Does Stanford University pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Stanford University employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.6 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Stanford University. This rating has been stable over the past 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Stanford University?

82% of Stanford University employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Stanford University 3.9 out of 5 for work life balance, 4.1 for culture and values and 3.9 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Stanford University?

Postdoctoral Fellow (348) , Research Assistant (347) , PhD Student (166) , Graduate Research Assistant (157) , Postdoctoral Scholar (135) , Graduate Student (132) , Postdoctoral Researcher (100) , PhD Graduate Student (79) , Research Scientist (76) , Teaching Assistant (60) , Research Associate (56) , Postdoctoral Research Fellow (54) , Researcher (54) , Clinical Research Coordinator (52) , Administrative Assistant (47)

What are the pros of working at Stanford University according to real employee reviews?

"people were great and nice to work with" ((in 492 reviews)); "one of the best places If you like to do research and the campus is beautiful" ((in 362 reviews)); "Great faculty and colleagues and resources" ((in 170 reviews)); "Good work life balance is good" ((in 142 reviews)); "Everyone is appreciative of your work and hours are flexible as long as you do your assigned tasks." ((in 112 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Stanford University according to real employee reviews?

"Low salary because of the way the fellowship works; can only work domestically not internationally" ((in 305 reviews)); "Low pay and very antiquated." ((in 305 reviews)); "Poor management; Discouraging and had unreasonable expectations as working from home began due to covid" ((in 65 reviews)); "Managers don't hold themselves accountable and you wonder what they do all day." ((in 47 reviews)); "poor work organization and leadership" ((in 28 reviews))

What are employees saying about Stanford University layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Stanford University layoffs and their outlook for job security at Stanford University in 2026.

Stanford University reviews

4.3

82% would recommend to a friend

(5,725 total reviews)

Jonathan Levin

77% approve of CEO

68% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (5,725 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Stanford University has an employee rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, based on 5,725 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an excellent working experience there. The Stanford University employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Educación industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

6K reviews

2.0

Aug 12, 2010

Repression and Self-Censorship both High at Stanford

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Stanford has thousands of nitches, if you happen to be lucky enough to find one that fits your own complex needs. If you find something you like to do, and are will to accept modest rewards, and a limited up-side, then Stanford might be a good fit.

Cons

Everybody gets just one promotion at Stanford, if they're lucky. That is, the status pyramids are tall and steep. Advantage is secured only after years of preparation, some relevant, much not so much. If you are troubled by a complex pecking order, then Stanford might not fit.

3.0

Aug 11, 2010

neutral

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

beautiful campus mostly nice staff and students importance of work life balance and health emphasized for all w/ a good manager, encouragement and guidance for work improvement/promotion is possible great place to network w/ different departments

Cons

parking is expensive and unfair - too many As, not enough Cs. C / shared lots are always full where as there are always so many empty As. Waste of space! snobby, sense of entitlement from faculty administrative employees hardly appreciated/noted cutbacks seems to impact certain departments more than others

4.0

Jul 30, 2010

Nice place to work, but satisfaction dependent on qualitiy of manager

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Work/Life balance is great, especially for young families. Wellness programs are a priority. Pace is fairly calm.

Cons

Not much incentive to excel. 'Don't rock the boat' culture benefits management more than line staff in the area of conflict.

Viewing 5608 - 5610 of 5,725 Reviews

Top companies for "Compensation and Benefits" near you

UC San Diego

3.6★Compensation & Benefits

Texila American University

3.8★Compensation & Benefits

Jobs at Stanford University

Clinical Research Coordinator Associate (Fixed-term 6 months)

Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering Associate

Off-Campus Inspector, 2 year Fixed Term

Clinical Research Coordinator Associate

Residency/Fellowship Coordinator