Challenge Academy Salary

As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at Challenge Academy in the United States is $43. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $90,375. Salaries at Challenge Academy typically range from $38 to $50 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Challenge Academy

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Is Challenge Academy’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Challenge Academy'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
George Mason University School of Dance $51
+17.6%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for George Mason University School of Dance's specialized projects.
Typescript $50
+15.8%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to Typescript's sector.
Moline High School $41
-5.8%
Moline High School operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Subject Technologies Inc $51
+16.6%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent Subject Technologies Inc targets.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $56
+27.6%
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 Challenge Academy

Considering a career at Challenge Academy? 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.
There’s an emphasis on employee well-being and work-life balance. I’ve had a positive experience working here. I’ve had several interactions with this group, and every one has been positive. Not much opportunity for creativity, but very secure.
This organization invests heavily in employee wellness and professional growth. Management promotes work-life harmony and supports flexible schedules. Many policies are outdated and difficult to navigate.
Expectations are consistent, and it is much room for creativity. Strong focus on community service. Easy-to-understand metrics for accountability. Training programs are offered but may lack relevance for some roles. It's inspiring to work alongside so many dedicated professionals united in our mission to educate future generations. They invest in people, provide useful feedback, and respond quickl...
Boosted community engagement for our initiatives. Employees benefit from well-structured development programs and a culture that promotes respect and inclusivity. Helpful and responsive at every stage.

Challenge Academy Overview

Website
www.lincolnschallenge.org
Founded In
1959
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
4 Emmie L Kaus Ln Alton Illinois IL 62002
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 6184650044
Social Media
About Challenge Academy
Challenge Unlimited, founded in 1959 and headquartered in Alton, Illinois is a nonprofit staffing agency focused on serving individuals with disabilities.

What Benefits Does Challenge Academy Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Challenge Academy 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 Chicago?

Understanding the cost of living near Chicago is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Challenge Academy.
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 Challenge Academy, 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 Challenge Academy 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 Challenge Academy

1. What is the average salary for employees at Challenge Academy?

The average total compensation for employees at Challenge Academy is approximately $43 per hour. However, this is an aggregate figure, actual salaries can range significantly, typically from $38 to $50 per hour, depending on factors like job role, experience, and location.

2. How much does Challenge Academy pay compared to George Mason University School of Dance?

The average annual salary at Challenge Academy is $90,375, or an hourly wage of $43, in comparison to George Mason University School of Dance which pays $106,260 per year or $51 per hour.

3. What is the lowest salary at Challenge Academy?

The lowest-paying job at Challenge Academy is a Public Affairs Specialist with a salary of $24 per hour. 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 Challenge Academy?

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

5. Does Challenge Academy offer cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for employees in high-cost areas like Chicago?

While some companies offer formal COLA, many, including potentially Challenge Academy, 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 Challenge Academy?

Most companies, likely including Challenge Academy, 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.