Forest Ridge School Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Forest Ridge School in the United States is $72,792. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $35. Salaries at Forest Ridge School typically range from $63,650 to $83,284 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Forest Ridge School Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Forest Ridge School. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Assistant Executive Director, with an annual salary of $108,740. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Forest Ridge School

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

Is Forest Ridge School’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Forest Ridge School'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
Changewise Inc $92,928
+27.7%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Changewise Inc's primary metro hubs.
Congregation Shir Ami $98,539
+35.4%
Reflects structural premiums typical of Congregation Shir Ami's large-cap national operations.
Caddo Middle Magnet $79,764
+9.6%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent Caddo Middle Magnet targets.
New Orleans City Council $83,920
+15.3%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to New Orleans City Council's sector.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+58.5%
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 Forest Ridge School

Considering a career at Forest Ridge School? 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 leadership team is transparent, supportive, and genuinely cares about employee growth and well-being. Leadership is supportive and open to feedback. It's rewarding to be part of such a mission-driven team making real differences in communities. A steady role with little disruption. The organization is steady and mission-driven, though not particularly dynamic.
Cost-saving procurement. The collaborative culture breaks down silos between departments. Management encourages professional development, and coworkers are reliable. Management communicates well, but decisions often require multiple approvals.
The company emphasizes continuous learning and professional development, providing access to training and mentorship. Schedules are predictable, and vacation time is respected. Professional development is available and it is always encouraged. Training opportunities are consistently offered. Working within this has been incredibly rewarding.

Forest Ridge School Overview

Website
www.forestridgeyouthservices.com
Founded In
1983
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
PO Box 515 Estherville Iowa IA 51334
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 7123625231
Social Media
About Forest Ridge School
Forest Ridge was established in 1983 as a residential foster care facility for at risk youth. The rural northwest Iowa program has grown from 12 residential beds to 140 residential treatment and emergency shelter beds. Recognizing that quality services are designed to meet the specific needs of the youth they serve and that the needs of young women and young men differ, in 1996 Forest Ridge chose

What Benefits Does Forest Ridge School Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Forest Ridge School 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 Des Moines?

Understanding the cost of living near Des Moines is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Forest Ridge School.
Des Moines' Cost of Living Index is approximately 80.8 (19.2% less expensive than US average; 10.1% less than IA average). State capital, affordable housing, growing. DART bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Forest Ridge School, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $850 - $1,300+ A significant portion of Forest Ridge School salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $48 (DART monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $370 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $650+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,078 - $3,328+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Forest Ridge School

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Forest Ridge School?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Forest Ridge School is approximately from $63,650 to $83,284. 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 Forest Ridge School pay compared to Changewise Inc?

The average annual salary at Forest Ridge School is $72,792, or an hourly wage of $35, in comparison to Changewise Inc which pays $92,928 per year or $45 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Forest Ridge School?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Forest Ridge School 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 Forest Ridge School?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Forest Ridge School, 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 Forest Ridge School in Des Moines is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. What factors influence salary increases at Forest Ridge School?

Salary increases at Forest Ridge School are likely influenced by a combination of factors, including: individual employee performance against set goals, overall company performance and profitability, budget availability, changes in the market rate for similar roles (market adjustments), and sometimes cost-of-living increases.