Quick Answer: Indiana University employs approximately 35,000 people system-wide across nine campuses, with the Bloomington flagship and IU Indianapolis (formerly IUPUI) representing the largest concentrations. (IU Health is a separate workforce covered in our Healthcare hub.) Pay ranges from $17–$22/hr for service to $200,000+ for senior faculty. Apply through jobs.iu.edu. IU offers tuition benefit programs for eligible employees and dependents.
Working at Indiana University
Indiana University is a Big Ten R1 public university system with a flagship campus in Bloomington plus eight regional campuses. The Bloomington campus and IU Indianapolis (the urban research campus that became independent of Purdue in 2024) employ the bulk of the system’s ~35,000 workforce. IU Health is a separately incorporated nonprofit health system covered in our Healthcare hub.
How to Apply at IU
All applications run through jobs.iu.edu:
- Create an applicant account.
- Search by job category (Staff, Academic, Temporary, Student).
- Prepare resume, cover letter, and references.
- Submit through the portal.
- Background check required for all positions.
IU 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–$180,000+ |
| Assistant Professor | $80,000–$130,000 |
| Associate Professor | $95,000–$150,000 |
| Full Professor (humanities) | $120,000–$195,000 |
| Full Professor (medicine, law, business) | $180,000–$380,000+ |
Benefits at IU
Health insurance: Multiple medical plans including HSA-compatible options, plus dental and vision.
Retirement: Indiana University offers a defined-contribution plan with substantial employer contribution; some classified positions also participate in PERF (Indiana Public Employees’ Retirement Fund).
Tuition benefit: IU offers tuition benefit programs for eligible employees, with extensions to spouses and dependent children for certain categories. Eligibility, percentage covered, and dependent inclusion vary by program type and employee category. Confirm specifics with HR during the application process.
How to Ask About Tuition Benefits
- Wait for the interview stage.
- Ask the hiring manager about the tuition benefit program: eligibility, percentage covered, whether dependents qualify, and any service requirement.
- Request specifics in writing in the offer letter.
- Confirm which IU campuses qualify and any partner-institution coverage.
Unions at IU
Indiana is a right-to-work state with limited public-sector unionization. At IU, faculty and most administrative staff are not unionized. Some service-worker and trades-worker categories have informal representation; building trades workers in particular often hold national craft union membership through Indiana locals.
For IU Health and IU Health Bloomington Hospital workforce, see our Healthcare hub. Skilled trades workers at IU often pursue apprenticeships through union locals — see our Learn a Trade hub for guides on IBEW electrical training, plumber and HVAC apprenticeships, and other building-trade pathways. For an overview of how union and non-union pathways differ, see our Union vs Non-Union Apprenticeship comparison.
Student Employment
IU employs students in residence halls, dining, library, recreation, and academic departments at hourly rates aligned with the local minimum wage. Graduate students may serve as Associate Instructors (AIs) or Graduate Assistants with tuition remission and stipends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply at IU?
Create an account at jobs.iu.edu, search by category, and submit your application materials through the portal.
What is the average pay at IU?
Service $17–$22/hr; staff mid-career $65,000–$100,000; faculty $80,000–$380,000+ depending on rank and discipline.
Does IU offer tuition benefits?
Yes, for eligible employees and dependents in many categories. Specifics should be confirmed with HR during the application process.
Are IU jobs unionized?
Limited — Indiana is a right-to-work state with low public-sector unionization. Building trades workers often have national craft union membership through Indiana locals.
What’s the difference between IU and IU Health jobs?
IU Health is a separate health system. See our Healthcare hub for IU Health employment.