A note from Chancellor NorrisThe recently enacted state budget — passed by the North Carolina General Assembly on July 2 and signed into law by Gov. Josh Stein on July 7 — reflects significant investments in Appalachian State University and its people, including well-deserved salary increases and one-time bonuses for App State employees. I thank our legislators for their vital support in securing this funding, and I extend my deepest gratitude to App State faculty and staff — the hard work and dedication you bring to the university every day empowers Mountaineer student success. Please review the message below from Human Resources for information regarding eligibility parameters and implementation timelines. |
The North Carolina 2026–27 budget includes salary increases and a one-time bonus for eligible state employees. Increases and bonuses will be calculated based on each employee's recurring base salary as of June 30, 2026.
Salary Increases
Eligible employees (SHRA, Non-faculty EPS, SAAO and Faculty employees) will receive a 3% recurring base salary increase, effective July 1, 2026.
Temporary hourly employees will also receive a 3% increase to their hourly rate.
Sworn law enforcement personnel will receive a 13% recurring base salary increase, effective July 1, 2026.
App State employees can expect to see salary increases reflected in July 31 pay stubs.
One-Time Bonuses
Eligible employees (SHRA, Non-faculty EPS, SAAO and Faculty employees) will receive a one-time bonus:
| • | Employees with an annual salary of $65,000 or less will receive a $1,750 bonus. | |
| • | Employees with an annual salary greater than $65,000 will receive a $1,000 bonus. |
Permanent part-time employees will receive a prorated bonus based on their June 30, 2026, FTE.
Expect to see bonuses reflected in Oct. 30 pay stubs.
Note: The bonus is not retirement compensation and will not affect base salary. The bonus is subject to federal and state payroll tax withholding. Temporary employees are not eligible for the one-time bonus.
Questions?
With questions or for assistance, contact human-resources@appstate.edu.