Salaries at SMC

At Santa Monica College (SMC), located in California, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by factors such as role, experience, academic rank, and department. As a public community college, SMC adheres to structured pay scales often influenced by collective bargaining agreements with unions representing faculty and staff. While the college does not always publish fully transparent salary bands on its public website, some data may be accessible through California public employee salary databases or union agreements. Salaries generally reflect the cost of living in the Los Angeles area, which is notably high, and are adjusted periodically based on state funding and local policies.

• Full-Time Faculty (Professor/Instructor): Typical salary range is approximately $60,000–$100,000 USD per year, depending on seniority and academic discipline. Additional compensation may be available for department chairs or those with significant research or grant funding.
• Part-Time Faculty (Adjunct Instructor): Average pay ranges from $20,000–$40,000 USD annually, often based on hourly rates or per-course contracts. These roles typically do not include benefits or long-term contracts.
• Academic Department Chair: Salaries typically fall between $80,000–$120,000 USD per year, with increments based on leadership responsibilities and years of service.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Admissions Officer): Average salary range is $50,000–$80,000 USD annually, varying by experience and specific role within the college administration.
• Executive Leadership (e.g., Dean or Vice President): Compensation often ranges from $120,000–$180,000 USD per year, reflecting the high level of responsibility and strategic oversight required.

Salaries at Santa Monica College are generally competitive for a community college in California, though they may not match those at larger research universities or private institutions. As a public entity, SMC’s compensation often aligns with state and regional benchmarking for community colleges, ensuring a degree of parity with similar institutions. Career progression can lead to salary increases, particularly for faculty moving into tenured or administrative roles, though budget constraints in the public sector may limit rapid growth. For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, individuals are encouraged to consult official college resources or public salary databases specific to California public employees.