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Academic Advisor and Program Specialist Salary in California

How much does an Academic Advisor and Program Specialist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Academic Advisor and Program Specialist in California is $57,005 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, an Academic Advisor and Program Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $65,945
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,806 to $61,685
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,984
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Academic Advisor and Program Specialist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Academic Advisor and Program Specialist Salaries

An Academic Advisor and Program Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Academic Advisor and Program Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Academic Advisor and Program Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $50,107
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $56,030
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $62,113
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $81,587
  • Expert (over 8 years): $99,801
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Accounts Payable Clerk I less than 1 year $50,107
Academic Advisor and Program Specialist 1-2 years $56,030
Accounts Payable Clerk III 2-4 years $62,113
Accounts Payable Supervisor 5-8 years $81,587
Accounts Payable Senior Supervisor over 8 years $99,801

How Do Academic Advisor and Program Specialist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Academic Advisor and Program Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $57,222.
  • California: $57,005.
  • Massachusetts: $56,245.

Top Paying Cities for Academic Advisor and Program Specialist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $57,103
  • West Hollywood: $57,062
  • Dodgertown: $57,103

Academic Advisor and Program Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Academic Advisor and Program Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Academic Advisor and Program Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Academic Advisor and Program Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Academic Advisor and Program Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $68,406 $33.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $67,266 $32.0 18%
Energy & Utilities $65,556 $32.0 15%
Financial Services $65,556 $32.0 15%
Chemicals $62,706 $30.0 10%

Academic Advisor and Program Specialist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Academic Advisor and Program Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$52,806
Average $57,005/year
$61,685
$4,401
Average $4,750/month
$5,140
$1,016
Average $1,096/week
$1,186
$25
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,685 $5,140 $1,186 $30
Average $57,005 $4,750 $1,096 $27
25th Percentile $52,806 $4,401 $1,016 $25

Find Your Next Academic Advisor and Program Specialist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Academic Advisor and Program Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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