Faculty salary and fringe benefit data for 1985-1986 and 1986-1987 at California State University and the University of California are examined, along with data for comparison institutions. University of California medical faculty salary comparisons from 1984-1985 are also provided. Statistics on salary and fringe benefits are provided by faculty academic rank. The fringe benefit package includes retirement and a comprehensive array of insurance for life, medical and dental care, nonindustrial disability, workers' compensation, and unemployment. Also considered briefly are economic conditions in California and the nation. Appended materials include: state legislation concerning academic salaries and welfare benefits; information on procedures for state-level reporting on faculty salaries and fringe benefit costs in public higher education, 1985-1995; a 1965 state staff report on a method for reporting to the legislature on salaries and benefits for faculty at state institutions; a report on University of California faculty retirement income value of comparison institutions, 1984-1985; a report on faculty income maintenance programs at California State University and comparison institutions; and data on the University of California retirement system. (SW)