First Steps Kent Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at First Steps Kent in the United States is $83,741. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $40. Salaries at First Steps Kent typically range from $73,226 to $95,820 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at First Steps Kent

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Is First Steps Kent’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does First Steps Kent'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
Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy $81,241
-3.0%
Indicates identical technical requirements and experience levels between the two firms.
Bikur Cholim $95,807
+14.4%
Reflects structural premiums typical of Bikur Cholim's large-cap national operations.
Creekside Middle School $101,155
+20.8%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Creekside Middle School's primary metro hubs.
Cleveland Jobs With Justice $84,690
+1.1%
Confirms Cleveland Jobs With Justice is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+37.7%
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 Steps Kent

Considering a career at First Steps Kent? 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 compensation is competitive with other public roles. There’s a sense of dedication, though communication is occasionally inconsistent. Bureaucratic processes sometimes take time decision-making but maintain order. Managers are accessible and fair, and coworkers are generally kind and mission-focused. It’s clear they care, but systems could benefit from streamlining.
Resources vary widely between departments. Management communicates well, but decisions often require multiple approvals. Generally responsive and polite, though occasional delays can occur. Engaging projects that encourage innovation within a structured framework. Benefits are comprehensive, including wellness programs that promote health and balance. Healthier team.
There’s little room for decision-making without approvals. Employees are regularly recognized and appreciated for their hard work, which boosts morale. The team is supportive, but innovation can be discouraged by bureaucracy. The organization values consistency, which can be both a strength and a weakness. Teams are generally supportive, and there’s a culture of mutual respect.

First Steps Kent Overview

Website
www.firststepskent.org
Founded In
2009
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
401 Hall St SW Grand Rapids Michigan MI 49503
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 6166321003
Social Media
About First Steps Kent
First Steps is a public-private partnership that works to strengthen and coordinate early childhood services in Kent County, Michigan. By investing in our youngest children, we can ensure a stronger, more prosperous future for all. Our community vision is that every young child in Kent County will enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed in school and in life. How can we make that happen? T

What Benefits Does First Steps Kent Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. First Steps Kent 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 Grand Rapids?

Understanding the cost of living near Grand Rapids is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at First Steps Kent.
Grand Rapids' Cost of Living Index is approximately 89.5 (10.5% less expensive than US average; 2.0% less than MI average). Western MI city, growing, affordable housing. The Rapid bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from First Steps Kent, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,000 - $1,500+ A significant portion of First Steps Kent salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $40 (The Rapid monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $380 - $560 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $630+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $360 - $660+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,210 - $3,580+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of First Steps Kent

1. What is the average salary for employees at First Steps Kent?

The average annual total compensation for employees at First Steps Kent is approximately $83,741. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $73,226 to $95,820, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.

2. How much does First Steps Kent pay compared to Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy?

The average annual salary at First Steps Kent is $83,741, or an hourly wage of $40, in comparison to Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy which pays $81,241 per year or $39 per hour.

3. What is the lowest salary at First Steps Kent?

The lowest-paying job at First Steps Kent is a Developmental Therapist with a salary of $73,499 per year. The lowest- paying job depends heavily on the specific role, location, whether it's an hourly or salaried position, and if it's full-time, part-time, or an internship. Generally, entry-level positions might represent the lower end of the pay scale.

4. How does having a professional certification impact salary for relevant roles at First Steps Kent?

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

5. Does First Steps Kent offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Grand Rapids?

While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially First Steps Kent, 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.

6. What's the typical process for salary reviews and raises at First Steps Kent?

Most companies, likely including First Steps Kent, 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.