First Alternative Co-op Salary

As of October 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at First Alternative Co-op in the United States is $45. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $94,004. Salaries at First Alternative Co-op typically range from $40 to $51 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
How accurate does the salary look to you?

Is First Alternative Co-op’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does First Alternative Co-op'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
Penske Lincoln $47
+4.9%
Data suggests Penske Lincoln's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
Elastomers Inc $48
+7.1%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to Elastomers Inc's sector.
Bharti Share Market $47
+4.6%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for Bharti Share Market's specialized projects.
Sullivan's Foods Inc $46
+1.6%
Confirms Sullivan's Foods Inc is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Retail & Wholesale Industry $60
+31.2%
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 Alternative Co-op

Considering a career at First Alternative Co-op? 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.
I’ve enjoyed my time here—the company values employee input, and there’s a strong sense of teamwork. The benefits are excellent, and the workplace culture is collaborative. The pay is fair, and there are occasional performance incentives. The workplace is structured, and policies are fair.
A solid employer in the industry. The wholesale division is well-organized, and managers are attentive. I’ve had a fulfilling experience here. Highly recommend for anyone in Retail & Wholesale. Flexible scheduling is a plus, and the company supports a healthy work-life balance. Great workplace culture. The company offers skill development programs, which have helped me advance in my role.
I’ve grown professionally since joining and enjoy the positive atmosphere. Colleagues are professional, and the workload is manageable. The work environment is dynamic yet supportive. The pay is competitive for the industry, and schedules are consistent.

First Alternative Co-op Overview

Website
www.firstalt.coop
Founded In
1970
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Retail & Wholesale
Headquarter Address
1007 SE 3rd St Corvallis Oregon OR 97333
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 5417533115
Social Media
About First Alternative Co-op
First Alternative is a Natural Food Co-op with two locations in Corvallis, OR. The company strives for excellence in products and services, including wholesome organic foods, innovative education, and community outreach, while offering high quality, local, organic and minimally packaged products whenever possible.

What Benefits Does First Alternative Co-op Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. First Alternative Co-op 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)
Work at First Alternative Co-op?
Share your experience
How Much Should You Be Earning?

Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

illustration

What Is the Cost of Living Near Corvallis?

Understanding the cost of living near Corvallis is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at First Alternative Co-op.
Corvallis' Cost of Living Index is approximately 108.6 (8.6% more expensive than US average; 5.6% less than OR average). Home to Oregon State Univ., housing costs above US avg. CTS bus (free). When planning your budget based on a salary from First Alternative Co-op, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,300 - $1,900+ A significant portion of First Alternative Co-op salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $100 - $190 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation Free local bus (CTS) 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 $380 - $700+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $710+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,590 - $4,140+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of First Alternative Co-op

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at First Alternative Co-op?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at First Alternative Co-op, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $45 per hour . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does First Alternative Co-op pay compared to Penske Lincoln?

The average annual salary at First Alternative Co-op is $94,004, or an hourly wage of $45, in comparison to Penske Lincoln which pays $98,571 per year or $47 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at First Alternative Co-op?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at First Alternative Co-op 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 First Alternative Co-op?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at First Alternative Co-op 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 First Alternative Co-op in Corvallis is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. Are promotions at First Alternative Co-op usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at First Alternative Co-op 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.