First Start Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at First Start in the United States is $83,010. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $40. Salaries at First Start typically range from $72,848 to $94,797 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does First Start Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at First Start. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Case Management Program Clinical Coordinator Bilingual Required, with an annual salary of $91,609. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Behavior Health Technician

$49,274 / year

Salary Range: $44,945 - $55,860

Security Services

Behavioral Health Technician

$40,760 / year

Salary Range: $36,670 - $46,159

Mental Health

Caregiver

$40,287 / year

Salary Range: $36,351 - $45,533

Security Services

Caregiver - Sign On Bonus - Job Opportunity

$42,103 / year

Salary Range: $37,649 - $47,842

Staffing

Caregiver Somerton (Sign On Bonus)

$39,313 / year

Salary Range: $35,384 - $44,743

Security Services

Caregiver Tucson - 13.50/hr

$42,103 / year

Salary Range: $37,649 - $47,842

Staffing

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at First Start.
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About First Start: Company Profile

Website
www.fsmena.com
Founded In
1999
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Location
LONG BEACH
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 First Start's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
Whether it's educating future generations or providing essential public services, the impact is undeniable and profoundly rewarding for those involved in its delivery. Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning are abundant and actively encouraged here. Interactions with students (or citizens) are often the most rewarding and reaffirming part of my job. This practical suppo...
They listen to employee feedback and are often willing to adapt processes for better efficiency or service delivery. Knowing my contributions matter keeps me motivated and engaged in our collective mission every single day. This investment in human capital is a clear sign of a forward-thinking employer. This shared commitment builds a strong organizational culture and motivates us to perform our b...
We support each other professionally and personally, creating a friendly and collegial atmosphere. It feels good to work in an environment where doing the right thing is always prioritized. Witnessing the positive impact of our work firsthand, whether it’s a student's breakthrough or a citizen’s gratitude, provides immense motivation and a clear reminder of why our dedicated service truly matters....

Is First Start’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does First Start'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
FLIGHT CREW INTERNATIONAL $74,243
-10.6%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where FLIGHT CREW INTERNATIONAL primarily operates.
FAA WILLIAM J. HUGHES TECHNICAL CENTER $79,659
-4.0%
FAA WILLIAM J. HUGHES TECHNICAL CENTER focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
FIRST CONTRACTOR SCHOOL $71,418
-14.0%
FIRST CONTRACTOR SCHOOL operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
FIRST CONTRACTORS SCHOOL $73,570
-11.4%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+38.9%
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 Long Beach?

Understanding the cost of living near Long Beach is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at First Start.
Long Beach's Cost of Living Index is approximately 136.7 (36.7% more expensive than US average; 2.2% less than CA average). Coastal city near LA, high housing costs are the main driver, though generally less than LA proper. When planning your budget based on a salary from First Start, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,800 - $2,800+ A significant portion of First Start salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $240 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $62 (LB Transit monthly pass, varies) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $440 - $650 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $400 - $750+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $370 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,212 - $5,142+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About First Start

FAQ 1: What is the estimated average total compensation at First Start?
Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at First Start, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $83,010 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.
FAQ 2: How much does First Start pay compared to FLIGHT CREW INTERNATIONAL?
The average annual salary at First Start is $83,010, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to FLIGHT CREW INTERNATIONAL which pays $74,243 per year or $36 per hour.
FAQ 3: What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at First Start?
Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at First Start can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.
FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from First Start in Long Beach is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from First Start in Long Beach is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at First Start and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Long Beach" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: Are promotions at First Start usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?
Yes, promotions at First Start are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.