Determining Classification & Compensation
Human Resources (HR) helps offices and departments determine the appropriate classification and salary grade for new and existing positions — including both classified and non-academic professional positions — to ensure decisions are consistent with SUNY and UAlbany policies, union agreements, and the unit's organizational structure.
Note: For academic professional positions, please contact the Provost’s Office.
When a unit begins working with HR on the recruitment, promotion and/or reclassification process, they will be required to provide a job description and an organizational chart for the unit.
Access the Job Description Template for vacancy announcements on the Recruit & Hire Faculty & Staff page.
Access the state title standards and salary schedules here:
State title standards and salary schedules are meant to be used as benchmarks, not exclusive guides for determining classifications and/or designing positions.
Instead, units should outline their own specific needs and objectives when designing a position. HR will then compare the unit’s job description and organization chart with those for similar positions at UAlbany and other SUNY campuses to arrive at the appropriate title and salary grade.
To request assistance with classification and compensation, please contact Workforce Planning at 518-437-4700 or [email protected].
Position Reviews
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay covered employees minimum wage and overtime.
To be exempt from FLSA coverage, an employee must meet a duties test and, with a few exceptions, must earn at least the FLSA minimum salary threshold.
- Part-time Employees: The minimum salary threshold is not pro-rated for part-time employees. Therefore, most part-time employees are considered non-exempt and are eligible to earn overtime.
- Classified Employees: New York State has designated all classified service employees at salary grade 23 and below to be non-exempt, meaning they are also eligible to earn overtime.
- Academic Professional Employees: Teachers/Instructors are considered FLSA exempt if their primary duty is teaching, tutoring, instructing or lecturing to impart knowledge.
- Non-academic Professional Employees: The University reviews all positions for FLSA status as part of the classification and compensation review process. Positions are also reviewed as needed based on changes in FLSA regulations, position changes, and through the normal course of auditing performance programs and job descriptions.
Please contact HR at 518-437-4700 or [email protected] with any questions.