Quick Answer: Purdue University employs approximately 24,000 people across the West Lafayette flagship and the Purdue University in Indianapolis (formerly part of IUPUI), with additional smaller workforces at regional campuses. Pay ranges from $16–$22/hr for service positions to $200,000+ for senior faculty in engineering, business, and pharmacy. Apply through careers.purdue.edu. Purdue offers comprehensive benefits including the Purdue University Retirement Plan and tuition remission.
Working at Purdue
Purdue University is a Big Ten land-grant Carnegie R1 public research university with a flagship campus in West Lafayette and a substantial Indianapolis presence (Purdue University in Indianapolis split from IUPUI in 2024). Approximately 24,000 employees support faculty, professional staff, technical staff, food service, library, athletics, and operations. Purdue is particularly known for its engineering, agriculture, computer science, and pharmacy schools.
How to Apply at Purdue
- Create an account at careers.purdue.edu.
- Search by category (Staff, Faculty, Postdoctoral, Student, Temporary).
- Prepare resume, cover letter, and references.
- Submit through the portal — background check required.
Purdue Pay Ranges
| Role | Pay |
|---|---|
| Custodial / Food Service / Grounds | $16–$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 | $95,000–$150,000 |
| Full Professor (humanities) | $120,000–$190,000 |
| Full Professor (engineering, business, pharmacy) | $180,000–$380,000+ |
Benefits at Purdue
Health insurance: Multiple medical plans through Purdue’s benefits administration, plus dental and vision.
Retirement: Purdue University Retirement Plan — a defined-contribution plan with substantial employer contribution; some classified positions participate in PERF (Indiana Public Employees’ Retirement Fund).
Tuition remission: Purdue offers tuition remission for eligible employees and dependents at Purdue institutions. Eligibility, percentage covered, and rules vary by employee category.
How to Ask About Tuition Remission
- Wait for the interview stage.
- Ask about Purdue’s tuition remission program: eligibility, percentage covered, and dependent inclusion.
- Confirm whether benefits extend to all Purdue campuses.
- Get specifics in writing in the offer letter.
Unions at Purdue
Indiana is a right-to-work state with limited public-sector unionization. Purdue faculty and most staff are not unionized; building trades workers often hold national craft union membership through Indiana locals.
Skilled trades workers at Purdue often pursue apprenticeships through Indiana 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 Indiana healthcare employment, see our Healthcare hub.
Student Employment
Purdue employs thousands of students in residence halls, dining, library, recreation, and academic departments at hourly rates aligned with the local 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 Purdue?
Create an account at careers.purdue.edu, search by category, and submit your application materials.
What is the average pay at Purdue?
Service $16–$22/hr; mid-career staff $65,000–$100,000; faculty $80,000–$380,000+ depending on rank and discipline (engineering, business, and pharmacy command the top of the range).
Does Purdue offer tuition benefits?
Yes — for eligible employees and dependents at Purdue institutions. Confirm specifics with HR.
Are Purdue 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.