In 1948, the American Association of University Professor's (AAUP) Committee Z on the Economic Status of the Profession recommended that the AAUP conduct an annual salary survey in order to restore and improve the profession's economic status. A pilot salary survey was conducted in 1957-1958 and the first full national salary survey was carried out in 1958-59.

The AAUP’s 2017-18 Annual Report on the Economic Status of the Profession report includes two data snapshots about retirement benefits and state funding of higher education. This year's report shows a 3.0 percent increase (or a 1.1 percent increase after adjusting for inflation) in average salaries for full-time continuing faculty members.

2016-2017 Report: Visualizing Change

2015-2016 Report: Higher Education at a Crossroads

2014-2015 Report: Busting the Myths

2013-2014 Report: Losing Focus

2012-2013 Report: Here's the News

2011-2012 Report: A Very Slow Recovery

2010-2011 Report: It's Not Over Yet

2009-2010 Report: No Refuge

2008-2009 Report: On the Brink

2007-2008 Report: Where Are the Priorities?

2006-2007 Report: Financial Inequality in Higher Education

2005-2006 Report: The Devaluing of Higher Education

2004-2005 Report: Inequities Persist

2003-2004 Report: Don’t Blame Faculty for High Tuition

2002-2003 Report: Unequal Progress

2001-2002 Report: Quite Good News—For Now

2000-2001 Report: Uncertain Times

1999-2000 Report: More Good News, so Why the Blues?