Challenge Academy Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Challenge Academy in the United States is $90,375. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $43. Salaries at Challenge Academy typically range from $78,990 to $103,477 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Challenge Academy

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

Is Challenge Academy’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Challenge Academy'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
George Mason University School of Dance $106,260
+17.6%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for George Mason University School of Dance's specialized projects.
Typescript $104,647
+15.8%
Supported by Typescript's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Moline High School $85,122
-5.8%
Moline High School focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Dade County Public Schools $89,405
-1.1%
Confirms Dade County Public Schools is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+27.6%
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 Challenge Academy

Considering a career at Challenge Academy? 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.
There’s an emphasis on employee well-being and work-life balance. I’ve had a positive experience working here. I’ve had several interactions with this group, and every one has been positive. Not much opportunity for creativity, but very secure.
This organization invests heavily in employee wellness and professional growth. Management promotes work-life harmony and supports flexible schedules. Many policies are outdated and difficult to navigate.
Expectations are consistent, and it is much room for creativity. Strong focus on community service. Easy-to-understand metrics for accountability. Training programs are offered but may lack relevance for some roles. It's inspiring to work alongside so many dedicated professionals united in our mission to educate future generations. They invest in people, provide useful feedback, and respond quickl...
Boosted community engagement for our initiatives. Employees benefit from well-structured development programs and a culture that promotes respect and inclusivity. Helpful and responsive at every stage.

Challenge Academy Overview

Website
www.lincolnschallenge.org
Founded In
1959
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
4 Emmie L Kaus Ln Alton Illinois IL 62002
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 6184650044
Social Media
About Challenge Academy
Challenge Unlimited, founded in 1959 and headquartered in Alton, Illinois is a nonprofit staffing agency focused on serving individuals with disabilities.

What Benefits Does Challenge Academy Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Challenge Academy 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?

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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 Challenge Academy.
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 Challenge Academy, 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 Challenge Academy 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 Challenge Academy

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Challenge Academy?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Challenge Academy is approximately from $78,990 to $103,477. 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. How much does Challenge Academy pay compared to George Mason University School of Dance?

The average annual salary at Challenge Academy is $90,375, or an hourly wage of $43, in comparison to George Mason University School of Dance which pays $106,260 per year or $51 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Challenge Academy?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Challenge Academy 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. How does experience level affect salary at Challenge Academy?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Challenge Academy, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Challenge Academy in Chicago is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. What are the key factors that influence salary levels at Challenge Academy?

Several key factors influence salary levels at Challenge Academy. These primarily include: 1. Job Role & Responsibilities: More complex roles with greater impact typically command higher pay. 2. Experience & Skills: Your years of relevant experience and specific in-demand skills are critical. 3. Performance: Strong performance can lead to higher raises and bonuses. 4. Location: Office location impacts pay due to varying local market rates and cost of living. 5. Industry Benchmarks: Challenge Academy likely benchmarks its salaries against other companies in the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sector. You can explore how these factors play out in our detailed salary data.