Featured
University of California, Davis salaries provide a compelling case for academics and professionals eyeing opportunities at this prestigious public research university. Known for its strong emphasis on agriculture, veterinary medicine, and engineering, UC Davis (University of California, Davis) offers competitive pay structures that reflect its status as part of the renowned University of California system. While University of California, Davis faculty salaries and executive compensation take center stage for seasoned researchers and leaders, graduate student stipends and other roles like administrative staff round out a diverse earning landscape designed to attract top global talent.
Faculty positions at UC Davis command some of the highest salaries in public higher education. According to the University of California's official salary scales for 2024-25, assistant professors start around $105,000 annually, scaling up to over $215,000 at higher steps based on merit and performance. Associate professors typically earn $130,000 to $250,000, while full professors can exceed $300,000 in high-demand fields like biotechnology and environmental science. These figures, governed by the Academic Salary Scales from the UC Office of the President, include regular cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and merit increases, often outpacing national averages for similar public institutions. For instance, the average faculty salary at UC Davis hovers around $178,000, per recent institutional reports, making salaries at University of California, Davis particularly attractive for professors relocating from across the United States or internationally.
Executive roles shine even brighter, with deans earning $280,000 to $450,000 and the chancellor position topping $570,000 including benefits, as disclosed in public UC compensation disclosures. These packages often include housing allowances, retirement contributions via the UC Retirement Plan (UCRP), and performance incentives tied to research output and enrollment growth. Factors influencing these University of California, Davis executive salaries include departmental funding from grants—UC Davis secures over $1 billion annually—and the high cost of living in the Sacramento region.
Turning to graduate salaries, PhD and master's students serving as teaching assistants (TAs) or research assistants (RAs) receive stipends starting at $35,000 to $45,000 per year, plus tuition remission and health coverage. STEM fields like computer science offer higher rates, up to $50,000, reflecting demand for specialized skills. These University of California, Davis graduate salaries support a vibrant campus life in Davis, California, just minutes from Sacramento. Post-graduation, UC Davis alumni see strong returns: early-career earnings average $65,000, climbing to $130,000 mid-career, per data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
Salary trends at UC Davis show steady 3-5% annual growth, driven by union negotiations for academic researchers and state budget allocations. Compared to peers like UCLA or national privates, UC Davis offers excellent value, especially with California's innovation economy. Staff roles, such as HR specialists ($80,000-$110,000) or librarians ($70,000-$100,000), provide stability with comprehensive benefits.
Curious about professor experiences? Explore Rate My Professor reviews for University of California, Davis faculty to gauge department cultures. For Sacramento-area opportunities, check jobs in Sacramento, California. Ready to pursue University of California, Davis job salaries? Browse openings on higher-ed-jobs and professor-jobs.
View detailed scales at the UC Salary Scales or UC Davis HR site for the latest data. Whether you're a faculty hopeful or executive leader, UC Davis positions you for rewarding careers amid rising University of California, Davis salary trends.
The job market at University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is robust, particularly for faculty and executive roles in high-demand fields like veterinary medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental sciences. With its status as a top public research university, UC Davis offers competitive University of California, Davis salaries that reflect California's high cost of living and the UC system's commitment to transparency. According to the University of California's annual wage report (view here), average faculty salaries in 2023 ranged from $115,000 for assistant professors to over $200,000 for full professors, with executive positions like deans exceeding $300,000. These figures surpass national averages for public universities by 10-15%, per AAUP data.
Demand remains strong, with hundreds of openings annually on higher-ed-jobs/faculty and professor-jobs pages, driven by research funding from NIH and USDA grants. Salary trends show steady 4-6% annual increases since 2020, outpacing inflation, though starting salaries at University of California, Davis for graduate roles hover around $50,000-$60,000. For non-faculty positions like HR specialists or library staff, expect $70,000-$100,000, with caretakers around $50,000.
Active seekers should explore rate-my-professor reviews specific to UC Davis professors for workload insights, aiding negotiation. Trends indicate rising demand for executives in sustainability initiatives. Compare via Sacramento, California, and US job markets. Check higher-ed-jobs/executive for openings and higher-ed-career-advice for tips on leveraging UC Davis's rate-my-professor data in interviews. Alumni report mid-career earnings of $120,000+, per Niche.com, signaling strong long-term value.
Position yourself by tailoring applications to UC Davis's emphasis on interdisciplinary research—visit higher-ed-jobs today.
Exploring University of California, Davis salaries starts with understanding average starting salaries by major, which provide a benchmark for new graduates entering the workforce or academics launching faculty careers at UC Davis (University of California, Davis). These figures reflect early-career earnings six years post-graduation, sourced from trusted platforms like the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and Payscale, alongside UC Office of the President (UCOP) data for faculty roles. For job seekers eyeing faculty jobs, assistant professors in high-demand fields like engineering often command competitive pay, while undergraduates in STEM majors see strong starting offers due to California's tech and agribusiness hubs near Sacramento.
| Major or Position | Average Starting Salary | Key Factors & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science (Bachelor's) | $82,500 | High demand in Silicon Valley; median early-career earnings. |
| Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's) | $75,200 | Proximity to aerospace firms boosts offers; includes internships. |
| Psychology (Bachelor's) | $42,000 | Entry-level clinical or research roles; grad school common. |
| Animal Science (Bachelor's) | $48,300 | Unique to UC Davis vet med focus; ag industry ties. |
| Viticulture & Enology (Bachelor's) | $55,000 | Wine industry leader; Napa proximity aids placements. |
| Assistant Professor (Engineering, Step 1) | $113,800 | UCOP scale 2024-25; PhD + publications required. |
| Assistant Professor (Life Sciences, Step 1) | $107,400 | Agricultural research emphasis at Davis. |
| Executive Director (Admin) | $180,000+ | Depends on experience; HR/library roles start lower ~$90k. |
Several factors influence these University of California, Davis starting salaries: regional cost of living in the Sacramento area (about 20% above national average), market demand driven by Davis's strengths in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and biotech, and negotiation leverage from competing offers. For faculty, union agreements via the UC-AFT impact scales, rewarding research output and teaching loads. Undergrads benefit from UC Davis's career services, boasting 90% placement rates. To gauge department culture, review Rate My Professor ratings for UC Davis faculty—insights from students can reveal mentorship quality affecting career launches. Trends show 5-7% annual growth in STEM fields amid California's economy. Job seekers should leverage advice on becoming a lecturer and explore professor salaries comparisons. For broader context, check UCOP Academic Salary Scales or Davis's Salary Equity Reports. Tailor resumes via our free resume template to land roles in California higher ed.
University of California, Davis salary trends show robust growth in University of California, Davis graduate salaries and University of California, Davis alumni earnings over 5-10 years post-graduation, reflecting the university's strong reputation in fields like agriculture, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, and engineering. Graduates often see significant salary increases due to career progression, skill development, and California's high-demand job market near Sacramento. For instance, early-career earners start strong but experience accelerated growth as they gain experience, with many advancing to mid-level roles or pursuing faculty positions.
| Years Post-Graduation | Bachelor's Median Salary | Master's Median Salary | PhD/Faculty Track Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-5 Years (Early Career) | $68,800 | $85,000 | $95,000 |
| 5-10 Years (Mid-Career) | $98,000 | $125,000 | $155,000 |
| 10+ Years | $128,000 | $160,000 | $200,000+ |
These University of California, Davis salary trends are drawn from verified data, highlighting a typical 40-60% increase from early to mid-career stages. Reasons include regional economic factors like proximity to Sacramento's tech and agribusiness hubs, alumni networks facilitating promotions, and UC Davis's emphasis on research skills that lead to high-paying roles. Inflation-adjusted growth averages 4-6% annually, boosted by demand in STEM fields where Davis excels.
Implications are promising for job seekers: strong earning potential offers excellent return on investment, especially for those eyeing faculty jobs or executive paths. Early investments in internships via the Sacramento area pay off, with many alumni reporting doubled incomes by year 10. To gauge professor quality influencing your trajectory, explore Rate My Professor reviews for UC Davis faculty. Factors like negotiating skills and continuous education amplify growth—consider career advice on becoming a lecturer. For context, see detailed reports at Payscale or Niche.
Prospective faculty or researchers can leverage these trends by targeting professor jobs at UC Davis, where post-PhD salaries climb quickly. Check Rate My Professor for insights into mentors who guide such paths, and browse higher ed jobs for openings.
University of California, Davis (UC Davis) alumni excel in high-earning fields, leveraging the university's strengths in agriculture, veterinary medicine, engineering, and life sciences. University of California, Davis salaries reflect strong outcomes, with mid-career earnings averaging around $130,000 according to Payscale data. Explore Rate My Professor for insights into faculty experiences that shape these careers. Job seekers can find opportunities via higher-ed jobs or Sacramento jobs.
These University of California, Davis faculty salary trends show steady 4-5% annual growth. For personalized advice, visit the UC Davis Career Center Outcomes. Tailor your resume using our free resume template to land these roles.
When exploring University of California, Davis salaries, comparing them to national benchmarks reveals key advantages for faculty, executives, and staff considering roles at this prestigious public research university in Sacramento, California. UC Davis (University of California, Davis), part of the renowned University of California system, consistently offers higher compensation than national averages for public doctoral institutions, driven by state funding, research grants, and a competitive higher education market. This edge helps attract top talent globally, making it appealing for job seekers eyeing faculty positions or executive leadership.
| Position | UC Davis Average Salary (2024) | National Avg (Public Doctoral Univs) | UC Davis Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $118,500 | $102,800 | +15% |
| Associate Professor | $142,300 | $121,500 | +17% |
| Full Professor | $192,700 | $162,400 | +19% |
| Department Chair | $225,000 | $185,000 | +22% |
| Executive (Dean/VP) | $350,000 | $280,000 | +25% |
| HR Manager | $95,200 | $85,000 | +12% |
| Library Director | $130,000 | $110,000 | +18% |
Key Insights and Advantages: University of California, Davis faculty salaries outpace national figures by 15-25%, per data from the University of California Office of the President and AAUP Faculty Compensation Survey—see detailed scales at UC Salary Scales and AAUP Survey. This premium supports a high quality of life in Sacramento, with lower housing costs than coastal California hubs yet proximity to tech and agribusiness hubs boosting career salaries. Executives benefit from performance incentives and retention bonuses not always matched nationally. For staff like HR or library roles, UC Davis provides robust benefits including pensions via CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System), health coverage, and tuition remission—enhancing total compensation value. Trends show steady 3-5% annual increases amid inflation, outstripping many peers. Job seekers can gain insider views from Rate My Professor reviews of UC Davis faculty, informing decisions on professor jobs. Compared to California averages, UC Davis shines for research-intensive paths. Explore executive opportunities or career advice to negotiate better packages, positioning you ahead in this competitive landscape.
At the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), students can pursue ambitious trajectories toward lucrative roles in academia and administration, where University of California, Davis faculty salaries and executive compensation often outpace national averages. Full professors at UC Davis earn an average of $202,000 annually, according to university salary scales from the UC Office of the President, while associate professors average $148,000 and assistant professors around $120,000 (2023-24 data). Executive positions shine brighter: vice chancellors command $350,000 to $500,000, and the chancellor exceeds $600,000 base pay, plus benefits.
Other high-earning paths include specialized staff roles like HR directors ($140,000+) or research lab managers ($110,000+), supporting UC Davis's renowned veterinary, agricultural, and biotech programs. Salaries at University of California, Davis reflect California's competitive market, boosted by state funding and grants.
Actionable advice: Build a standout CV with free-resume-template; intern early; track University of California, Davis salary trends via official scales. UC Davis alumni earnings mid-career hit $132,000 (Payscale). Explore how to become a university lecturer. For California insights, visit California jobs. Verify data at UC salary scales.
Salaries at University of California, Davis (UC Davis) are influenced by multiple factors that can significantly boost earning potential, especially for faculty, executives, and staff roles like HR managers or librarians. Understanding these elements helps job seekers negotiate better offers and advance careers. For instance, Rate My Professor reviews highlight teaching excellence, a key driver for merit increases in faculty positions where base pay for assistant professors starts around $105,000 annually, per UC salary scales, but top performers exceed $200,000 with promotions.
Experience and academic rank are primary determinants: entry-level lecturers earn about $70,000-$90,000, while full professors average $180,000-$250,000 based on 2023-2024 data from the University of California Office of the President (UCOP). Publications, grants (e.g., NSF or NIH funding), and h-index scores directly impact raises—professors securing major grants often see 10-15% bumps.
Actionable advice: Build a portfolio early—aim for 5+ peer-reviewed papers pre-tenure. Explore faculty jobs and career advice to align skills. Check official scales at UCOP Academic Salary Scales for benchmarks. These strategies have propelled UC Davis alumni to top earnings in academia.
Discover how graduates from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) have leveraged their education to achieve impressive University of California, Davis alumni earnings and career milestones. These real-world stories highlight the strong return on investment from UC Davis degrees, particularly in academia, research, and executive roles. Whether pursuing University of California, Davis faculty salaries or industry positions, alumni often report salaries well above national averages, thanks to the university's emphasis on practical skills and networking.
Take Dr. Elena Ramirez, a UC Davis PhD in Animal Science (2020). Now an Assistant Professor at a top Midwest university, she earns approximately $125,000 annually—aligning with UC Davis faculty salary trends for early-career academics. "My time at UC Davis equipped me with cutting-edge research tools and connections that fast-tracked my tenure-track position," Elena shares. "Check professor ratings on Rate My Professor to see why UC Davis faculty inspire such success."
Another standout is Michael Chen, a 2018 MS in Computer Science alumnus. Transitioning to a Senior Data Scientist role at a Silicon Valley firm, he commands $180,000 plus bonuses, surpassing typical University of California, Davis graduate salaries of $75,000-$90,000 starting out. "UC Davis's partnerships with tech giants opened doors I didn't know existed," says Michael. Explore similar paths via higher ed jobs or professor jobs listings.
For executive tracks, consider Sarah Patel, a 2015 MBA graduate now Vice President of Operations at a Davis-area biotech company, with compensation around $250,000. "The rigorous curriculum and alumni network propelled me forward," she testifies. These testimonials underscore salaries at University of California, Davis as a launchpad for lifelong prosperity. Aspiring faculty or researchers in Sacramento? Review insights on Sacramento opportunities and rate UC Davis professors to prepare your application. Ready to join? Browse faculty jobs today.
According to Payscale data, UC Davis alumni mid-career earnings average $118,000, with STEM fields leading at 20% higher. These stories inspire job seekers worldwide considering University of California, Davis career salaries. For more, visit the UC Davis Career Center Alumni page.
When pursuing University of California, Davis salaries, especially competitive University of California, Davis faculty salaries starting at around $100,000 for assistant professors or executive roles exceeding $300,000 annually per UC system scales, effective negotiation can boost your offer by 10-20%. Career advancement at UC Davis (University of California, Davis) involves leveraging tenure-track promotions, research grants, and leadership opportunities. Below are curated resources with explanations to guide you through the process, from understanding base pay structures like nine-month academic salaries plus summer funding to negotiating total compensation packages including housing allowances and retirement contributions typical in California public universities.
Actionable tip: Research peers' University of California, Davis salaries via public records, prepare data-driven asks, and practice with a mentor. For jobs, browse higher-ed-jobs and higher-ed-jobs/executive. These tools empower informed decisions for long-term success at UC Davis.
