Salaries at CCA

At California College of the Arts (CCA), located in California, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, academic rank, years of experience, and the specific field of expertise. Salaries may also vary depending on whether the position is within academic departments like design or fine arts, or administrative functions. While CCA does not publicly publish detailed salary bands or transparent pay scales on its official website, compensation is often aligned with industry standards for private art and design institutions in the region. Prospective employees are encouraged to discuss salary expectations during the hiring process, as individual negotiations may play a role in final offers.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is approximately $60,000–$75,000 USD per year, depending on experience and department. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential for growth based on tenure track progression.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is around $75,000–$90,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see increases tied to seniority, research contributions, or teaching awards.
• Full Professor: Salaries generally range from $90,000–$120,000 USD per year. Senior faculty may earn more with additional research funding or leadership roles within the college.
• Administrative Director: Compensation typically falls between $80,000–$110,000 USD annually, influenced by the scope of responsibilities and years of service.
• Adjunct Faculty: Part-time roles often pay per course, averaging $3,000–$5,000 USD per course, with no guaranteed benefits or long-term contracts.

Salaries at California College of the Arts are generally competitive within the niche of art and design education, though they may not match compensation levels at larger public universities or research-heavy institutions. Progression often depends on achieving tenure, securing grants, or taking on administrative duties. As a private institution, CCA’s salary structure is not tied to public sector benchmarking, which can result in more variability compared to state-funded schools. For those considering a career at CCA, it’s worth noting that while specific salary data is not widely disclosed, the college’s focus on creative fields may offer unique non-monetary benefits such as access to cutting-edge facilities and a vibrant artistic community.