Quick Answer: The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) employs approximately 15,000 people as the flagship of the University System of Maryland. (The University of Maryland Medical System and University of Maryland, Baltimore are separate institutions covered in our Healthcare hub.) Pay ranges from $17–$24/hr for service positions to $200,000+ for senior faculty. Apply through ejobs.umd.edu. UMD offers state-employee benefits including the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System and tuition remission.
Working at UMD
The University of Maryland, College Park is a Big Ten land-grant Carnegie R1 public research university and the flagship of the University System of Maryland. UMD employs approximately 15,000 across faculty, professional staff, technical staff, food service, library, athletics, and operations. UMD is distinct from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (the health sciences campus) and the University of Maryland Medical System — both covered in our Healthcare hub.
How to Apply at UMD
- Create an account at ejobs.umd.edu.
- Search by job category (Faculty, Exempt Staff, Non-Exempt Staff, Student, Temporary).
- Prepare resume, cover letter, and references.
- Submit through the portal — background check required.
UMD Pay Ranges
| Role | Pay |
|---|---|
| Custodial / Food Service / Grounds | $17–$24/hr |
| Skilled Trades | $28–$42/hr |
| Administrative Assistant | $40,000–$55,000 |
| Mid-career Manager | $70,000–$110,000 |
| Director | $115,000–$200,000+ |
| Assistant Professor | $85,000–$135,000 |
| Associate Professor | $105,000–$160,000 |
| Full Professor (humanities) | $135,000–$210,000 |
| Full Professor (engineering, business) | $200,000–$400,000+ |
Benefits at UMD
Health insurance: Multiple state-administered medical plans plus dental and vision.
Retirement: Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (defined-benefit) for most positions, with an Optional Retirement Program (ORP) defined-contribution alternative for faculty and certain staff.
Tuition remission: UMD offers tuition remission for eligible employees and, in some cases, spouses and dependent children for coursework at University System of Maryland institutions. Eligibility, percentage covered, and rules vary by employee category.
How to Ask About Tuition Remission
- Wait for the interview stage.
- Ask about UMD’s tuition remission program: eligibility, percentage covered, dependent inclusion, and any service requirement.
- Confirm whether benefits extend to all 12 University System of Maryland institutions.
- Get specifics in writing in the offer letter.
Unions at UMD
Maryland is a moderate public-sector union state:
- AFSCME — some service worker categories
- Skilled Trades — trades workers through respective national craft unions and Maryland locals
Tenure-stream faculty are not unionized at UMD. The University of Maryland Medical System and UMB have separate union structures covered in our Healthcare hub. Skilled trades workers at UMD often pursue apprenticeships through Maryland 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.
Student Employment
UMD employs thousands of students in residence halls, dining, library, recreation, and academic departments at hourly rates aligned with the Maryland 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 UMD?
Create an account at ejobs.umd.edu, search by category, and submit your application materials.
What is the average pay at UMD?
Service $17–$24/hr; mid-career staff $70,000–$110,000; faculty $85,000–$400,000+ depending on rank and discipline.
Does UMD offer tuition remission?
Yes — for eligible employees and, in some cases, dependents within the University System of Maryland.
Are UMD jobs unionized?
Some categories. AFSCME represents some service workers. Tenure-stream faculty are not unionized at UMD.
What’s the difference between UMD and University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) jobs?
UMB is a separate institution focused on health sciences (medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, law). The University of Maryland Medical System is also separate. See our Healthcare hub for those positions.