Arizona locals.
Skilled trades workers at ASU often pursue apprenticeships through Arizona union locals — see our Learn a Trade hub for guides on IBEW electrical training, plumber and HVAC apprenticeships, and other building-trade pathways, plus our Union vs Non-Union Apprenticeship comparison. For Arizona healthcare employment, see our Healthcare hub.
Student Employment
ASU employs thousands of students in residence halls, dining, library, and academic departments at hourly rates aligned with the Arizona minimum wage. Graduate students may serve as Teaching Assistants or Research Assistants with tuition remission and stipends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply at ASU?
Create an account at cfo.asu.edu/applicant, search by category, and submit your application materials.
What is the average pay at ASU?
Service $17–$22/hr; mid-career staff $65,000–$100,000; faculty $80,000–$350,000+ depending on rank and discipline.
Does ASU offer tuition benefits?
Yes — for eligible employees and dependents within the Arizona public university system.
Are ASU jobs unionized?
Limited — Arizona is a right-to-work state with low public-sector unionization. Building trades workers often have national craft union membership through Arizona locals.