Salaries at UCLA

At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), salary expectations for faculty and staff are determined by a variety of factors including role, academic rank, experience, and field of expertise. As a public institution within the University of California system, UCLA adheres to structured pay scales that vary across disciplines and administrative positions. The university provides a level of transparency by publishing salary bands and ranges for many roles through the UC system's public compensation data, ensuring employees and prospective hires can access general benchmarks for different positions. These ranges are often adjusted based on market trends, cost of living in Los Angeles, and collective bargaining agreements for unionized staff.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $70,000–$100,000 USD annually, depending on the department and research focus. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases tied to tenure track progression and research funding.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $90,000–$130,000 USD per year. Mid-career faculty often see salary boosts with tenure and additional grants or administrative duties.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $120,000–$200,000+ USD annually, reflecting seniority, leadership roles, and significant contributions to research or academia.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Ranges from $50,000–$80,000 USD per year, influenced by experience and specific departmental needs.
• Department Chair: Salaries often fall between $150,000–$250,000 USD annually, with additional stipends for leadership responsibilities and oversight of academic programs.

Salaries at UCLA are generally competitive within the public university sector, particularly given the high cost of living in Los Angeles. As part of the UC system, compensation is often benchmarked against other top public institutions nationwide, with periodic adjustments to remain attractive to talent. Career progression for academic roles typically follows a clear path from assistant to full professor, with salary increases tied to tenure, performance reviews, and external funding. For administrative staff, opportunities for advancement and corresponding pay raises may depend on departmental budgets and restructuring. Overall, UCLA's commitment to transparency in compensation helps maintain trust and clarity for current and prospective employees.