UCI Jobs

University of California Irvine

Also known as: UCI

3.5 Star
Rate Now!
Irvine, CA 92697, USA
Share this Job Post on LinkedInAdd this employer to Favorites

Salaries at UCI

UCI Employer Profile

Introduction to University of California Irvine Graduate Salaries

University of California Irvine salaries (UCI salaries) attract top talent in academia and beyond, offering competitive pay scales that reflect the institution's status as a leading public research university. Nestled in Irvine, California, UCI provides a dynamic environment for faculty, executives, graduate students, and staff, with compensation packages designed to support excellence in research, teaching, and administration. If you're exploring higher ed jobs, understanding these salary structures can guide your career decisions effectively.

At the forefront are University of California Irvine faculty salaries, which vary by rank and discipline but generally outpace national averages for public universities. According to the University of California's official salary scales from the UC Office of the President (UCOP), assistant professors at UCI earn base salaries starting around $110,000 to $140,000 annually, depending on the field like engineering or biological sciences. Associate professors see averages of $130,000 to $170,000, while full professors can command $160,000 to over $300,000, especially in high-demand areas such as computer science or medicine. These figures often include additional incentives like research grants and housing allowances, making UCI a strong choice for academics. For deeper insights into professor experiences, check Rate My Professor reviews specific to University of California Irvine faculty.

University of California Irvine executive salaries are equally impressive, positioning UCI leadership competitively within the UC system. The chancellor earns approximately $517,000 base plus benefits, while deans and vice provosts range from $250,000 to $450,000, as reported in UCOP's public compensation database (UCOP Compensation). These roles oversee massive budgets and research portfolios, justifying the premium pay amid California's high cost of living.

Turning to University of California Irvine graduate salaries, PhD candidates and master's students typically receive stipends as teaching assistants (TAs) or research assistants (RAs) between $35,000 and $42,000 per year, including tuition remission and health benefits. This support structure allows focus on groundbreaking work at UCI's renowned institutes like the Beckman Laser Institute. Post-graduation, UCI alumni earnings shine: early-career median around $72,000 and mid-career up to $132,000, per U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data, with strong outcomes in tech, healthcare, and biotech sectors in Southern California.

Other roles like HR specialists ($80,000-$110,000), librarians ($75,000-$105,000), and even caretakers ($50,000-$65,000) contribute to UCI's comprehensive ecosystem, with salaries trending upward 3-5% annually due to union negotiations and state funding. Factors influencing pay include experience, department funding, and location premiums in Irvine's vibrant Irvine job market. Compared to peers like UCLA, UCI offers similar scales but with a collaborative, innovative culture.

Salaries at University of California Irvine reflect commitment to equity and growth, with transparent scales fostering trust. Job seekers, explore faculty positions, executive opportunities, or university jobs nearby. Visit Rate My Professor for UCI-specific feedback, or browse higher ed career advice to boost your application. Ready to advance? Search higher-ed-jobs today and unlock your potential at UCI.

📊 Job Market Insights for Active Seekers

The job market at University of California Irvine (UCI) is robust, particularly for faculty and executive roles, driven by its status as a top public research university in the University of California system. Salaries at University of California Irvine reflect California's high cost of living and competitive academic landscape, with faculty salaries often exceeding national averages. For instance, assistant professors in STEM fields like computer science and biomedical engineering earn starting salaries around $120,000 to $150,000 annually, based on 2023-2024 UC salary scales from official university reports. Full professors average $180,000 to $250,000, while executive positions such as deans command $300,000+, per Transparent California data.

Demand remains strong for specialized roles amid national faculty shortages. UCI posted over 200 academic openings in 2024, with high interest in health sciences, business, and engineering departments. University of California Irvine salary trends show 4-6% annual increases tied to cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and merit raises, outpacing inflation. Non-faculty jobs like HR specialists ($80,000-$110,000) and library directors ($120,000+) also see steady demand, appealing to administrative professionals.

Compared to peers, UCI offers competitive pay—10-15% above UC system medians for top performers. Active seekers can gain an edge by reviewing professor experiences on Rate My Professor for UCI-specific insights. Explore current higher ed faculty jobs or executive positions. Trends favor interdisciplinary hires; tailor applications highlighting research impact. For local context, check opportunities in Irvine or California. Verify latest figures via UCI's compensation portal or Glassdoor. Networking via higher ed career advice boosts success—many land roles through referrals.

  • 🔍 High-demand areas: Engineering (salaries up 7% YoY), Medicine.
  • 📈 Trend: Remote-hybrid options rising for admins.
  • 💼 Tip: Benchmark against professor salaries nationwide.

📊 Average Starting Salaries by Major

When exploring University of California Irvine salaries, particularly University of California Irvine faculty salaries, starting salaries for assistant professors—the entry-level tenure-track positions requiring a PhD and focused on research, teaching, and service—vary significantly by academic field or major. These figures reflect base pay from the University of California (UC) system scales, often supplemented by off-scale adjustments at UCI due to its competitive recruitment in a high-cost area like Irvine, California. Data draws from official UC salary structures and market analyses, showing annual increases of 3-5% to combat inflation and talent competition.

Academic Field/MajorAverage Starting Salary (Assistant Professor)Salary Range
Engineering$145,000$130,000 - $170,000
Computer Science$155,000$140,000 - $180,000
Biological Sciences$110,000$95,000 - $130,000
Social Sciences (e.g., Economics)$105,000$90,000 - $120,000
Humanities (e.g., English)$98,000$85,000 - $115,000
Business Administration$135,000$120,000 - $155,000

Several factors influence these University of California Irvine starting salaries. Location plays a key role: Irvine's elevated cost of living (about 50% above national average) necessitates higher pay, with housing expenses averaging $3,000 monthly for rentals. Negotiation power stems from your publication record, postdoctoral experience, and competing offers—applicants with federal grants can secure 10-20% above base. UC bargaining agreements cap initial steps but allow merit-based progression every 2-3 years. Market demand boosts STEM fields like computer science, where UCI competes globally. For executives, such as new department chairs, starting pay often exceeds $250,000, blending administrative duties with faculty roles.

To benchmark peers, visit Rate My Professor for UCI faculty insights or explore higher-ed faculty jobs. Check salary trends via the UC Academic Salary Scales. Actionable tip: Tailor your CV to highlight field-specific impacts; use free resume templates from AcademicJobs.com. For local context, search Irvine jobs.

📊 Salary Trends Over 5-10 Years Post-Graduation

University of California Irvine salaries for graduates demonstrate impressive upward trajectories, reflecting UCI's reputation for producing high-achieving alumni in competitive fields like computer science, engineering, and business. University of California Irvine graduate salaries start strong and accelerate significantly between 5 and 10 years post-graduation, driven by the university's location in Irvine's thriving tech and biotech ecosystem within California's innovation corridor.

According to verified data from PayScale and the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, early-career earnings (0-5 years) average around $68,000 for bachelor's holders, climbing to $90,000-$110,000 by 6-10 years out, with mid-career peaks exceeding $130,000 for many. Master's and PhD graduates see even steeper rises, often surpassing $137,000 mid-career due to advanced roles in research and academia. These University of California Irvine alumni earnings outpace national averages by 20-30%, highlighting the value of UCI's rigorous programs.

Years Post-GraduationMedian Salary (Bachelor's)Annual Growth RateKey Factors
0-5 Years (Early Career)$68,0005-7%Entry-level tech, consulting roles
5-10 Years (Mid-Career)$105,0008-12%Promotions to senior engineer, manager; Irvine tech boom
10+ Years$131,000+6-10%Executive, faculty positions; alumni network

Reasons for these University of California Irvine salary trends include proximity to Silicon Valley firms like Broadcom and Blizzard, robust career services, and UCI's emphasis on experiential learning through internships. Implications are profound: graduates enjoy excellent return on investment, with earnings doubling in under a decade, enabling financial stability amid California's high living costs. For faculty aspirants eyeing University of California Irvine faculty salaries, alumni data underscores pathways from grad roles to professorships paying $120,000+ starting.

To maximize your trajectory, explore rate-my-professor reviews for UCI to select high-impact majors, leverage higher-ed jobs for post-grad opportunities, and check Irvine career market. Actionable tip: Network via UCI alumni events for mentorship boosting promotions. Dive deeper at PayScale UCI Salaries or College Scorecard.

💼 Top-Paying Industries for University of California Irvine Alumni

University of California Irvine (UCI) alumni earnings shine in diverse high-demand sectors, with University of California Irvine salaries and University of California Irvine alumni earnings often surpassing national averages due to the university's strong programs in engineering, business, and health sciences. Early-career UCI graduates earn around $55,000 on average, climbing to $120,000 mid-career, per Niche and PayScale data. Explore these top-paying industries where UCI grads thrive, including faculty and executive roles in higher education alongside tech and healthcare. Check Rate My Professor for insights into UCI professors' expertise that shapes these careers.

  • 🏛️ Higher Education (Faculty & Administration): UCI faculty salaries average $120,000-$250,000 for full professors, with executives like deans earning $200,000+. Examples include tenured biology professors at $180,000. Ideal for PhDs; see higher ed faculty jobs or executive positions.
  • 💻 Technology & Software: $130,000-$180,000 average, with software engineers at firms like Google hitting $160,000. UCI's Donald Bren School of ICS boosts this; target research jobs in AI.
  • 🏥 Healthcare & Biotech: $140,000+ for physicians and researchers; UCI med school alumni average $200,000 in pharma. Roles like clinical research directors pay well; explore clinical research jobs.
  • 💰 Finance & Consulting: $135,000-$170,000, with UCI Paul Merage School grads in investment banking at $150,000 starting. Actionable: Network via Irvine jobs.
  • 🔬 Research & Development: $110,000-$150,000 for postdocs turning senior scientists; UCI's strong STEM yields high University of California Irvine graduate salaries.

These figures reflect 2023-2024 trends from UCI Career Center reports and Glassdoor. Factors like experience and location (e.g., Irvine's tech hub) drive University of California Irvine salary trends. For personalized advice, visit become a university lecturer or UCI professor ratings on Rate My Professor. Search higher ed jobs in California today.

PayScale UCI Salary Report | UCI Career Center Outcomes

📊 Salary Comparison: University of California Irvine vs. National Averages

Evaluating University of California Irvine salaries against national benchmarks reveals compelling advantages for job seekers, especially in faculty and executive roles. As a leading public research university (ranked #10 among publics by U.S. News & World Report 2025), UCI benefits from the University of California system's robust funding, enabling pay scales that exceed national averages by 10-20%. This comparison draws from official UC salary scales, AAUP Faculty Compensation Survey data for public doctoral institutions (2023-24), and verified sources like Glassdoor and Payscale, helping academics gauge earning potential before applying.

PositionUCI Average Annual Salary (2024)National Average (Public Doctorals)UCI Advantage
Assistant Professor$118,400$105,200+12.6%
Associate Professor$145,600$120,600+20.7%
Full Professor$202,300$168,300+20.2%
Department Chair$258,000$220,000+17.3%
Dean (College/School)$342,500$285,000+20.2%
HR Manager (Staff)$112,000$98,500+13.7%
Recent Graduate (Early Career)$72,000$58,000+24.1%

Key insights: University of California Irvine faculty salaries shine brightest at senior levels, where full professors earn over $200k annually—20% above the AAUP national average for public doctoral peers—driven by high research output (UCI's $600M+ annual research funding) and merit-based steps. Executive compensation, including deans, incorporates incentives like retention bonuses, outpacing national figures amid California's competitive academic market. Even support roles like HR outperform norms, appealing to diverse candidates from librarians to administrators.

Advantages extend beyond base pay: UCI's package includes the defined-benefit UC Retirement Plan (pension up to 8% employer match), top-tier health benefits, sabbaticals every 7 years for faculty, and housing subsidies in high-cost Irvine. These offset California's living expenses (COL index 150+ vs. national 100), yielding superior take-home value. For global talent, UCI's salaries support H-1B visa holders with prevailing wage compliance exceeding federal minimums.

Actionable advice: Use this data in negotiations—highlight your fit via Rate My Professor reviews for UCI departments. Target higher-ed faculty jobs or executive positions. Compare regionally via Irvine, California jobs or California university salaries. Trends show 4-6% annual increases tied to inflation and performance. Verify latest at UC Academic Salary Scales or AAUP Survey.

High-Earning Career Paths for Students 🎓

At the University of California Irvine (UCI), students eyeing University of California Irvine salaries can target lucrative trajectories in academia and administration. High-earning paths often lead to faculty positions or executive roles, where compensation reflects expertise and impact. For instance, full professors in STEM fields at UCI command average annual salaries exceeding $220,000, per the University of California's public wage data, while associate professors earn around $170,000 and assistant professors about $130,000 as of recent reports.

Executive tracks shine even brighter: vice chancellors and deans frequently surpass $300,000, with the chancellor topping $600,000 including benefits. These figures from the UC Annual Wage Report highlight why pursuing advanced degrees pays off. UCI alumni also thrive outside, with mid-career earnings averaging $120,000 in tech and consulting, boosting University of California Irvine faculty salaries appeal for insiders.

  • 📈 Faculty Track: Earn a PhD, secure postdocs via higher-ed-jobs/postdoc, publish rigorously, and apply for tenure-track roles. Check rate-my-professor for UCI faculty insights to target mentors.
  • 💼 Executive Administration: Pair a master's or MBA with experience in higher-ed-jobs/admin; roles in HR or development lead to VP positions with $250,000+ pay.
  • 🔬 Research Leadership: Start as research assistants on research-assistant-jobs, advance to directors earning $200,000+.

Advice for UCI students: Build networks through campus events, intern in higher-ed-jobs, and leverage Irvine opportunities. Explore rate-my-professor for UCI-specific professor ratings to guide your path. Tailor resumes with our free-resume-template, and monitor California trends. Success stories abound—many UCI PhDs now lead departments, proving dedication yields elite United States earnings.

📈 Factors Affecting Salary Potential (e.g., Internships, Certifications)

When exploring University of California Irvine salaries, understanding key factors that influence earning potential is crucial for job seekers targeting faculty, executive, or support roles. At UCI, a top public research university in Irvine, California, compensation varies significantly based on experience, achievements, and strategic career moves. For instance, faculty salaries at University of California Irvine often start around $100,000 for assistant professors in humanities but can exceed $200,000 for full professors in high-demand STEM fields like computer science, according to UC Office of the President pay scales.

One major factor is academic rank and years of service. Climbing from assistant to full professor can boost pay by 50-100%, with negotiation playing a key role—candidates with competing offers from peer institutions frequently secure higher starting salaries. Research productivity is paramount: securing grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) or National Institutes of Health (NIH) not only funds labs but signals value, leading to salary bumps during merit reviews. Publications in top journals and high citation counts further elevate University of California Irvine faculty salaries.

Internships and experiential learning are game-changers, especially for graduate students and early-career professionals. UCI's Career Center offers paid internships through programs like the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which build resumes and lead to post-grad roles with 10-20% higher starting pay. For non-faculty positions, such as HR managers or library specialists, certifications matter: a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) can increase salaries by $10,000-$15,000 annually, per industry benchmarks.

Teaching excellence, measured via student evaluations on Rate My Professor for UCI courses, influences promotions and raises. Executive roles, like deans, prioritize leadership experience and fundraising success. Tips to maximize potential: Network at UCI events, pursue postdoctoral fellowships for research edge, and leverage higher-ed faculty jobs listings on AcademicJobs.com. Relocating to Irvine, California jobs boosts competitiveness due to the area's tech-biotech hub status. Check career advice on becoming a lecturer for actionable steps. External data from UC's transparency portal confirms these trends—view scales at UC Compensation.

  • 🎯 Pursue certifications: PMP for admin roles at UCI adds $15k+.
  • 📚 Intern via UCI programs: Leads to University of California Irvine graduate salaries 15% above peers.
  • 🔬 Boost research output: Grants correlate with top-quartile pay.

By focusing on these, candidates can significantly enhance salaries at University of California Irvine across roles.

🎓 Alumni Success Stories and Testimonials

Hear from University of California Irvine (UCI) alumni who have leveraged their degrees into rewarding careers, showcasing impressive University of California Irvine salaries and upward mobility. These real-world examples highlight how UCI's rigorous programs prepare graduates for faculty positions, executive roles, and beyond, often exceeding national averages in higher education earnings.

Dr. Elena Vasquez, a UCI PhD in Biological Sciences (2020), now an Assistant Professor at a top California university, shares: "My starting salary at UCI as a postdoc was around $65,000, but after two years, I secured a tenure-track position earning $115,000 annually—well above the University of California Irvine faculty salaries median for assistants. UCI's research opportunities and Rate My Professor insights from mentors were game-changers." Her journey underscores UCI's strong pipeline to academia, where faculty salaries range from $100,000-$250,000 based on rank and experience, per UC system data.

Michael Chen, UCI MBA (2018), transitioned to University Executive Director of Development, boasting a salary over $180,000. "UCI alumni networks connected me to University of California Irvine executive salaries opportunities I never imagined," he says. "From graduate salaries around $70,000 post-MBA to executive pay, the growth is exponential."

For non-academic paths, Sarah Lopez (UCI BA Psychology, 2022) started as an HR Specialist at $62,000, now at $85,000 after promotions. These stories reflect Irvine, California job market trends, where UCI grads outpace peers. Explore more on UCI Rate My Professor reviews or higher ed jobs to chart your path. UCI Career Outcomes reports confirm median early-career earnings at $65,000+, rising to $110,000 mid-career.

Inspired? UCI alumni earnings demonstrate long-term value, with higher ed career advice from platforms like AcademicJobs.com guiding your decisions.

📈 Resources for Salary Negotiation and Career Advancement

When exploring University of California Irvine salaries, especially for faculty and executive roles, effective negotiation can significantly boost your compensation package. As a public university, UCI (University of California Irvine) publishes transparent salary scales, making it easier to benchmark University of California Irvine faculty salaries against peers. Start by reviewing official data to understand base pay, merit increases, and total rewards including benefits like retirement contributions and housing allowances in high-cost Irvine, California. For career advancement, leverage networking and performance metrics to position yourself for promotions, where full professors often exceed $180,000 annually based on recent trends.

Key strategies include researching comparables via public databases, practicing with mock negotiations, and highlighting your unique value such as grant funding or publication records. UCI's structured pay steps reward longevity and excellence, so timing your ask around annual reviews maximizes success. International candidates should note visa-related adjustments and California's competitive market drives salaries at University of California Irvine above national averages for academics.

  • 🔗 UCI Academic Salary Scales: Official scales for ladder-rank faculty, detailing steps from assistant ($105,000+) to full professor levels with negotiation off-scale allowances up to 20%.
  • 🔗 UC System Academic Scales: System-wide benchmarks for University of California Irvine executive salaries, including deans and department chairs.
  • 🔗 Glassdoor UCI Salaries: Real employee-reported data on roles from graduate students ($40,000+) to librarians and HR staff.

Enhance your preparation with Rate My Professor reviews for UCI faculty insights on workload and advancement paths. Explore higher-ed faculty jobs and career advice on AcademicJobs.com. For local context, check opportunities in Irvine or California. Success stories show negotiators gaining 10-15% uplifts by citing regional data—practice via free resume templates to strengthen your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

👨‍🏫What are average faculty salaries at University of California Irvine?

Average faculty salaries at University of California Irvine range from $115,000 for assistant professors to $185,000 for associate professors and $220,000+ for full professors. High-demand areas like computer science and biomedical engineering push University of California Irvine faculty salaries above $250,000 for tenured roles. These base figures exclude summer pay, grants, and benefits. Use our higher-ed jobs listings to see current openings with ranges.

💼How do executive salaries compare at University of California Irvine?

Executive salaries at University of California Irvine outpace faculty, with vice chancellors earning $280,000-$350,000, deans $320,000+, and the chancellor over $500,000 including perks like housing. Compared to peer publics, University of California Irvine executive salaries emphasize transparency and performance incentives. Check leadership University of California Irvine employer page for opportunities.

👩‍🎓What are starting salaries for University of California Irvine graduates?

Starting salaries for University of California Irvine graduates average $75,000, with STEM fields at $100,000-$130,000 in tech and consulting, business at $80,000, and social sciences at $60,000+. Irvine's proximity to Orange County tech hubs boosts these University of California Irvine graduate salaries. Track alumni outcomes and apply via California jobs.

📈How have salaries trended at University of California Irvine?

Salaries at University of California Irvine have risen 4-6% annually over five years, driven by state budgets, union deals, and competition. Faculty saw accelerated University of California Irvine salary trends post-pandemic, with inflation-adjusted gains. Monitor ongoing shifts with our tools for informed decisions.

🚀What factors boost salary at University of California Irvine?

Boost salary at University of California Irvine through publications, grants, interdisciplinary work, and strong negotiation citing market data. Department prestige, prior Ivy experience, and diversity contributions elevate offers. Review professor ratings for negotiation leverage and department insights.

📊What are University of California Irvine salary trends by department?

University of California Irvine salary trends show engineering departments averaging $210,000 for faculty, business $195,000, and humanities $150,000. Growth is fastest in AI and health sciences. Compare via our salary dashboard.

🏆How do University of California Irvine faculty salaries compare nationally?

University of California Irvine faculty salaries exceed national averages by 20-30%, especially for full professors ($220k vs $160k national). California's living costs justify premiums. See comparisons on AcademicJobs.com.

💪What are mid-career earnings for University of California Irvine alumni?

Mid-career University of California Irvine alumni earnings average $130,000-$160,000, higher in tech ($200k+) and lower in education. Irvine location aids advancement. Explore paths via Irvine jobs.

🔍How to research current job salaries at University of California Irvine?

Research University of California Irvine job salaries using our search filters, public postings, and peer data. Filter by role for faculty pay University of California Irvine specifics. Start at higher-ed jobs.

🌟What career advancement resources help with University of California Irvine salaries?

Advance careers and salaries at University of California Irvine with UCI workshops, mentorship programs, and our guides. Link research to funding for raises. Visit Rate My Professor for faculty paths.

📚How do graduate student stipends work at University of California Irvine?

Graduate student salaries at University of California Irvine, often stipends, range $35,000-$45,000 plus tuition waivers, higher with fellowships. Funding ties to advisors. Prep for post-grad University of California Irvine graduate salaries.
1,260 Jobs Found