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Academic Affairs Specialist Salary in California

How much does an Academic Affairs Specialist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Academic Affairs Specialist in California is $48,988 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61,565
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,192 to $55,571
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,914
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Academic Affairs Specialist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Academic Affairs Specialist Salaries

An Academic Affairs 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 Affairs Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Academic Affairs 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): $45,630
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $45,811
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $48,074
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $50,634
  • Expert (over 8 years): $50,817
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Academic Affairs Specialist less than 1 year $45,630
Early Career Level Academic Affairs Specialist 1-2 years $45,811
Mid-Level Level Academic Affairs Specialist 2-4 years $48,074
Senior-Level Level Academic Affairs Specialist 5-8 years $50,634
Expert Level Academic Affairs Specialist over 8 years $50,817

How Do Academic Affairs 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 Affairs Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $49,175.
  • California: $48,988.
  • Massachusetts: $48,335.

Top Paying Cities for Academic Affairs 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: $49,073
  • West Hollywood: $49,037
  • Dodgertown: $49,072

Academic Affairs Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Academic Affairs Specialist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Insurance, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Academic Affairs Specialist positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Academic Affairs Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Academic Affairs Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance $53,887 $26.0 10%

Academic Affairs Specialist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Academic Affairs 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
$43,192
Average $48,988/year
$55,571
$3,599
Average $4,082/month
$4,631
$831
Average $942/week
$1,069
$21
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $55,571 $4,631 $1,069 $27
Average $48,988 $4,082 $942 $24
25th Percentile $43,192 $3,599 $831 $21

Find Your Next Academic Affairs Specialist Job

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

  • Las Virgenes USD | Calabasas, CA

    Academic Specialist

    Las Virgenes USD | Calabasas, CA

    Requirements / QualificationsComments and Other InformationLas Virgenes USD4111 Las Virgenes Rd.Calabasas, CA 91302818-878-5260As set forth in the policies... more

    5 Days Ago

  • YMCA of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA

    Academic Specialist

    YMCA of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA

    Careers by Empowering Futures, Building CommunitiesImagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Simpson University | Redding, CA

    Academic Records Specialist

    Simpson University | Redding, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Apply Here. https://secure.onehcm.com/ta/Simpson.jobs. ShowJob=788695170. &. TrackId=ZipRecruiter. This position is key t... more

    1 Day Ago

  • The Salvation Army Golden State Division | San Francisco, CA

    Behavior&amp Academic Specialist

    The Salvation Army Golden State Division | San Francisco, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. OVERVIEW. The Behavior Specialist is responsible for overseeing student behavior progress, incentives, and interventions,... more

    2 Days Ago

  • BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF WHITTIER INC | Whittier, CA

    Academic Support Specialist

    BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF WHITTIER INC | Whittier, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Summary . The Academic Support Specialist is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Panda Center of Hop... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Twin Rivers Unified School District | Sacramento, CA

    Academic Intervention Specialist Bilingual

    Twin Rivers Unified School District | Sacramento, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Academic Intervention Specialist Bilingual-Sr (Spanish)- 6 hrs (MLK JHS/PC#254354). NOTE: Must be bilingual in Spanish an... more

    1 Day Ago

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