Salaries at CalArts

At the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), located in Valencia, 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 often vary between artistic disciplines, with fields like film and animation potentially commanding different compensation compared to fine arts or theater. While CalArts does not publicly publish transparent salary bands or detailed compensation data on its official website, some information can be inferred from industry standards, job postings, and public records for higher education institutions in California. Salaries are also influenced by whether the position is full-time, part-time, or adjunct, as well as the availability of grants or external funding for certain roles.

• Full-Time Faculty (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.
• Full-Time Faculty (Associate/Full Professor): Average salary range is around $80,000–$110,000 USD annually, with senior roles often benefiting from additional stipends for research or administrative duties.
• Adjunct Faculty: Compensation is often per course, ranging from $3,000–$5,000 USD per course, with no guaranteed benefits or long-term contracts.
• Administrative Staff (Program Coordinator): Salaries typically fall between $45,000–$60,000 USD per year, varying based on seniority and scope of responsibilities.
• Senior Administrative Roles (Dean/Director): These positions often earn between $100,000–$150,000 USD annually, reflecting leadership responsibilities and institutional impact.

Salaries at CalArts appear to be competitive within the context of private arts-focused institutions, though they may not always align with compensation at larger public universities in California due to differences in funding models. Progression in salary often depends on achieving tenure for faculty or taking on additional administrative roles for staff. As a private institution, CalArts is not subject to the same public sector salary disclosure requirements as state universities, which limits the availability of precise data. For prospective employees, salary negotiations may play a significant role, especially for specialized artistic or academic positions where market demand can influence compensation. Overall, while exact figures are not widely publicized, CalArts remains a respected employer in the creative arts education sector with remuneration reflecting its niche focus.