This article presents an analysis of criteria for the material incentive of university instructors. These results were obtained from the compensation and benefits policies of 70 educational institutions under the jurisdiction of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. Foreign researchers have shown that the appraisal systems used in education and for management decisions (incentives, penalties, and supervision) affect the professional activities of those being appraised. This article evaluates criteria for material rewards at higher education institutions from the standpoint that they can affect an instructor's professional activities. It also gives quantitative assessments of the frequency that various incentive criteria are used. The study finds that faculty incentive payments depend to the greatest extent on the following KPIs: the results of research activities, performance of administrative duties, and prior professional achievements (recognized academic titles and degrees, official honors and awards, etc.). [This article was translated by John Riedl.]