Chicago Lights Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Chicago Lights in the United States is $90,576. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $44. Salaries at Chicago Lights typically range from $79,200 to $103,636 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Chicago Lights Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Chicago Lights. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Executive Director, with an annual salary of $165,506. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Chicago Lights

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

Is Chicago Lights’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Chicago Lights'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
Operation Promise Community Services Inc $95,923
+5.9%
Data suggests Operation Promise Community Services Inc's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Early Warning Program $98,845
+9.1%
Supported by Early Warning Program's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Catholic Center $80,977
-10.6%
Catholic Center likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Rock Valley Christian School $76,209
-15.9%
Rock Valley Christian School focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+27.3%
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 Chicago Lights

Considering a career at Chicago Lights? 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.
It’s not just about productivity—it’s about impact. Schedules are predictable and respect personal time. The impactful public service mission adds meaning to daily tasks, inspiring employees to deliver their best. Diverse hiring strategies. Leadership communicates vision clearly while empowering staff autonomy.
The benefits are excellent, especially the pension and healthcare plans. Leadership is professional and open to feedback. It’s a fine place to work if you value consistency. Employee voice is valued in policy decisions. If you’re looking for a steady job with predictable hours, it’s suitable—but those seeking rapid growth or creative challenges may find the environment too rigid or bureaucratic. I...
The technology and facilities are top-notch, enabling us to provide 21st century learning experiences. Leadership demonstrates genuine care for staff, and the workplace remains inclusive and respectful under pressure. Great for those who value stability more than rapid innovation. Employees have autonomy with support, and collaboration between teams ensures projects move forward effectively and ef...

Chicago Lights Overview

Website
www.chicagolights.org
Founded In
2004
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
126 E Chestnut St Chicago Illinois IL 60611
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 3127874570
Social Media
About Chicago Lights
Chicago Lights is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been creating opportunities for Chicagoans to overcome economic and social barriers to break the cycle of poverty since 1964. Through programs in social services, education, the arts, and economic development, Chicago Lights empowers and supports thousands of people to take steps to greater sustainable independence.

What Benefits Does Chicago Lights Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Chicago Lights 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 Chicago Lights.
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 Chicago Lights, 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 Chicago Lights 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 Chicago Lights

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

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Chicago Lights is approximately from $79,200 to $103,636. 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 Chicago Lights pay compared to Operation Promise Community Services Inc?

The average annual salary at Chicago Lights is $90,576, or an hourly wage of $44, in comparison to Operation Promise Community Services Inc which pays $95,923 per year or $46 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Chicago Lights?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Chicago Lights 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 Chicago Lights?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Chicago Lights, 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 Chicago Lights in Chicago is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Chicago Lights in Chicago is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Chicago Lights 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. Are the salaries listed for Chicago Lights on Salary.com pre-tax or after-tax?

All salary figures displayed for Chicago Lights, including average base salary and estimated total compensation, are pre-tax amounts. They do not account for federal, state, or local income taxes, nor deductions for benefits like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.