Clemson University will soon transition to a new pay structure, aligned with the structure of other state institutions and in coordination with other higher education institutions in South Carolina.
In late 2023, the state of South Carolina conducted a market compensation study with Mercer to examine classification and compensation for classified state employees at non-higher education agencies. Recommendations from that study were implemented for non-higher education agencies in June 2025.
Most higher education classifications align with those at other state agencies, so state institutions of higher education (through the Higher Education Efficiency and Administrative Policies Act (HEEAPA) Council) chose to adopt the state’s structure, effective February 1, 2026.
Adoption of the state’s pay structure ensures alignment with the state’s compensation study findings and pay structures at other state agencies.
Overview
These changes only apply to classified (staff) positions and do not impact faculty.
Clemson will transition to four unique pay structures, replacing the previous ten pay bands for classified employees.
- General
- Clinical
- Certified Law Enforcement
- Technology
These specific pay structures, which include pay grades and accompanying salary ranges, allow for specific market pricing relative to unique requirements of certain jobs.
The Office of Human Resources will move all employees in classified positions to the new pay structure, effective February 1, 2026.
After February 1, employees can find their new pay structure and pay grade on the state’s higher education state job classification website. In the meantime, employees may reference this Job Classification Crosswalk to see the new pay structure their position will be assigned to. To find a specific position, select “control-F” and search for a state job title.
Employees can find their state title by going to Employee Self-Service and selecting the “Personal Details” tile. The state title is listed under the employee’s name in the top left corner.
Employee job classifications, business titles and job duties will not change as a result of these changes.
Impact
State regulations require classified employees to be paid at least the minimum of their pay grade. Classified employees whose salaries fall below the minimum of their new pay grade will receive a pay increase to bring them to the minimum of the pay grade, effective February 1, 2026.
The Office of Human Resources will send direct emails to impacted employees scheduled to receive pay increases.
Employees whose salaries are within their new pay grade or are above the maximum of their new pay grade will not see a change in their pay.
Questions regarding these changes may be directed to the Compensation team.
