Salaries at UCI

Salary expectations at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), located in Irvine, California, are influenced by several factors including role, academic rank, experience, and field of expertise. As part of the University of California system, UCI adheres to structured pay scales that vary across faculty, staff, and administrative positions. Salaries are often determined by collective bargaining agreements for unionized roles and standardized pay bands for academic ranks such as assistant, associate, and full professor. While UCI does not always publish exact salary figures for individual employees, the University of California system provides transparent salary ranges for many positions through public records, ensuring a level of accountability and clarity for prospective employees.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $70,000–$90,000 USD per year, depending on the department and field. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on research funding and teaching performance.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $90,000–$120,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see salary growth tied to tenure and publication records.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $120,000–$200,000+ USD per year, with senior faculty in high-demand fields like engineering or medicine earning at the upper end.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries range from $50,000–$70,000 USD annually, often based on experience and specific responsibilities within the university.
• Research Scientist: Typical range is $60,000–$100,000 USD per year, heavily dependent on grant funding and project scope.

Salaries at UCI are generally competitive within the public university sector, aligning with benchmarks set by the broader University of California system. Faculty and staff often benefit from periodic salary adjustments based on cost-of-living increases and union negotiations. However, progression can be slower for non-tenured roles, and salaries in high-cost areas like Orange County may feel less competitive compared to private institutions. As a public university, UCI’s compensation structure reflects a commitment to equity and transparency, though individual earnings may vary based on external funding, departmental budgets, and market demand for specific disciplines.