Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)

For full explanation of how this information is to be used click here and read the disclaimer.

The amount and date of COLA is established by the Nevada Legislature and authorized by the Governor.  The Nevada Legislature meets on the biennium in odd numbered years at which time they propose increases (if any) and dates of implementation, for the following two fiscal years.  COLA is typically allocated “across-the-board” to all eligible state employees effective July 1, but it is possible that the legislature allocate different amounts based on employee type or implement COLA at different times of the year (History of COLA).   

Eligible Employees

  • Classified Employees
    (adjustments are made to the classified compensation schedule)
  • Regular Continuing Faculty (adjustments are calculated by adding base salary + merit award multiplied by COLA %)

Ineligible Employees

  • Postdoctoral Fellows
  • Temporary Faculty
  • Letter-of-Appointment Faculty
  • Medical Residents
  • Student Employees
  • Graduate Student Employees (TA’s and RA’s)
  • Volunteers (unpaid)
  • Adjunct Faculty (unpaid)
  • Emeritus Faculty (unpaid)