First Strike Salary

As of July 2026, the average annual salary for employees at First Strike in the United States is $97,305. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $47. Salaries at First Strike typically range from $85,661 to $109,891 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at First Strike

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Is First Strike’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does First Strike'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
Accent Plastics Inc $101,989
+4.8%
Supported by Accent Plastics Inc's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
GrovTec US Inc $96,736
-0.6%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
Auto - Ordnance| Co $85,776
-11.8%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like Auto - Ordnance| Co.
SW Military RE Company LLC $90,692
-6.8%
SW Military RE Company LLC likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
MFG Durable Industry $121,746
+25.1%
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 First Strike

Considering a career at First Strike? 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.
Leadership maintains an open-door policy, valuing input from all levels. Advancement opportunities are available, but they’re limited. Compensation is fair and transparent, with opportunities for overtime when desired. Expectations are easy to meet, and leadership rarely interferes unless there’s an issue.
The company is very community-minded. Processes are rigid. Working here has been a positive experience from the start. On the upside, the job is low-stress, and the hours are steady. Truly values its workforce, evident in its comprehensive benefits package and competitive compensation. If not, you might grow restless. Workplace culture is fine, but nothing especially stands out. There's a strong e...
Working here means being part of a well-organized and efficient manufacturing operation. The work environment is friendly, with open communication and recognition programs that celebrate employee achievements, creating high motivation and job satisfaction. You’re encouraged to ask questions and take initiative. Work-life balance is respected through predictable scheduling and reasonable overtime p...

First Strike Overview

Website
www.first-strike.com
Founded In
2006
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
MFG Durable
Headquarter Address
28101 N Ballard Dr Lake Forest Illinois IL 60045
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 2604782500
Social Media
About First Strike
First Strike, a division of United Tactical Systems®, is a leading manufacturer of magazine fed paintball markers, paintball pistols, HPA systems and the innovator of the fin stabilized First Strike Round™. Battleground is Europe's largest shooting sports and paintball facility with 22 playing fields on 90 hectares. Battlefield also maintains an onsite hotel, restaurant and discotheque as well as

What Benefits Does First Strike Offer Beyond Salary?

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

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at First Strike?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at First Strike is approximately from $85,661 to $109,891. 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.

2. How much does First Strike pay compared to Accent Plastics Inc?

The average annual salary at First Strike is $97,305, or an hourly wage of $47, in comparison to Accent Plastics Inc which pays $101,989 per year or $49 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at First Strike?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at First Strike due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at First Strike?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at First Strike, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from First Strike in Chicago is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from First Strike in Chicago is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at First Strike and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Chicago" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Why might an individual's actual salary at First Strike differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at First Strike can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.