FIRST Initiative Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at FIRST Initiative in the United States is $96,335. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $46. Salaries at FIRST Initiative typically range from $84,240 to $110,233 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does FIRST Initiative Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at FIRST Initiative. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Senior Program Manager, with an annual salary of $132,456. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Current Job Openings at FIRST Initiative

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

Is FIRST Initiative’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does FIRST Initiative'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
United Breast Cancer Foundation $99,193
+3.0%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
EPIC `Ohana $95,459
-0.9%
Indicates identical technical requirements and experience levels between the two firms.
Retired State Employees Association $83,551
-13.3%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Ruskin Elementary School $114,013
+18.4%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for Ruskin Elementary School's specialized projects.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+19.7%
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 FIRST Initiative

Considering a career at FIRST Initiative? 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.
Employees are supported with excellent tools and technology for success. You’ll find clarity in responsibilities, but limited flexibility. What stands out is the shared commitment to educational equity - every decision centers on student needs. Extremely courteous and thorough in all interactions. Benefits like healthcare and retirement plans are excellent. The benefits package is outstanding, inc...
Opportunities are given to develop in a structured system. Transparent recommendations. Opportunities for growth, wellness programs, and a meaningful public service mission make this a rewarding workplace. The workplace culture emphasizes both excellence and empathy. It’s refreshing to work somewhere with clear expectations and fair processes.
The workplace culture is collaborative, inclusive, and fosters creativity and innovation. Collaborative, efficient, and always striving for improvement. I love the team here. Employees feel valued and motivated by the organization’s commitment to public service and supportive work environment.

FIRST Initiative Overview

Website
www.firstinitiative.org
Founded In
2002
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
1818 H St NW Washington District of Columbia DC 20433
Revenue
$5 Million - $10 Million
Phone Number
+1 2024732765
Social Media
About FIRST Initiative
FIRST is currently supported by five donors: the Department for International Development of the United Kingdom (DFID), Germany's Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Ministry of Finance of Luxembourg, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands (MFA), and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO), as well as the World Bank Group (WBG) a

What Benefits Does FIRST Initiative Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. FIRST Initiative 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 Washington?

Understanding the cost of living near Washington is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at FIRST Initiative.
Washington D.C.'s Cost of Living Index is approximately 148.7 (48.7% more expensive than US average). Nation's capital, very high housing costs, extensive public transit (WMATA), high overall expenses. When planning your budget based on a salary from FIRST Initiative, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,200 - $3,300+ A significant portion of FIRST Initiative salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $70-200+ (WMATA SmarTrip varies by use) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $680 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $500 - $900+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,770 - $5,880+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of FIRST Initiative

1. What is the average salary for employees at FIRST Initiative?

The average annual total compensation for employees at FIRST Initiative is approximately $96,335. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $84,240 to $110,233, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.

2. How much does FIRST Initiative pay compared to United Breast Cancer Foundation?

The average annual salary at FIRST Initiative is $96,335, or an hourly wage of $46, in comparison to United Breast Cancer Foundation which pays $99,193 per year or $48 per hour.

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

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 FIRST Initiative for applicable roles. Certifications demonstrate a verified level of expertise and commitment to a profession, making candidates more competitive.

4. Does FIRST Initiative offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Washington?

While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially FIRST Initiative, 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 FIRST Initiative?

Most companies, likely including FIRST Initiative, 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.