UC Davis offers a base salary ranging from $450,000 to $530,000, with compensation commensurate with your rank and experience. Associate Professors can expect approximately $500,000, while Full Professors receive up to around $530,000. This places you competitively within academic radiology while reflecting the leadership responsibilities of the Division Chief role.
The UC system provides a structured advancement pathway with merit increases every two years. Professors progress through 8 steps, with the opportunity to advance every three years based on academic productivity, clinical contributions, and service. This transparent system rewards sustained excellence and provides clear expectations for career progression.
UC Davis demonstrates its commitment to recruiting top talent through substantial upfront incentives. A $40,000 sign-on bonus provides immediate financial flexibility as you transition into the role. The $20,000 relocation allowance covers moving expenses, helping offset the costs of establishing yourself in the Sacramento region.
Perhaps most notably, UC Davis offers a $100,000 housing loan to help faculty secure housing in the competitive California real estate market. This interest-free or low-interest loan (terms to be confirmed) provides meaningful support as you establish roots in the community.
Beyond your base salary, multiple opportunities exist to increase your earnings. The standard contract covers 12 weekend call days per year. Any additional call shifts are compensated at $2,500 per day, allowing you to supplement your income based on your availability and interest. Moonlighting opportunities through micro shifts (7 CT, 7 MRI, or 17 US studies) and nano shifts (1-2 hours) provide further flexibility.
As a nonprofit academic medical center, UC Davis qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). After 10 years of qualifying payments while working at UC Davis, your remaining federal student loan balance may be forgiven. The institution provides a dedicated financial team to help you navigate the PSLF program and optimize your loan repayment strategy. For physicians carrying significant educational debt, this benefit can translate to substantial long-term savings.
UC Davis participates in CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System), one of the largest and most stable public pension systems in the nation. This defined benefit plan provides retirement security that differs significantly from the 401(k) plans common in private practice. Your pension benefit is calculated based on your years of service and final compensation, providing predictable retirement income.
An annual academic fund of $5,000 covers CME, professional dues, licenses, and other career development expenses. This allocation can be negotiated for unusual needs or special circumstances. The fund supports your ongoing education and professional engagement, whether attending conferences, maintaining certifications, or pursuing specialized training.
UC Davis provides comprehensive malpractice insurance with tail coverage, protecting you throughout your employment and beyond. This coverage eliminates the need to purchase your own policy or worry about claims arising after you leave the institution. The peace of mind this provides allows you to focus on patient care and academic pursuits without the financial burden of self-insuring.
While specific details on PTO and health insurance were not provided in the available materials, UC Davis Health offers comprehensive benefits typical of major academic medical centers. As California's top-ranked hospital system for employee satisfaction (Forbes 2025), the institution demonstrates its commitment to faculty well-being across all benefit categories.
This compensation package combines competitive base salary with meaningful recruitment incentives, loan forgiveness potential, pension security, and supplemental income opportunities. Together, these elements create a financial foundation that supports both your immediate needs and long-term security