UC Observatories Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at UC Observatories in the United States is $108,127. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $52. Salaries at UC Observatories typically range from $94,549 to $123,719 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at UC Observatories

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Is UC Observatories’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does UC Observatories'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
Colorado Media School $82,201
-24.0%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Women's Student Association $85,354
-21.1%
Women's Student Association likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
I-Corps@Ohio $82,876
-23.4%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where I-Corps@Ohio primarily operates.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland Inc $100,712
-6.9%
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland Inc focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+6.7%
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 UC Observatories

Considering a career at UC Observatories? 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.
Collaborative environment with strong support for professional development and continuing education. I appreciate the clarity of roles and the strong emphasis on public accountability. Every employee I’ve interacted with has been courteous, professional, and knowledgeable. New ideas are welcomed, and feedback is taken seriously. This is a great place for those who value meaningful work.
The work can be repetitive, but it feels worthwhile. I’m grateful to work for a company that truly invests in its people. Suitable for someone seeking consistency, though likely frustrating for those who want a more agile environment. Inclusive approach.
Secured funding we couldn’t access before. Met requirements. Employees benefit from flexible schedules and comprehensive wellness programs, which promote both productivity and job satisfaction. Just don't expect rapid change or cutting-edge practices in day-to-day operations.

UC Observatories Overview

Website
www.ucolick.org
Founded In
1888
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
7281 Mount Hamilton Rd Mount Hamilton California CA 95140
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 4082389619
Social Media
About UC Observatories
UCO operates Lick Observatory, technical labs at UCSC and UCLA, and acts as a managing partner of the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. UCO is also the center for the UC participation in the Thirty-Meter Telescope (TMT) project. UC Astronomers, Observers at Lick and Keck, Technical Facilities, Instrumentation, Thirty-Meter Telescope Since 1888, Lick Observatory has been at forefront of astronomica

What Benefits Does UC Observatories Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. UC Observatories 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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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near San Jose?

Understanding the cost of living near San Jose is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at UC Observatories.
San Jose's Cost of Living Index is approximately 214.5 (114.5% more expensive than US average; 53.4% more than CA average). Heart of Silicon Valley, astronomical housing costs, high transportation, and high prices for almost everything. When planning your budget based on a salary from UC Observatories, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,800 - $4,500+ A significant portion of UC Observatories salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $180 - $300 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $80 (VTA monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $500 - $800 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $550 - $1,100+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $780+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $4,510 - $7,480+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of UC Observatories

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at UC Observatories?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at UC Observatories is approximately from $94,549 to $123,719. 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. How much does UC Observatories pay compared to Colorado Media School?

The average annual salary at UC Observatories is $108,127, or an hourly wage of $52, in comparison to Colorado Media School which pays $82,201 per year or $40 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at UC Observatories?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at UC Observatories due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at UC Observatories?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at UC Observatories, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from UC Observatories in San Jose is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from UC Observatories in San Jose is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at UC Observatories and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for San Jose" to understand its purchasing power.

6. What factors influence salary increases at UC Observatories?

Salary increases at UC Observatories are likely influenced by a combination of factors, including: individual employee performance against set goals, overall company performance and profitability, budget availability, changes in the market rate for similar roles (market adjustments), and sometimes cost-of-living increases.