Debate Salary

As of July 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Debate in the United States is $92,928. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $45. Salaries at Debate typically range from $81,748 to $105,063 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Debate

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Is Debate’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Debate'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
CompressorTech2 $93,751
+0.9%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
Play Store $93,276
+0.4%
Suggests Play Store utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
Luminary Media $101,219
+8.9%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Luminary Media's primary metro hubs.
Green Sheet Pittsburgh $92,538
-0.4%
Indicates identical technical requirements and experience levels between the two firms.
Media Industry $125,523
+35.1%
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 Debate

Considering a career at Debate? 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.
The leadership invests in employee success and supports continuous learning through internal workshops and mentorship opportunities. Their collaborative approach allows us to push creative boundaries with confidence, knowing we have the expert guidance to navigate complex issues. The team is professional and organized, but the culture lacks vibrancy. From day one, I felt welcomed and appreciated.
This company is an excellent place to grow a media career. The culture is quiet and respectful. This inspiring atmosphere makes collaboration natural and enjoyable, and it’s a big reason why I look forward to my days in the office. There’s trust from leadership and respect from colleagues. It’s never personal. Inter-team collaboration is encouraged but isn’t always seamless.
The management team is transparent and promotes open communication. This flat-hierarchy feel fosters open communication and encourages bold thinking from all corners of the company. Collaboration between departments is strong, and leadership is transparent about company goals.

Debate Overview

Website
www.debate.org
Founded In
2001
Employees
25 - 50 employees
Industry
Media
Headquarter Address
33 Bronze Pointe Blvd Swansea Illinois IL 62226
Revenue
$5 Million - $10 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About Debate
Debate.org is the premier online debate website where individuals from around the world come to debate with one another and educate themselves on popular

What Benefits Does Debate Offer Beyond Salary?

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

1. What is the average salary for employees at Debate?

The average annual total compensation for employees at Debate is approximately $92,928. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $81,748 to $105,063, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.

2. How much does Debate pay compared to CompressorTech2?

The average annual salary at Debate is $92,928, or an hourly wage of $45, in comparison to CompressorTech2 which pays $93,751 per year or $45 per hour.

3. How does having a professional certification impact salary for relevant roles at Debate?

Professional certifications like PMP (for Project Managers), CPA (for Accountants), or another relevant certification for the industry can often lead to higher salaries and better job prospects at Debate for applicable roles. Certifications demonstrate a verified level of expertise and commitment to a profession, making candidates more competitive.

4. Does Debate offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Chicago?

While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially Debate, incorporate cost of living considerations into their overall salary structure for different locations rather than as a separate, itemized adjustment. This means their base pay bands for roles in high-cost cities like New York City are generally set higher to account for these local market factors.

5. What's the typical process for salary reviews and raises at Debate?

Most companies, likely including Debate, conduct formal salary reviews annually, often tied to performance evaluations. During these reviews, factors like individual performance, meeting goals, company performance, and market adjustments are typically considered for potential salary increases.