Jacobs School of Engineering Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Jacobs School of Engineering in the United States is $112,631. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $54. Salaries at Jacobs School of Engineering typically range from $98,380 to $129,036 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Jacobs School of Engineering Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Jacobs School of Engineering. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Postdoctoral Researcher, with an annual salary of $188,175. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Is Jacobs School of Engineering’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Jacobs School of Engineering'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
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School $116,661
+3.6%
Supported by Pepperdine Graziadio Business School's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Mihaylo College Of Business & Economics $115,711
+2.7%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham $123,011
+9.2%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham's specialized projects.
California State University San Marcos $111,851
-0.7%
Confirms California State University San Marcos is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+2.4%
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 Jacobs School of Engineering

Considering a career at Jacobs School of Engineering? 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.
Flexible work options are available but can depend on management discretion. Processes are followed, but sometimes feel bureaucratic. Leadership promotes transparency and collaboration. Collaboration happens, though silos between teams sometimes occur. However, red tape can make even simple tasks take longer than necessary.
After years in education, I've found my professional home in this mission-driven, supportive organization. Inclusive workplace with clear ethical standards. Clear goals and open communication. They listen carefully, offer solutions quickly, and always follow up.
I've never worked for an educational organization that values its employees so highly. This teamwork fosters a supportive atmosphere and ensures successful outcomes. Communication can be inconsistent across offices. Their team is skilled, responsive, and a pleasure to work with.
They care deeply about their impact and consistently demonstrate high standards in education and governance services. This team delivers dependable service with a strong emphasis on educational outcomes and public accountability. I feel proud to work in a place that values community and education. Still, the team works hard and remains committed to their roles. Communication is formal and hierarch...
There’s a real sense of pride in what we do, which keeps morale consistently high. Great benefits, consistent hours, and steady workload. Management usually sticks to protocol and doesn’t encourage risk-taking.

Jacobs School of Engineering Overview

Website
www.jacobsschool.ucsd.edu
Founded In
1960
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
9500 Gilman Dr La Jolla California CA 92093
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
+1 8585343262
Social Media
About Jacobs School of Engineering
The Irwin and Joan Jacobs School of Engineering is an undergraduate and graduate-level engineering school offering BS, BA, MEng, MS, MAS and PhD degrees at the University of California, San Diego in San Diego, California. The Jacobs School of Engineering is the youngest engineering school of the nation's top ten, the largest by enrollment in the University of California system, as well as the larg

What Benefits Does Jacobs School of Engineering Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Jacobs School of Engineering 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?

Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

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What Is the Cost of Living Near San Diego?

Understanding the cost of living near San Diego is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Jacobs School of Engineering.
San Diego's Cost of Living Index is approximately 160.4 (60.4% more expensive than US average; 14.7% more than CA average). Very high housing costs are the primary driver, along with generally higher prices for other goods and services. When planning your budget based on a salary from Jacobs School of Engineering, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,200 - $3,400+ A significant portion of Jacobs School of Engineering salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $160 - $270 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $72 (MTS monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $460 - $680 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $850+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $720+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,722 - $5,922+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Jacobs School of Engineering

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Jacobs School of Engineering?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Jacobs School of Engineering, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $112,631 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Jacobs School of Engineering pay compared to Pepperdine Graziadio Business School?

The average annual salary at Jacobs School of Engineering is $112,631, or an hourly wage of $54, in comparison to Pepperdine Graziadio Business School which pays $116,661 per year or $56 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Jacobs School of Engineering?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Jacobs School of Engineering 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. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Jacobs School of Engineering?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Jacobs School of Engineering can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Jacobs School of Engineering in San Diego is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. Are promotions at Jacobs School of Engineering usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Jacobs School of Engineering are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.