Salaries at UCSC

At the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by a combination of factors including role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. As part of the broader University of California system, UCSC adheres to structured pay scales that vary across disciplines and positions. The university promotes transparency by publishing salary bands and ranges for many roles through the UC system's public data resources, allowing prospective employees to understand potential compensation based on their qualifications and position. These ranges are often adjusted periodically to account for cost of living and market competitiveness in California.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $70,000–$90,000 USD per year, depending on the department and research focus. Entry-level roles may start lower, with increases tied to tenure track progression.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $90,000–$120,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see boosts from research grants or administrative duties.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $120,000–$180,000 USD per year, with higher earnings for senior faculty in high-demand fields like STEM or those with significant research funding.
• Lecturer: Compensation ranges from $50,000–$70,000 USD yearly, often dependent on teaching load and whether the position is full-time or part-time.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Salaries generally fall between $45,000–$65,000 USD per year, influenced by experience and specific departmental needs.

Salaries at UCSC are generally competitive within the public university sector, aligning with benchmarks set by the University of California system. Progression in compensation often correlates with tenure, promotions, and additional responsibilities such as leadership roles or securing external funding. As a public institution, UCSC salaries are subject to state budgeting constraints, which may impact annual raises or bonuses compared to private universities. However, the transparency of salary data ensures that employees and candidates can make informed decisions about career paths and financial expectations at UCSC.