The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) continues to be a top employer in academia, drawing professionals from across the globe. One of the most commonly asked questions by aspiring faculty and job seekers is: What is the average UCLA professor salary in 2026? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore salary averages, influencing factors, job market trends, and benefits that make UCLA an attractive place to work.
Average UCLA Professor Salary in 2026
As of 2026, the average salary for a UCLA professor ranges between $110,000 and $215,000 annually, depending on rank, discipline, and years of experience. Here’s a general breakdown:
Assistant Professor: $110,000 – $140,000
Associate Professor: $135,000 – $170,000
Full Professor: $160,000 – $215,000+
These figures reflect base salaries and do not include additional compensation like research grants, consulting work, or administrative stipends.
Factors Influencing Professor Salaries at UCLA
Several elements affect how much a professor earns at UCLA:
1. Academic Discipline
Fields like business, law, engineering, and medicine typically command higher salaries due to demand and external funding.
2. Experience Level
Early-career professors (0–5 years): $110K–$130K
Mid-career (5–15 years): $140K–$180K
Senior professors (15+ years): $180K–$215K+
3. Tenure Status
Tenured professors often earn significantly more due to job security and academic accomplishments.
4. Additional Roles
Professors who serve as department chairs, research directors, or program heads often receive stipends or bonuses on top of their base salary.
5. Grants and Funding
Access to external funding through grants can result in supplemental income, especially in STEM fields.
Benefits and Perks of Being a UCLA Professor
UCLA offers a competitive benefits package that enhances total compensation:
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Generous Retirement Plans (UC Retirement Plan and 403(b))
Sabbatical Leave
Tuition Remission for Dependents
Research and Travel Funding
On-campus housing assistance
Job Outlook for Professors in 2026
Positive Growth Ahead
Despite nationwide shifts in higher education funding, UCLA continues to hire across many departments, driven by student demand and research expansion. UCLA’s commitment to innovation, equity, and global engagement ensures it remains a top-tier academic institution.
Competitive but Stable
While competition remains strong for tenure-track roles, lecturer and adjunct positions have seen modest growth, providing opportunities for entry-level academics and postdoctoral researchers.
Education and Certifications That Impact Salary
While a Ph.D. or terminal degree is generally required, additional certifications or achievements can elevate a professor’s profile and salary potential.
Examples:
Professional licenses (e.g., CPA for Accounting, PE for Engineering)
Industry experience for applied disciplines like Business or Design
Published research or books
Grants awarded by federal agencies or private foundations
Continued professional development through conferences, fellowships, and collaborations also positively influences pay and promotion potential.
Comparisons to Similar Salaries
For perspective:
Peloton Instructor (Top Tier): ~$100K–$500K (based on fame and endorsements)
Lead Navigators or Senior Tech Roles: ~$120K–$180K
Auxano Salary (Project Manager Roles): ~$95K–$140K
Test Lab Technician (Latpen): ~$65K–$100K
A UCLA professor earning $103K (early career) effectively takes home approximately $72K–$78K after taxes, depending on deductions and benefits enrollment—placing them among the middle-to-upper income earners in California.
Final Thoughts
Being a professor at UCLA in 2026 offers not just a competitive salary but an enriching career filled with opportunities for advancement, research, and academic leadership. Whether you’re a new Ph.D. graduate or a seasoned scholar, understanding the salary structure and benefits can help you plan a successful career in academia.
If you’re aiming to maximize your earning potential at UCLA, focus on academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, grant acquisition, and leadership development—all of which are valued highly in the university’s ecosystem.