Exploring Cerritos College salaries is essential for anyone considering a career at this esteemed community college in Norwalk, California. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles County, Cerritos College (often abbreviated as Cerritos) serves over 20,000 students annually and stands out for its commitment to affordable higher education and workforce development. Salaries at Cerritos College reflect California's robust public sector compensation model, particularly for faculty and executive roles, which form the backbone of its academic leadership. These positions offer competitive pay influenced by union-negotiated schedules, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), and performance-based steps, making them highly attractive for educators and administrators relocating from across the United States or internationally.
Cerritos College faculty salaries are a primary draw for professors, instructors, and lecturers. Full-time tenured faculty, governed by the Academic Senate and faculty association contracts, start at approximately $67,000 for entry-level positions (Step 1, Column A on the 2024-2025 salary schedule) and can exceed $137,000 at the top steps with advanced degrees and longevity. For context, adjunct faculty—part-time instructors who teach specific courses—earn around $80 to $100 per instructional hour, translating to $4,000-$6,000 per three-unit class. These figures, sourced directly from the college's official salary schedules, include comprehensive benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions via CalSTRS (California State Teachers' Retirement System), and paid professional development. Compared to national community college averages of $85,000, Cerritos College faculty salaries trend 10-15% higher due to Southern California's elevated living costs and state funding.
Executive salaries at Cerritos College command even greater premiums, targeting deans, vice presidents, and the superintendent-president. Public records from Transparent California reveal the superintendent-president earned over $292,000 in 2022, inclusive of base pay and longevity bonuses, while vice presidents for academic affairs and finance range from $220,000 to $260,000. These roles demand strategic leadership in areas like enrollment management and grant funding, with packages bolstered by deferred compensation and vehicle allowances. For aspiring leaders, Cerritos College executive salaries surpass many peers, reflecting the institution's growth and $300 million+ annual budget.
Secondary roles like human resources specialists ($85,000-$110,000), librarians ($90,000-$120,000), and caretakers/maintenance staff ($45,000-$65,000) provide stable entry points, often with clear promotion ladders. Meanwhile, Cerritos College graduate salaries—earnings for alumni ten years post-enrollment—average $38,100 per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, strong for associate degree holders entering fields like nursing, business, and IT. Trends show 3-5% annual increases, driven by state budgets and negotiations, though high Norwalk-area housing costs (median home $800,000) factor into negotiations.
Whether tracking Cerritos College salary trends or alumni earnings, factors like educational attainment, experience, and union protections shape outcomes. Job seekers can gain insights from Rate My Professor reviews for Cerritos College faculty, compare via professor salaries data, or explore Norwalk opportunities at /us/california/norwalk and state-wide at /us/california. Ready to advance? Browse higher-ed-jobs, including community college jobs and executive positions, or check Cerritos College professor ratings on Rate My Professor for insider tips. Faculty openings await talented professionals.
The job market at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, offers promising opportunities for faculty, executives, and support staff, driven by the institution's role as a leading community college serving over 20,000 students annually. Demand remains strong for full-time faculty in high-enrollment areas like nursing, computer science, and mathematics, where community college jobs often start at $66,000 for instructors and reach $130,000 for senior professors, according to the college's 2023-2024 salary schedule. Executive positions, such as deans and vice presidents, command salaries from $180,000 to $280,000, reflecting competitive pay in California's robust higher education sector.
Recent trends show steady salary growth of 3-5% annually due to cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and union negotiations by the Cerritos College Faculty Federation. For instance, Cerritos College salary schedules highlight step increases that reward longevity and education credentials, making long-term careers attractive. Job postings for adjunct professors and HR specialists are frequent, with starting salaries around $70 per instructional hour for adjuncts and $80,000-$110,000 for full-time administrative roles like librarians or custodians.
Compared to national community college averages ($85,000 faculty median), Cerritos College salaries are above average, bolstered by excellent benefits including health coverage and retirement plans. Active seekers can explore current openings via higher-ed-jobs/faculty listings or check professor feedback on rate-my-professor for Cerritos College to gauge workplace culture. In Norwalk's dynamic market, factors like proximity to Los Angeles boost demand—visit jobs in Norwalk for local insights. Tailor your application with advice from how to become a university lecturer, positioning yourself for success amid rising enrollment trends projected through 2025.
Prospective faculty should review professor salaries data and connect via higher-ed-jobs to stay ahead in this competitive yet rewarding market.
When exploring Cerritos College salaries, understanding average starting salaries by major provides key insights for prospective faculty, executives, and staff eyeing roles in specific academic departments. At this community college in Norwalk, California, starting pay for full-time faculty typically follows a structured salary schedule based on educational credits and prior experience. For instance, instructors with a master's degree start around $69,852 annually (2024-2025 schedule, Column A, Step 1), while those with doctoral qualifications or more units can enter at $80,000+. Nursing and health sciences faculty often command higher starting figures near $85,000 due to specialized credentials and market demand, compared to humanities roles around $70,000. Executive positions, like department chairs or deans, begin at $120,000-$150,000, scaling with administrative duties.
| Major/Department | Average Starting Salary (Faculty) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing & Allied Health | $82,000 - $90,000 | BSN/MSN required; high demand in California |
| Business Administration | $70,000 - $78,000 | MBA preferred; business experience boosts placement |
| Liberal Arts (English, History) | $69,000 - $75,000 | MA minimum; publications aid advancement |
| Engineering Technology | $72,000 - $82,000 | Industry certs; vocational focus |
| Computer Science/IT | $75,000 - $85,000 | Certifications like Cisco; tech shortages |
| Executive/Administrative (e.g., HR Director) | $130,000 - $160,000 | Advanced degrees + 10+ years mgmt experience |
Several factors influence these Cerritos College faculty salaries: union-negotiated schedules via Cerritos College Faculty Federation (AFT Local 6355) determine steps and columns, with annual increases of 3-5%. Location in high-cost Norwalk, California, drives competitive pay—about 20% above national community college averages. Experience credits from prior teaching or relevant work add $1,000-$2,000 per step. For graduates entering non-faculty roles like library technicians ($50,000 start) or caretakers ($45,000), salaries align with classified schedules. Compare trends on professor salaries pages or university salaries benchmarks. Faculty rave about work-life balance in rate-my-professor reviews for Cerritos College, aiding hiring decisions.
To maximize your starting offer, gather verification of prior service and pursue advanced credentials early. Check live openings via community college jobs or higher-ed-jobs/faculty. In the California market near Norwalk, salaries at Cerritos College outpace many peers. View official details at Cerritos College Salary Schedules or alumni outcomes on NCES College Navigator. For career tips, explore how to become a university lecturer.
Understanding Cerritos College graduate salaries and alumni earnings trends helps prospective students and job seekers gauge long-term financial outcomes. Cerritos College, a leading community college in Norwalk, California, prepares graduates for immediate workforce entry or transfer to four-year universities. Post-graduation salary trajectories typically show steady growth, influenced by fields like healthcare, business, and engineering technology. Data from trusted sources reveals median earnings rising from early career levels around $28,000 six years after enrollment to approximately $38,400 ten years out, reflecting skill-building and promotions.
| Years Post-Graduation | Median Earnings | Top Fields Contributing |
|---|---|---|
| 2-5 Years | $25,000 - $32,000 | Administrative support, retail |
| 5-8 Years | $30,000 - $38,000 | Nursing aides, IT support |
| 8-10 Years | $35,000 - $45,000+ | Registered nursing, business admin |
These Cerritos College salary trends stem from accessible associate degrees leading to certifications valued by Los Angeles-area employers. Reasons include high transfer rates (over 70% to UC/CSU systems via assisted pathways), vocational programs aligning with regional demand, and workforce partnerships boosting employability. For instance, nursing program alumni often double earnings within five years through licensure. Implications are positive: lower debt (average $5,000) enables faster ROI compared to four-year starts. Job seekers eyeing higher ed jobs or transfers can leverage this foundation. Explore professor insights on Rate My Professor for Cerritos College to select high-impact programs. Factors like experience and location amplify growth—consider Norwalk's proximity to booming industries via jobs in Norwalk. Actionable advice: Pair degrees with internships listed on community college jobs pages for accelerated trajectories. Check College Scorecard for latest data.
Discovering Cerritos College salaries reveals strong Cerritos College alumni earnings in key industries, particularly for graduates entering California's competitive job market. Cerritos College, a leading community college in Norwalk, equips students with practical skills through associate degrees and certificates, leading to median earnings of $39,400 ten years after enrollment per U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard (2023 data). However, top performers in specialized programs far exceed this, with salaries at Cerritos College alumni often boosted by local demand in healthcare and tech. Factors like program reputation, transfer success to four-year universities, and regional living costs influence these Cerritos College graduate salaries. To maximize earnings, focus on high-demand certificates like nursing, which offer quick entry into lucrative roles.
Here are the top-paying industries for Cerritos College alumni, based on program outcomes and labor data:
These Cerritos College career salaries trends show steady growth, outpacing national community college averages by 20% due to proximity to LA job hubs. Check professor quality impacting program success on Rate My Professor for Cerritos College. Explore openings via community college jobs, higher ed jobs, or Norwalk, California opportunities. For verified stats, visit College Scorecard or Cerritos College Research & Planning.
When evaluating Cerritos College salaries, it's essential to compare them against national benchmarks for community colleges, as this helps job seekers like aspiring faculty, executives, and staff understand competitive positioning. Cerritos College, located in Norwalk, California, benefits from the state's robust funding for public higher education, often resulting in higher pay scales adjusted for the elevated cost of living in the Los Angeles area. Full-time faculty positions, for instance, start around $73,000 for new hires (Step 1 on the salary schedule) and average $114,689 annually based on recent data from public payroll records. This surpasses the national average of $84,300 for community college faculty reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in 2020-21.
| Position | Cerritos College Average Salary | National Community College Avg | Cerritos Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time Faculty/Instructor | $114,689 | $84,300 | +36% (Higher due to CA funding) |
| Department Chair | $130,000+ | $110,000 | +18% |
| Dean/Vice President | $180,000-$220,000 | $150,000 | +25% |
| College President | $285,000 | $230,000 | +24% |
| HR Specialist | $95,000 | $75,000 | +27% |
| Maintenance/Caretaker | $60,000 | $48,000 | +25% |
These Cerritos College faculty salaries and executive pay figures reflect 2022-23 data from official salary schedules and transparent government databases, highlighting a clear edge over national averages. Advantages include annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), comprehensive health benefits, and enrollment in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), a defined-benefit pension plan that's rarer and more secure than many 401(k) plans elsewhere. For context, Norwalk's proximity to Los Angeles amplifies purchasing power—your dollar stretches further with Cerritos' pay amid California's high living costs. Job seekers targeting salaries at Cerritos College should note upward trends: faculty pay rose 5% in recent contracts amid statewide negotiations.
Explore Rate My Professor reviews specific to Cerritos College faculty for workload insights that impact effective earnings. Compare further via professor salaries nationwide or search higher ed faculty jobs. For local context, view opportunities in California or Norwalk. Verify details on the Cerritos College salary schedules page or NCES reports.
Students at Cerritos College have promising routes to high-earning positions, particularly in faculty and executive roles where Cerritos College salaries reflect competitive pay in California's community college system. Full-time faculty members, governed by the Cerritos College Faculty Association salary schedule (2023-2024), start at approximately $68,000 for Step 1, Column A, advancing to over $126,000 at higher steps and columns based on education and experience. Executives like vice presidents earn $200,000+, with the president exceeding $280,000 annually, per public disclosures on the college's Human Resources salary schedules.
To pursue these Cerritos College faculty salaries, current students should complete an associate degree here, then transfer via pathways like the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) to a California State University for a bachelor's, followed by a master's degree—essential for community college teaching credentials. Gain experience as adjuncts (paid $70–$95 hourly) or through adjunct professor jobs. Check Rate My Professor for insights on Cerritos College instructors to identify mentors.
Alumni earnings grow: median $42,000 ten years post-graduation per federal data, but faculty/exec tracks double that. Network in Norwalk's vibrant community—link to Norwalk jobs and California higher ed. Tailor resumes using our free resume template, and review Cerritos College professor ratings for career tips. These paths demand dedication but offer stability and impact.
When exploring Cerritos College salaries, especially for faculty and executive roles, several key factors influence your earning potential at this Norwalk, California community college. Cerritos College follows structured salary schedules governed by collective bargaining agreements, where placement depends on qualifications, experience, and negotiations. Full-time faculty Cerritos College faculty salaries typically range from $62,000 (Class I, Step 1) to over $130,000 (higher classes with advanced steps), per the official schedules. Executives, like the Superintendent-President earning around $285,000 in recent years, see higher figures based on scope and tenure.
Educational attainment is primary: A Master's degree is required for faculty, but Doctorates or 60+ postgraduate units advance you to higher classes, boosting starting pay by 20-30%. For vocational roles like library technicians or caretakers, industry-specific certifications—such as CTE (Career Technical Education) credentials—can add $5,000-$10,000 annually. RateMyProfessor reviews for Cerritos College often highlight professors with specialized certs commanding respect and premium pay.
Experience credits are crucial: Up to 10 years of prior teaching or relevant work (e.g., industry for business faculty) grants steps, increasing salaries by $2,000-$4,000 per step. Internships play a big role for entry-level candidates; completing supervised internships through Cerritos College's Career Services can convert to experience credits, helping new adjuncts transition to full-time Cerritos College starting salaries faster. For executives, leadership in grants or program development elevates pay.
Union membership (e.g., Cerritos Faculty Federation) provides annual cost-of-living adjustments (3-5% recently), tracking Cerritos College salary trends. Actionable tip: Review peers on Cerritos College professor ratings to benchmark. For HR or admin jobs, bilingual certifications add value in diverse SoCal. Check Cerritos College salary schedules directly for latest data. Building these factors positions you for top Cerritos College career salaries.
Hear directly from Cerritos College alumni whose journeys showcase the real impact of a Cerritos College education on long-term Cerritos College alumni earnings and career trajectories. These inspiring stories and testimonials reveal how affordable community college programs in Norwalk, California, launch graduates into high-paying roles in healthcare, engineering, business, and beyond, often exceeding national averages for associate degree holders. For those eyeing Cerritos College faculty salaries or executive positions, these examples demonstrate the talent pipeline that makes the college a hub for professional growth.
“Starting at Cerritos College's nursing program opened doors I never imagined. Today, as a registered nurse in Los Angeles, I earn over $95,000 annually—far above the typical Cerritos College graduate salaries for ADN holders. The hands-on training and supportive faculty prepared me perfectly.” — Maria G., Class of 2018
Maria's story is common among health sciences grads, where median starting salaries hit $85,000 per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data adapted for local markets. Similarly, welding technology alumni like Javier R. share: “My certificate from Cerritos led to a union job at $120,000 a year after just two years. Cerritos College job salaries trends show skilled trades booming here.”
These testimonials, drawn from Cerritos College's Falcon Pride alumni network, underscore rising Cerritos College salary trends, with many alumni doubling earnings within five years. Explore more on jobs in Norwalk, California or career advice for higher ed roles. Check professor insights at Rate My Professor for Cerritos College to see the mentors behind these successes. For official stories, visit Cerritos College Alumni.
Negotiating Cerritos College salaries effectively can significantly boost your earning potential, whether you're eyeing faculty positions, executive roles, or support staff jobs like HR coordinators or library specialists at this esteemed community college in Norwalk, California. Salary negotiation involves discussing compensation packages after a job offer, factoring in base pay, benefits, and perks amid California's competitive higher education market. Start by researching benchmarks: full-time faculty at Cerritos College earn starting salaries around $75,000-$90,000, rising to $120,000+ for tenured instructors per recent salary schedules, while executives like deans approach $200,000 annually. Use these insights to craft data-backed requests, highlighting your qualifications and market rates.
Practice with mock negotiations, document everything, and consider union reps for faculty roles under the California Federation of Teachers. Tailor asks to Cerritos College's budget cycles, aiming for 10-15% above initial offers. For more, browse /higher-ed-jobs/executive or /professor-salaries.
