Great Lakes Aquarium Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Great Lakes Aquarium in the United States is $82,084. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $39. Salaries at Great Lakes Aquarium typically range from $71,778 to $93,917 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Great Lakes Aquarium

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Is Great Lakes Aquarium’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Great Lakes Aquarium'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
Lakeview Covenant Church $81,705
-0.5%
Indicates identical technical requirements and experience levels between the two firms.
Yuwa Inc $89,489
+9.0%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to Yuwa Inc's sector.
Montgomery Botanical Center $83,171
+1.3%
Aligns perfectly with prevailing regional benchmarks for this specific job family.
Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society Inc $81,473
-0.7%
Reflects stabilized pricing equilibrium for commercial construction roles in this region.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+40.5%
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 Great Lakes Aquarium

Considering a career at Great Lakes Aquarium? 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.
If you're comfortable environments, it’s dependable. The company fosters a respectful, inclusive workplace with strong leadership support. A genuinely respectful and mission-driven work environment. Generally responsive and polite, though occasional delays can occur. The organization supports continuing education and offers a lot of structure.
The inclusive culture promotes mutual respect and work-life balance, helping employees stay motivated and committed to their roles in public service. It’s rewarding to work somewhere that prioritizes service and ethics. While processes can be structured, there's also a willingness to innovate and evolve our services to remain relevant and effective. Employee wellness and work-life balance are prio...
Most importantly, there's a palpable sense of purpose - everyone understands how their role contributes to student success. Training is available but often dated. Coworkers are reliable, and management respects work-life balance. Leadership is approachable and values diversity and inclusivity. Bureaucratic processes sometimes take time decision-making but maintain order.

Great Lakes Aquarium Overview

Website
www.glaquarium.org
Founded In
1989
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
353 Harbor Dr Duluth Minnesota MN 55802
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 2187403474
Social Media
About Great Lakes Aquarium
Great Lakes Aquarium provides on-site and outreach educational programming to learners of all ages. Daily interpretive programs give guests the opportunity to learn more about resident animals while watching them eat, play or interact with our staff. In addition, classes and formal programming are provided to more than 10,000 pre-K-12 grade students each year. Teacher workshops and visiting speake

What Benefits Does Great Lakes Aquarium Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Great Lakes Aquarium 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 Duluth?

Understanding the cost of living near Duluth is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Great Lakes Aquarium.
Duluth's Cost of Living Index is approximately 93.6 (6.4% less expensive than US average; 3.6% less than MN average). Lake Superior port city, scenic, affordable housing, cold winters. DTA bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Great Lakes Aquarium, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $900 - $1,400+ A significant portion of Great Lakes Aquarium salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $250 (Heating significant) Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $50 (DTA monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $400 - $580 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $350 - $650+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $370 - $680+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,210 - $3,560+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Great Lakes Aquarium

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Great Lakes Aquarium?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Great Lakes Aquarium, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $82,084 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Great Lakes Aquarium pay compared to Lakeview Covenant Church?

The average annual salary at Great Lakes Aquarium is $82,084, or an hourly wage of $39, in comparison to Lakeview Covenant Church which pays $81,705 per year or $39 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Great Lakes Aquarium?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Great Lakes Aquarium 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. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Great Lakes Aquarium?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Great Lakes Aquarium 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.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. Are promotions at Great Lakes Aquarium usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Great Lakes Aquarium 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.