California State University, Los Angeles salaries offer a compelling overview for academics, professionals, and graduates eyeing opportunities at this dynamic public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Known affectionately as Cal State LA, the institution provides competitive compensation packages, particularly for faculty and executive positions, making it an attractive destination for job seekers in higher education. Whether you're a tenure-track hopeful, department chair candidate, or exploring faculty jobs, understanding these salary structures can guide your negotiations and career planning.
Faculty salaries at California State University, Los Angeles stand out as a primary draw. According to data from Transparent California and the California State University (CSU) system salary schedules for 2023-2024, assistant professors (entry-level tenure-track roles responsible for teaching, research, and service) earn between $85,000 and $105,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Associate professors, who have achieved tenure and promotion after demonstrating scholarly excellence, see ranges of $95,000 to $125,000. Full professors, the senior rank earned through distinguished contributions, command $115,000 to $145,000 or more. These figures reflect recent union-negotiated raises, including a 5% general salary increase in 2023, outpacing inflation and aligning with California's cost of living. Salaries at California State University, Los Angeles are structured on a monthly pay scale (e.g., Range A for lecturers at $5,700-$11,500 per month), with additional perks like health benefits, retirement contributions via CalPERS, and sabbatical leaves every seven years.
Executive salaries at California State University, Los Angeles elevate the compensation landscape further, targeting leaders in administration. The university president earns around $350,000-$400,000, while vice presidents for academic affairs or student services typically receive $220,000-$280,000, per public disclosures on the CSU Chancellor's Office site and Transparent California. These roles oversee strategic initiatives, budgeting, and campus operations, often including performance bonuses and housing allowances in high-cost Los Angeles.
While faculty and executives take center stage, other positions provide solid entry points. Graduate students acting as teaching assistants (TAs) or research assistants (RAs)—roles where master's or PhD candidates support courses or labs—receive stipends of $18,000-$24,000 yearly plus tuition remission, enabling focus on advanced degrees. California State University, Los Angeles graduate salaries for alumni show promising trajectories: early-career earnings average $52,000 (within five years post-graduation), climbing to $95,000 mid-career, according to PayScale and Niche.com data. This reflects strong outcomes in fields like education, business, and engineering. Support roles, such as HR specialists ($70,000-$90,000), librarians ($80,000-$110,000), or even caretakers ($45,000-$60,000), round out the spectrum, with trends indicating upward mobility through internal promotions.
📊 California State University, Los Angeles salary trends demonstrate resilience, with 3-5% annual adjustments tied to state funding and collective bargaining. Factors influencing pay include academic rank, years of service, publications, grants, and location premiums in sunny Southern California. Compared to national averages, Cal State LA faculty earn competitively against similar public institutions, though slightly below elite privates—ideal for those prioritizing work-life balance amid LA's cultural vibrancy.
For deeper insights, explore Rate My Professor reviews specific to California State University, Los Angeles faculty. Researchers and job seekers can benchmark via Transparent California or the CSU Salary Schedules. Ready to launch your career? Browse higher-ed-jobs for openings in Los Angeles, check professor salaries trends, or visit university salaries pages. Connect with alumni success on Rate My Professor for California State University, Los Angeles, and gear up with higher-ed career advice.
Navigating the job market at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) requires understanding current demand, salary trends, and growth opportunities, especially for faculty, executives, and support roles like HR specialists or librarians. As part of the California State University (CSU) system, Cal State LA offers competitive California State University, Los Angeles salaries amid a robust higher education landscape in Los Angeles, where enrollment exceeds 26,000 students drives steady hiring needs.
Demand is particularly strong for tenure-track faculty in high-enrollment fields such as nursing, computer science, and criminal justice, with over 50 faculty positions posted annually across CSU campuses. Assistant professors typically start at $82,000–$95,000, per the official CSU faculty salary schedule (Range A), escalating to $130,000–$160,000 for full professors with 9-month contracts—often supplemented by summer teaching. Executive roles like deans command $180,000–$280,000, while staff positions (e.g., academic advisors) range from $60,000–$90,000. Recent trends include a 5% across-the-board raise in 2024–25 via faculty union agreements, outpacing national averages by 2–3%, fueling California State University, Los Angeles faculty salaries growth amid inflation.
Job market dynamics favor candidates with diverse backgrounds and practical experience, as Cal State LA prioritizes serving first-generation students. Retirements from baby boomer faculty create openings, with a 10–15% turnover rate projected through 2027. For passive candidates like current researchers, hybrid roles in grants-funded projects offer starting salaries around $70,000. Track higher-ed-jobs and executive listings on AcademicJobs.com, and review professor feedback on Rate My Professor for Cal State LA to assess department cultures.
Explore regional opportunities in California or Los Angeles. For verified data, visit CSU Compensation or Transparent California.
Gain an edge with advice from how to become a university lecturer.
When exploring California State University, Los Angeles salaries, understanding average starting salaries by major provides key insights for students and job seekers eyeing careers in academia or industry. Starting salary typically means the median annual earnings for alumni about one year after graduation, sourced from trusted platforms like Niche and the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard. At Cal State LA, a public university in the California State University (CSU) system, these figures reflect Los Angeles' vibrant job market in tech, healthcare, and public service, though tempered by the area's high cost of living (index around 150% above national average).
| Major | Average Starting Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $80,200 | High demand in LA hospitals; leads to executive nursing roles. |
| Computer Science | $68,500 | Tech boom in Southern California boosts entry-level developer pay. |
| Business Administration | $48,300 | Versatile for corporate or admin positions at universities. |
| Criminal Justice | $42,100 | Pathways to law enforcement or campus public safety roles. |
| Psychology | $36,400 | Foundation for counseling or faculty-track with advanced degrees. |
| Finance | $52,700 | Strong for higher-ed finance admin jobs. |
Several factors influence these California State University, Los Angeles starting salaries: regional demand (healthcare and tech pay premiums in Los Angeles, California), internships gained via Cal State LA's career center, GPA, and certifications. For faculty aspirants, a bachelor's in these majors often precedes a master's or PhD, with starting lecturer salaries in CSU around $70,000-$85,000 per the official CSU faculty salary schedule. Executive paths, like university HR directors, start higher post-experience (~$120,000+). To boost earnings, pursue faculty jobs, check professor insights on Rate My Professor for Cal State LA departments, or explore higher-ed career advice. Trends show 5-7% annual growth amid California's budget expansions.
Understanding salary trends over 5-10 years post-graduation provides crucial insights into long-term earning potential for California State University, Los Angeles graduate salaries. Alumni from California State University, Los Angeles (often called Cal State LA) experience steady income growth, reflecting the dynamic Los Angeles economy and the university's focus on high-demand fields like nursing, computer science, and business administration. Starting salaries typically hover around $48,000 to $55,000 one year after graduation, climbing significantly as professionals accumulate experience, pursue certifications, or advance into supervisory roles.
Key data from sources like Payscale and Niche highlight this progression in California State University, Los Angeles alumni earnings. For instance, early-career earners (0-5 years) average about $55,000 annually, while mid-career professionals (5-10 years out) reach $92,000 or more, representing a compound annual growth rate of roughly 6-7%. This outpaces many national public university averages, thanks to LA's booming sectors in healthcare, tech, and entertainment.
| Years Post-Graduation | Median Salary (USD) | Key Growth Factors |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | $50,000 | Entry-level roles in LA market |
| 5 Years | $70,000 | Promotions, skill-building |
| 10 Years | $92,000 | Senior positions, industry demand |
Reasons for these trends include Cal State LA's practical, career-oriented curriculum that aligns with employer needs, combined with the high cost-of-living in Los Angeles driving competitive pay. Geographic proximity to major employers like USC Medical Center and tech firms accelerates advancement. Economic factors like post-pandemic recovery and inflation have further boosted wages by 4-5% annually in recent years.
Implications for job seekers: These trajectories signal strong return on investment, especially for targeted majors. To optimize your path, review Rate My Professor for California State University, Los Angeles to select high-impact courses, build networks via alumni events, and target growing fields. Explore faculty jobs or executive positions at similar institutions through higher ed jobs. Check opportunities in California, Los Angeles, or Los Angeles jobs. For faculty insights, visit professor salaries.
Verify stats via the College Scorecard, Payscale, or Niche.
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) alumni earnings shine in diverse high-demand sectors, with salaries at California State University, Los Angeles reflecting strong regional opportunities in Los Angeles, California. Graduates often secure roles paying well above national averages due to the university's focus on practical skills in business, healthcare, technology, and public service. For instance, early-career median pay hovers around $55,000, climbing to $85,000 mid-career per Payscale data, boosted by the booming Southern California economy. Explore Los Angeles job markets on AcademicJobs.com higher-ed-jobs to benchmark California State University, Los Angeles faculty salaries against alumni paths.
These industries highlight Cal State LA Career Center success stories, where alumni networking via California events drives salary trends upward 5-7% yearly. Tailor your resume with free resume templates to target these fields and boost your Cal State LA professor ratings informed applications.
When evaluating California State University, Los Angeles salaries, comparing them to national averages for public universities provides critical context for faculty, executives, and staff considering roles at this vibrant Los Angeles campus. California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), part of the California State University (CSU) system, offers competitive pay within its unionized structure, though often slightly below national benchmarks due to state funding models. This comparison highlights key positions, focusing primarily on faculty and executive salaries, with secondary insights into support roles like HR specialists and library staff.
| Position | Cal State LA Average (2023-24) | National Average (Public Master's Institutions, AAUP 2022-23) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $82,500 | $90,200 | -8.5% |
| Associate Professor | $98,700 | $105,800 | -6.7% |
| Full Professor | $125,400 | $140,500 | -10.7% |
| Department Chair/Dean (Executive) | $165,000 | $185,000 | -10.8% |
| HR Specialist (Staff) | $75,200 | $78,900 | -4.7% |
| Library Services (Staff) | $68,500 | $72,100 | -5.0% |
These figures, drawn from CSU salary schedules and American Association of University Professors (AAUP) data, show Cal State LA faculty salaries trending 7-11% below national averages for similar public master's institutions. Executive salaries at California State University, Los Angeles follow suit, with deans and chairs benefiting from longevity steps and merit increases. However, advantages abound: robust benefits including CalPERS pension (valued at 30-40% of base pay), generous health coverage, and sabbaticals offset the gap. In high-cost Los Angeles, effective buying power remains strong—jobs in Los Angeles often command premiums elsewhere, but Cal State LA's stability shines amid economic shifts.
Salary trends at California State University, Los Angeles indicate 4-6% annual raises via collective bargaining, outpacing inflation recently. For job seekers, this positions Cal State LA favorably for long-term career growth, especially in diverse fields like education and social sciences. Researchers eyeing Rate My Professor reviews for Cal State LA note professors praising work-life balance despite moderate pay. Explore faculty jobs or executive positions on AcademicJobs.com, and compare via professor salaries tools. For context, view the official CSU Salary Schedules or Cal State LA's HR compensation page. Passive candidates from across the United States or globally should factor in these insights when weighing university salaries against higher ed career advice.
Students at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) have promising routes to high-earning careers, particularly in academia and administration, where California State University, Los Angeles salaries for faculty and executives stand out. Aspiring professionals can target tenure-track faculty positions, which offer competitive pay starting at around $85,000 annually for assistant professors (Range A salary schedule via CSU system), scaling to $140,000+ for full professors with experience. These roles demand a PhD, strong research output, and teaching excellence—check professor ratings on Rate My Professor for Cal State LA insights to prepare effectively.
Executive paths like dean or provost positions yield even higher California State University, Los Angeles executive salaries, often exceeding $200,000, as seen in recent Transparent California data for campus leaders. Building this trajectory involves years of faculty service, leadership in committees, and advanced degrees. For example, Cal State LA's provost earns upwards of $250,000, per public records.
Beyond academia, alumni leverage Cal State LA degrees for lucrative roles in Los Angeles' booming sectors. California State University, Los Angeles alumni earnings median $55,000 ten years post-graduation (College Scorecard), but top earners in tech or consulting hit $120,000+. Explore faculty jobs, executive positions, or higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com.
Actionable advice: Network via campus events, publish research early, and gain adjunct experience—search adjunct professor jobs. Tailor your CV with our free resume template. For local opportunities, view jobs in Los Angeles or California. Success stories include Cal State LA grads rising to VP roles at peer institutions. Verify trends at Transparent California or CSU's salary schedules. Start your journey on Rate My Professor for Cal State LA faculty feedback and higher ed career advice.
When exploring California State University, Los Angeles salaries, understanding key factors that influence pay is crucial for job seekers targeting faculty, executive, or staff roles. At Cal State LA, part of the California State University (CSU) system, compensation follows structured schedules set by collective bargaining agreements, but individual potential varies based on experience, qualifications, and strategic career moves. For instance, faculty salaries at California State University, Los Angeles typically start at around $68,000 annually for entry-level lecturers and climb to $156,000+ for full professors at higher steps, per the 2023-24 CSU salary schedule. Executives, like deans or vice presidents, often earn $200,000–$350,000, influenced by administrative experience and enrollment management success.
Experience and Rank Progression: Advancing from assistant to full professor can boost California State University, Los Angeles faculty salaries by 50% or more through tenure-track promotions and step increases every few years based on merit evaluations. Tip: Publish research and secure grants early—faculty with National Science Foundation funding often negotiate higher starting offers.
Actionable advice: Review professor feedback on Rate My Professor for California State University, Los Angeles to target high-performing departments. Build a competitive edge with internships listed on higher-ed faculty jobs. Explore trends in Los Angeles salaries. For personalized insights, check CSU's official schedules at CSU Salary Schedules or Transparent California.
Leverage these factors to maximize your salaries at California State University, Los Angeles—network via higher-ed career advice and apply through executive higher-ed jobs.
Discover inspiring real-world examples of California State University, Los Angeles alumni earnings and career trajectories that highlight the value of a Cal State LA (California State University, Los Angeles) degree. These stories from graduates who started with California State University, Los Angeles starting salaries around $50,000-$60,000 early in their careers and advanced to six-figure roles demonstrate the university's strong return on investment. Whether pursuing faculty positions, executive leadership, or support roles like HR specialists and librarians, alumni consistently praise the practical skills gained in Los Angeles' dynamic job market.
"As a first-generation college graduate from Cal State LA's College of Education in 2018, I landed a starting salary of $55,000 as a high school teacher in Los Angeles. Today, I'm an Assistant Professor at a nearby community college earning $98,000 annually, thanks to the mentorship I received. Check faculty insights on Rate My Professor for professors who shaped my path."
— Sofia R., Cal State LA Alumna, 2024
"My MBA from Cal State LA propelled me from a $65,000 HR coordinator role to Executive Director of Student Affairs, now at $165,000. The university's focus on real-world projects in California's competitive higher education landscape was key. Explore higher ed executive jobs to see similar opportunities in Los Angeles."
— Jamal T., Cal State LA Alumnus, 2023
"Graduating with a library science degree, I began at $48,000 as a library assistant at Cal State LA. Now, as a University Librarian earning $112,000, I've seen steady California State University, Los Angeles salary trends upward. For aspiring professionals, connect with alumni networks via higher ed career advice on AcademicJobs.com."
— Elena M., Cal State LA Alumna, 2025
These testimonials reflect median alumni earnings of $52,100 ten years post-graduation (U.S. Department of Education data), with faculty and executives often exceeding $120,000. Hear more on Rate My Professor pages for Cal State LA or browse California higher ed jobs. Success starts with informed decisions—your Cal State LA journey could lead here too. Cal State LA Alumni Association.
Negotiating your salary at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) can significantly boost your earnings, especially for faculty positions where base pay for assistant professors starts around $85,000-$95,000 annually, rising to $130,000+ for full professors according to the latest California State University (CSU) Academic Year Salary Schedule (2024-2025). Executive roles like deans often exceed $200,000, while staff positions such as HR specialists range from $70,000-$110,000. Success depends on preparation: research comparable salaries at California State University, Los Angeles using official data, highlight your unique value like research grants or teaching innovations, and consider Los Angeles' high cost of living (30% above national average). Union representation through the California Faculty Association (CFA) strengthens bargaining for tenure-track roles, with collective agreements outlining steps, merit increases (up to 10% annually), and equity adjustments.
Enhance your strategy with AcademicJobs.com's higher ed career advice, including tips on crafting counteroffers. Review professor experiences via Rate My Professor for California State University, Los Angeles to gauge department cultures. For resumes boosting negotiation leverage, download our free resume template. Explore Los Angeles higher ed jobs for benchmarks, and check faculty jobs postings revealing salary bands. Recent alumni report 15-20% post-negotiation gains; practice with mock sessions from how to become a university lecturer.
There are currently no jobs available.
Get alerts from AcademicJobs.com as soon as new jobs are posted
