Catalyst Schools Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Catalyst Schools in the United States is $97,411. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $47. Salaries at Catalyst Schools typically range from $85,138 to $111,525 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Catalyst Schools

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Catalyst Schools. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Catalyst Schools’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Catalyst Schools'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
Haviland Middle School $96,904
-0.5%
Suggests Haviland Middle School utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
Detention Center $111,956
+14.9%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Detention Center's primary metro hubs.
LEORTC - Law Enforcement Officers Regional Training Commission $90,555
-7.0%
LEORTC - Law Enforcement Officers Regional Training Commission focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
District 126 Council of Employees Psrp Local 943 $91,599
-6.0%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+18.4%
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 Catalyst Schools

Considering a career at Catalyst Schools? 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.
Professional development is encouraged and funded. The student-focused approach creates meaningful work where we see daily impacts. Leadership is approachable, and employee input is genuinely valued. The staff are well-meaning and approachable. I’ve enjoyed a high level of autonomy while still receiving strong support from supervisors.
Leadership values open communication and prioritizes employee well-being through flexible policies. Overall, steady and it is particularly inspiring. Collaborative teams work on impactful projects, making public service a rewarding and motivating career choice here. Processes are followed, but sometimes feel bureaucratic. The culture fosters innovation while maintaining respect for traditions. Hig...
The benefits are solid, and the work schedule allows for a healthy work-life balance. Transparent decision-making builds trust organization-wide. There’s a real sense of purpose in the work we do, making it incredibly rewarding each day. Stable job with steady hours, but career progression can take time.

Catalyst Schools Overview

Website
www.catalystschools.org
Founded In
2006
Employees
100 - 200 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
6727 S California Ave Chicago Illinois IL 60629
Revenue
$5 Million - $10 Million
Phone Number
+1 7739931770
Social Media
About Catalyst Schools
The Catalyst Schools is a system of Chicago-based K-8 and high school charter schools operating in the city's Austin and Chicago Lawn neighborhoods. The two schools in the system are the Catalyst Circle Rock Elementary School (Austin) and the Catalyst Maria Elementary School and High School (Chicago Lawn).

What Benefits Does Catalyst Schools Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Catalyst Schools 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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What Is the Cost of Living Near Chicago?

Understanding the cost of living near Chicago is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Catalyst Schools.
Chicago's Cost of Living Index is approximately 106.9 (6.9% more expensive than US average; 14.0% more than IL average). Major US city, housing varies greatly by neighborhood but can be high, extensive CTA transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from Catalyst Schools, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,700 - $2,600+ A significant portion of Catalyst Schools salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $105 (CTA 30-day pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $430 - $640 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $800+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,225 - $5,025+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Catalyst Schools

1. How much does a Catalyst Schools employee make?

Catalyst Schools pays its employees an average of $97,411 per year. The average salary at Catalyst Schools range from $85,138 to $111,525 per year. 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. Which similar company tend to pay more or less than Catalyst Schools?

The salary at Catalyst Schools is higher than the similar company. The average annual salary at Catalyst Schools is $97,411, or an hourly wage of $47, in comparison to Haviland Middle School which pays $96,904 per year or $47 per hour.

3. How much does a Director, Operations typically earn at Catalyst Schools?

A Director, Operations at Catalyst Schools typically earns an average annual base salary of around $170,921, with a general range of $162,584 to $179,253.

4. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at Catalyst Schools?

In many roles at Catalyst Schools, particularly those requiring specialized knowledge or research capabilities (e.g., certain engineering, scientific, or financial roles), an advanced degree like a Master's or PhD can lead to a higher starting salary and faster career progression, thus higher earnings. However, for some roles, direct experience and skills might be valued as much or more than an advanced degree. The impact varies by field and specific job requirements.

5. How does the cost of living near Chicago affect the perceived value of a Catalyst Schools salary?

Chicago's Cost of Living Index is approximately 106.9 (6.9% more expensive than US average; 14.0% more than IL average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from Catalyst Schools based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Chicago" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

6. What kind of benefits does Catalyst Schools typically offer employees?

Catalyst Schools generally offers a range of employee benefits designed to support their workforce's health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement savings plan (often with a company match), paid time off (PTO), and potentially disability and life insurance are included. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at Catalyst Schools" section on this page.