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Desert Research Institute Salary

Desert Research Institute Salary

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As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Desert Research Institute in the United States is $83,153. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $40. Salaries at Desert Research Institute typically range from $73,138 to $94,249 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Desert Research Institute Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Desert Research Institute. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Assistant Research Scientist, Hydrogeologist OR Post-Doctoral Fellow, Hydrogeologist, with an annual salary of $95,383. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Accounting Assistant II or III

$52,142 / year

Salary Range: $47,139 - $58,078

Accounting

Assistant Research Scientist, Hydrogeologist OR Post-Doctoral Fellow, Hydrogeologist

$95,383 / year

Salary Range: $85,272 - $101,365

Validation and Quality Assurance

Lab Technician and Clerical

$64,296 / year

Salary Range: $57,183 - $71,934

Volunteer Services

Laboratory Aide

$48,788 / year

Salary Range: $44,042 - $54,220

Security Services

Program Specialist II

$74,192 / year

Salary Range: $66,044 - $83,588

Senior Coordination

Software and Systems Administration Specialist, Staff/Assistant Research Scientist

$76,803 / year

Salary Range: $68,561 - $85,183

Production Maintenance

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Desert Research Institute.
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About Desert Research Institute: Company Profile

Website
www.dri.edu
Founded In
1959
Employees
200 - 500 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Location
RENO
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Desert Research Institute's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
Good coworkers, but work gets repetitive. I'm consistently impressed by the high caliber of my colleagues; everyone is knowledgeable, driven, and dedicated to providing exceptional service to our clients. Services are reliable, but the lack of customization options limits their appeal for more complex projects. It feels great to be part of a forward-thinking company that isn't afraid to evolve. Ev...
Commented in May 21, 2025
19
3
Tools and systems are modern and effective, streamlining daily tasks. Team collaboration is emphasized, and there's a great mix of autonomy and support. Strong employee engagement initiatives here. This safe-to-fail environment encourages creativity and experimentation, which is essential for innovation and long-term success. The flat organizational structure is a breath of fresh air. I appreciate...
Commented in April 06, 2025
13
3
They streamlined our processes, saving us time and money. They meet expectations but don’t exceed them. The company culture prioritizes collaboration and respects work-life balance. I’ve received more recognition for my hard work here than anywhere else.
Commented in January 14, 2024
40
3

How Desert Research Institute's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

The data below provides a snapshot of what comparable firms are paying, offering crucial context for evaluating Desert Research Institute’s pay competitiveness. Click on a company for a deeper dive.

Is Desert Research Institute’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Desert Research Institute'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
D-65 $78,570
-5.5%
D-65 focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
D/A CENTRAL, INC. $84,238
+1.3%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
D & A CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, INC. $83,503
+0.4%
Suggests D & A CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, INC. utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
D A BURNS & SONS $88,322
+6.2%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in D A BURNS & SONS's primary metro hubs.
Business Services Industry $120,931
+45.4%
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.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Reno?

Understanding the cost of living near Reno is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Desert Research Institute.
Reno's Cost of Living Index is approximately 105.8 (5.8% more expensive than US average; 3.6% more than NV average). 'Biggest Little City', tech growth, housing costs have risen. RTC Washoe. When planning your budget based on a salary from Desert Research Institute, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,300 - $1,900+ A significant portion of Desert Research Institute salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $65 (RTC monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $420 - $610 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $400 - $730+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $390 - $720+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,725 - $4,215+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Desert Research Institute

FAQ 1: How much does a Desert Research Institute employee make?
Desert Research Institute pays its employees an average of $83,153 per year. The average salary at Desert Research Institute range from $73,138 to $94,249 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.
FAQ 2: Which similar company tend to pay more or less than Desert Research Institute?
The salary at Desert Research Institute is higher than the similar company. The average annual salary at Desert Research Institute is $83,153, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to D-65 which pays $78,569 per year or $38 per hour.
FAQ 3: Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at Desert Research Institute?
In many roles at Desert Research Institute, 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.
FAQ 4: How does the cost of living near Reno affect the perceived value of a Desert Research Institute salary?
Reno's Cost of Living Index is approximately 105.8 (5.8% more expensive than US average; 3.6% more than NV average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from Desert Research Institute based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Reno" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.
FAQ 5: What kind of benefits does Desert Research Institute typically offer employees?
Desert Research Institute 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 Desert Research Institute" section on this page.

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