The paper attempts to propose an approach to improving the system of remuneration of the teaching staff of universities based on the experience of Russian universities, at a time when the high quality of higher education, at least natural science and engineering, was recognized all over the world, and the experience of US universities. Discussion and criticism of the existing wage system indicate that the system was built without taking into account well-known approaches to organizing and stimulating there. The experience of the higher education system shows that the average level of remuneration of the teaching staff of universities should exceed the average level of remuneration in the country by at least two times. The ratio of the level of remuneration of the most highly qualified teachers — heads of departments, professors, doctors of science, and the least qualified teachers — assistants should be at least 3–3.5 times. The remuneration of novice teachers who do not have academic degrees and titles, who have work experience, should not be lower than the average level of remuneration in the economy. The permanent part of remuneration in the form of salaries should be at least 80-85% of the average wage. The variable component in the form of incentive payments is not a mandatory element of the remuneration system and can be retained in the form of bonus payments based on performance. It is expedient to differentiate salaries according to the amount of scientific and pedagogical experience and additional payments for performing the duties of heads of faculties and their deputies.