Salary Spread
What is Salary Spread?
Salary Spread is an option, authorized by the IRS, that allows eligible faculty and staff to spread their nine-month academic salary over 12 months. At TXST, this is done by withholding 25% of each paycheck during the nine-month academic year. The withheld amount is then used to provide paychecks during the three summer months, ensuring a monthly income throughout the year.
If you are currently enrolled in salary spread, your election will remain in effect until you submit a cancellation request or become ineligible. Reenrollment is not required each fiscal year if you continue in an eligible position.
Eligibility for Election of Salary Spread:
To be eligible for the Salary Spread option, employees must meet the following criteria:
- The employee must hold a regular nine-month appointment.
- The online election form must be completed, signed, and submitted before the first day of class for the fall semester. For Fall 2026, the first class day is August 19.
Please Note: Employees with a May 15 contract end date will receive a reduced paycheck on June 1, as it reflects a reduced payment for only the first half of May. For more details on academic appointment dates, please visit Faculty and Academic Resources website – Academic Appointment Dates (November 2024 Updates).
What will salary spread look like for me?
Salary Spread elections or spread cancellations take effect on September 1. To estimate your pay under the Salary Spread option for this fiscal year, please review the Salary Spread Simulation Tool.
To elect or cancel your salary spread, please log in and complete the online Salary Spread form below.
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Salary Spread FAQ
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Who is eligible for salary spread?
The employee must hold a regular, nine-month appointment.
The online election form must be signed and submitted before the first day of class for the fall semester. For Fall 2026 the first class day is August 19th.
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Am I eligible to enroll in salary spread if I’m currently in a 12-month position but will be moving into a 9-month position as of the fall semester?
Yes, you may enroll in salary spread. Please complete the salary spread election form AND then please email HRBenefits@txstate.edu with information about your upcoming position change so that we may make note of the upcoming change effective the fall semester.
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Can I cancel or enroll in salary spread once the new fiscal year has begun?
No, unfortunately, updates to salary spread cannot be made after the first-class day.
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If I have a May 15th contract end date, will I receive a reduced paycheck on June 1st?
Yes, employees will receive a reduced paycheck on June 1st as it reflects payment for only the first half of May.
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Can I calculate what my spread will look like?
Yes, salary spread enrollments or cancellations take effect on your first paycheck of the fiscal year (October 1st). To estimate your pay under the Salary Spread option for this fiscal year, please review the Salary Spread Simulation Tool.
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What happens if I’m on salary spread, and I separate employment?
Any salary spread that is owed to you will be paid on the next pay cycle assuming your separation paperwork is processed prior to payroll processing.
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