Salaries at CalTech

Salary expectations at the California Institute of Technology (CalTech), located in Pasadena, California, are influenced by several factors including role, academic rank, experience, and field of expertise. Salaries for faculty and staff are often determined based on market competitiveness within higher education and specific disciplines, particularly in STEM fields where CalTech excels. While CalTech does not publicly publish detailed salary bands or exact figures for all positions, some data is accessible through aggregated reports and industry surveys. Compensation also reflects the university's status as a leading research institution, often incorporating funding for research, grants, and additional stipends for senior roles.

• Assistant Professor: Typically earns between $100,000–$130,000 USD annually, depending on the department and research focus. Starting salaries may include initial research funding or startup packages.
• Associate Professor: Average salary ranges from $130,000–$160,000 USD per year, often tied to tenure status and publication record. Additional bonuses may apply for securing grants.
• Full Professor: Salaries generally fall between $180,000–$250,000 USD annually, with higher earnings for distinguished faculty or those in leadership roles. Compensation may include endowed chair positions.
• Research Scientist: Earnings range from $80,000–$120,000 USD per year, heavily dependent on project funding and seniority within research groups.
• Administrative Director: Salaries typically range from $90,000–$150,000 USD annually, varying by department size and scope of responsibilities.

CalTech's salaries are generally competitive compared to other top-tier research universities in the United States, reflecting its emphasis on attracting world-class talent in science and technology. Salary progression for academic roles often correlates with tenure, research output, and external funding success. While specific figures are not always publicly disclosed, the university benchmarks its compensation against peer institutions to remain attractive in a highly competitive academic market. For prospective employees, understanding salary potential may require direct negotiation or consultation during the hiring process, as transparency varies by role and department.