2026 SALARY INCREASE DISTRIBUTION PLAN FOR
NON-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES

Overview

In an effort to recognize UCI’s policy covered (non-represented) staff who work tirelessly in support of UCI’s mission to educate, discover, and heal, a general salary increase of 4% will be implemented for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Eligibility Criteria

  • As of July 1, 2026, hold a non-represented career appointment, partial year career appointment, or serve as a contract employee whose contract allows for a salary increase
  • Be on active status (or on approved leave) on July 1, 2026
  • Be on UC payroll (or on approved leave) on or before January 1, 2026
  • Complete any probationary period by July 1, 2026
  • Be on active status (or on approved leave) on the applicable payout (TBD by UCPath. Check back for updates.)
  • Have no documented formal corrective action for unsatisfactory performance within the previous 12 months

Increases for SMG and Non-SMG policy covered staff whose total cash compensation exceeds the current Indexed Compensation Level will be processed in accordance with guidelines established by UC Office of the President.

Although this year’s salary program is not a merit program where performance is a consideration related to the salary increase amount, the importance of the annual performance review process should not be discounted. All policy covered staff employees should continue to participate in the Align performance check-ins.

Support

Employees should go to their immediate manager/supervisor with questions or concerns. If an employee has a concern that their manager/supervisor cannot address, employees should contact their Campus HR Business Partner, Health Sciences HR Business Partner or UCI Health HR Business Partner.

FAQs for Campus Administrators — Coming Soon

FAQs for Employees — Please see below

Administrative Tools

  • Coming Soon

FAQs for Employees

Q:
What is the effective date of the salary increase?
A:
Salary increases are effective July 1, 2026 for monthly paid employees and June 21, 2026 for bi-weekly paid employees.
Q:
When will salary adjustments begin to be paid out?
A:
UCPath is currently determining when the increase will be reflected in employee paychecks. Once those payout dates are finalized, they will be posted on this web page.
Q:
Will the pay ranges be adjusted on or before July 1, 2026?
A:
This is being discussed. If approved, the new salary structure for FY 2026-27 will be communicated and posted on the Career Tracks web page.
Q:
What if an employee’s salary falls below the new range minimum?
A:
According to PPSM-30, an employee’s salary must be within the salary range that is assigned to the payroll title. Salaries that fall below the new range minimum will be adjusted to the new minimum.
Q:
What if an employee’s salary is at or near pay range maximum?
A:
If an employee with a salary at or near pay range maximum receives a merit increase, his/her salary will be increased to no higher than the pay range maximum and then the portion of the merit increase that exceeds pay range maximum will be paid out as a one-time lump sum non-base building (will not be added to base salary) payment pending UCOP approval.
Q:
What if an employee transferred from another UC location after January 1, 2026, but meets all of the other eligibility criteria?
A:
Employees who transfer from another UC location are eligible to receive the increase as long as their date of hire with UC was on or before January 1, 2026, there was no break in service, and the employee meets all other eligibility requirements.