Cal Poly State University Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Cal Poly State University in the United States is $117,325. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $56. Salaries at Cal Poly State University typically range from $102,943 to $133,060 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is Cal Poly State University’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Cal Poly State University's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Co-Production International Inc $120,532
+2.7%
Indicates identical technical requirements and experience levels between the two firms.
Cymetrix Corp $126,576
+7.9%
Reflects structural premiums typical of Cymetrix Corp's large-cap national operations.
Arvato Bertelsmann $124,213
+5.9%
Supported by Arvato Bertelsmann's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Nearsol $126,376
+7.7%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent Nearsol targets.
Business Services Industry $120,931
+3.1%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Cal Poly State University

Considering a career at Cal Poly State University? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Leadership genuinely cares about employees. The benefits package is competitive, and compensation is fair. Performance is recognized, and internal mobility is encouraged. This hands-on guidance and the sharing of invaluable industry experience are instrumental in personal and professional growth.
The culture values both personal achievement and team success. Plenty of work, but recognition is lacking. The company offers visible career paths. We don't have meetings just for the sake of it. Employee well-being is a priority, and that shows in daily interactions and company policies. Training exists, but its quality depends on department. It’s a good fit if you prefer predictability over dyna...
Managers care about their teams and provide regular recognition for hard work. It’s more than just a job; it’s a chance to make a positive impact in the business community. Positive atmosphere encourages productivity.

Cal Poly State University Overview

Website
www.calpoly.edu
Founded In
1901
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Address
Mott Gym 1 Grand Ave San Luis Obispo California CA 93405
Revenue
$200 Million - $500 Million
Phone Number
+1 8057561111
Social Media
About Cal Poly State University
Founded in 1901 and part of the renowned California State University system since 1960, Cal Poly is a four-year, comprehensive polytechnic public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. Providing hands-on approach teaching, small class sizes, and open access to expert faculty.

What Benefits Does Cal Poly State University Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Cal Poly State University offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Santa Maria?

Understanding the cost of living near Santa Maria is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Cal Poly State University.
Santa Maria's Cost of Living Index is approximately 121.7 (21.7% more expensive than US average; 12.9% less than CA average). Central Coast agricultural area, more affordable than Santa Barbara/SLO, housing above US avg. When planning your budget based on a salary from Cal Poly State University, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,600 - $2,300+ A significant portion of Cal Poly State University salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $180 - $290 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $38 (SMAT monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $430 - $630 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $350 - $650+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $370 - $690+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,968 - $4,568+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Cal Poly State University

1. How much does a Cal Poly State University employee make?

Cal Poly State University pays its employees an average of $117,325 per year. The average salary at Cal Poly State University range from $102,943 to $133,060 per year. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. Which similar company tend to pay more or less than Cal Poly State University?

The salary at Cal Poly State University is lesser than the similar company. The average annual salary at Cal Poly State University is $117,325, or an hourly wage of $56, in comparison to Co-Production International Inc which pays $120,532 per year or $58 per hour.

3. How much does a Chief Executive Officer typically earn at Cal Poly State University?

A Chief Executive Officer at Cal Poly State University typically earns an average annual base salary of around $908,202, with a general range of $693,322 to $1,147,997.

4. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at Cal Poly State University?

In many roles at Cal Poly State University, particularly those requiring specialized knowledge or research capabilities (e.g., certain engineering, scientific, or financial roles), an advanced degree like a Master's or PhD can lead to a higher starting salary and faster career progression, thus higher earnings. However, for some roles, direct experience and skills might be valued as much or more than an advanced degree. The impact varies by field and specific job requirements.

5. How does the cost of living near Santa Maria affect the perceived value of a Cal Poly State University salary?

Santa Maria's Cost of Living Index is approximately 121.7 (21.7% more expensive than US average; 12.9% less than CA average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from Cal Poly State University based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Santa Maria" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

6. What kind of benefits does Cal Poly State University typically offer employees?

Cal Poly State University generally offers a range of employee benefits designed to support their workforce's health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement savings plan (often with a company match), paid time off (PTO), and potentially disability and life insurance are included. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at Cal Poly State University" section on this page.