Policies

Classification & Compensation Classification & Compensation

All employees are encouraged to learn about the state and university policies, practices and associated administrative procedures that may relate to any questions or concerns they have about their employment.

If any questions arise, please contact your Classification and Compensation consultant.

2026 Legislative Salary Increase and Bonus for Eligible Employees

SHRA Compensation Policies

SHRA positions are subject to the North Carolina Human Resources Act. SHRA positions are classified into career-banded classifications based on competencies required for the position and demonstrated by the employee.

Career-banded classifications and their associated salary ranges are determined by the Office of State Human Resources. SHRA positions can be exempt or non-exempt from overtime based on FLSA guidelines.

EHRA Compensation Policies

EHRA employees are exempt from the North Carolina Human Resources Act. EHRA positions are classified into one of three categories established by the UNC Board of Governors:

Faculty
Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)
Senior Academic and Administrative Officers (SAAO)

EHRA compensation structures are designed to provide competitive salaries in order to attract and retain the very best talent and expertise.

EHRA Positions - Human Resources

Salary Increases

Salary adjustments may be considered for the below reasons:

Additional Job Duties: If there is a significant increase in the scope and/or complexity of the position. This could result in a reclassification or pay increase. Increases are not permitted for increased workload.
Competitive Event (Promotion): If an employee applies for an open position on campus and is the selected candidate. Please note this is a Talent Acquisition (TA) function.
Equity Increase: If a position or employee is paid lower than other similar positions in the same classification/competency with no justification.
FTE Change (Hours worked per week): An increase in hours worked per week (ex. part time to full time) will result in a salary increase.
Interim Adjustment: If an employee is performing additional responsibilities of another position, such as a position that has recently become vacant. This is only a temporary increase. (Please note there is no retroactivity for SHRA interim increases)
Market Increase: If a position or employee's salary is less than the position's assigned market rate. Please note that department funding must be available.
Reclassification/Competency Level Change: If position has evolved or advanced and is performing at a higher competency level. Employee must be performing at higher level for at least several months. Positions can be reclassified into another competency level within current career band or reclassified into a different career band.
Retention: If an employee has a documented offer for a comparable position, a salary increase may be considered to retain the employee. However, this is not always the case.