JLK Architects Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at JLK Architects in the United States is $94,426. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $45. Salaries at JLK Architects typically range from $82,985 to $106,831 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is JLK Architects’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does JLK Architects'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
Cargo Film & Releasing $108,075
+14.5%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent Cargo Film & Releasing targets.
Realis Group LLC $95,132
+0.7%
Indicates identical technical requirements and experience levels between the two firms.
Collage Design Pvt Ltd $111,271
+17.8%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Collage Design Pvt Ltd's primary metro hubs.
3rd Coast Energy $90,470
-4.2%
3rd Coast Energy likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Business Services Industry $120,931
+28.1%
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 JLK Architects

Considering a career at JLK Architects? 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 always know where I stand and have a clear understanding of how I can improve. Learning is constant, and feedback is always welcomed. The company has strong financial stability, which provides a great sense of job security.
It’s a great place to develop skills while contributing to meaningful client outcomes. It was a generous acknowledgment of our hard work and the company's success. It’s a positive place for people looking to challenge themselves while being part of a collaborative and driven team. It suits those who prefer structure and predictability. It feels like we are building something special together.
The company maintains a strong ethical foundation, and decision-making processes are transparent. Our work is fast-paced and exciting. The company offers a welcoming atmosphere. Management allocates time and resources for experimentation, understanding that not every idea will succeed but that the process is valuable. This makes it easy to adapt to new challenges and contribute effectively right a...

JLK Architects Overview

Website
www.jlkarch.com
Founded In
1992
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Address
230 W Huron St Chicago Illinois IL 60654
Revenue
$5 Million - $10 Million
Phone Number
+1 3123571221
Social Media
About JLK Architects
JLA has provided design services to the university since 1992. Projects include the Memorial Stadium, the Illini Union, Harker Hall, Commerce West and the South Farms. JLA was selected as the campus' first preservation architect, and was recently award this contract a second time. JLA provides consulting, recording, Historic Structure Reports, Section 106 submittals and reviews, National Register

What Benefits Does JLK Architects Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. JLK Architects 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 JLK Architects.
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 JLK Architects, 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 JLK Architects 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 JLK Architects

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

The typical annual salary range for most roles at JLK Architects is approximately from $82,985 to $106,831. 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 JLK Architects pay compared to Cargo Film & Releasing?

The average annual salary at JLK Architects is $94,426, or an hourly wage of $45, in comparison to Cargo Film & Releasing which pays $108,075 per year or $52 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at JLK Architects?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at JLK Architects 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 JLK Architects?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at JLK Architects, 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 JLK Architects in Chicago is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from JLK Architects in Chicago is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at JLK Architects 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. What are the key factors that influence salary levels at JLK Architects?

Several key factors influence salary levels at JLK Architects. These primarily include: 1. Job Role & Responsibilities: More complex roles with greater impact typically command higher pay. 2. Experience & Skills: Your years of relevant experience and specific in-demand skills are critical. 3. Performance: Strong performance can lead to higher raises and bonuses. 4. Location: Office location impacts pay due to varying local market rates and cost of living. 5. Industry Benchmarks: JLK Architects likely benchmarks its salaries against other companies in the Business Services sector. You can explore how these factors play out in our detailed salary data.