UW-Madison sets 2% pay increase for staff starting June 28 | The Locally Times
The 2025-2027 state budget provides a 2% raise for faculty and staff, excluding student, temporary, and building trades workers.
University of Wisconsin–Madison employees will receive a 2% pay increase this summer under the 2025-2027 state budget. The raise applies to faculty, academic staff, university staff, limited appointees, and research associates who maintain active status on the implementation dates. ## Pay Schedule The timing of the increase depends on the employee's appointment type. For staff with 12-month appointments, the 2% raise takes effect June 28, 2026, with the first adjusted payslip scheduled for July 23, 2026. Employees with nine-month academic year appointments will receive the increase starting August 17, 2026. Their first paychecks reflecting the new rate are scheduled for September 3, 2026. The university will notify eligible employees of their updated rates through individual letters sent via Workday, the university's human resources management system. ## Eligibility Not all personnel qualify for the state-funded pay plan. According to the university’s June 9 notice, temporary employees and student hourly workers are ineligible. Building trades employees are also excluded, as their compensation is governed by separate collective bargaining agreements. Individual schools, colleges, and divisions determine which employees within their units meet the requirements. The university records note that additional eligibility criteria may apply beyond basic employment status, though the specific thresholds for these requirements are not detailed in the current public documentation. ## Budget Context This 2% increase follows a 3% pay raise that took effect June 29, 2025. The current pay plan is a component of the 2025-2027 state budget, which dictates funding levels and salary adjustments for the entire Universities of Wisconsin system. As a major regional employer, the university’s payroll adjustments affect the disposable income of a large portion of the city's workforce. ## Key Questions **When will I see the pay increase in my paycheck?** For 12-month employees, the increase appears on the July 23, 2026, payslip. Academic year employees will see the change on their September 3, 2026, payslip. **Are all university employees eligible for this raise?** No. Temporary employees, student hourly workers, and building trades employees are ineligible for this pay plan. **How do I know if I qualify?** Eligibility is determined by individual schools, colleges, and divisions. Eligible employees will receive a letter in the Workday system detailing their new pay rate.