Kitt Peak National Observatory Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Kitt Peak National Observatory in the United States is $79,447. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $38. Salaries at Kitt Peak National Observatory typically range from $69,478 to $90,906 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Kitt Peak National Observatory Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Kitt Peak National Observatory. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Data Management Specialist, with an annual salary of $100,608. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Is Kitt Peak National Observatory’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Kitt Peak National Observatory'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
InsideOut Literary Arts Project $87,179
+9.7%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent InsideOut Literary Arts Project targets.
Santa Fe Archaeological Society $81,673
+2.8%
Suggests Santa Fe Archaeological Society utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
American Latvian Association Inc $95,913
+20.7%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for American Latvian Association Inc's specialized projects.
Kid Healthy $96,092
+20.9%
Reflects structural premiums typical of Kid Healthy's large-cap national operations.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+45.2%
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 Kitt Peak National Observatory

Considering a career at Kitt Peak National Observatory? 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.
Timely responses and knowledgeable staff made everything smooth. Procedures are well-documented, yet take time to evolve. Clear communication and collaborative teamwork help deliver impactful public services, creating a positive and motivating environment for all. Coworkers are supportive and professional. Crisis management pros.
Everyone felt heard. The environment here is both structured and flexible. The leadership is generally very supportive and focused on the mission. Much of the work is repetitive, and innovation is rarely encouraged. A very knowledgeable and responsive staff group.
Professional approach, but follow-ups can take time. This job offers reliable hours and a strong sense of purpose, but it lacks excitement. This is a decent place to work if you value routine and job security. The organization is stable but can take time to adapt to change. The organizational culture balances high expectations with genuine support. A steady role with little disruption. Stable emp...

Kitt Peak National Observatory Overview

Website
www.visitkittpeak.org
Founded In
1958
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
PO Box Hc 2 Sells Arizona AZ 85634
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 5203188163
Social Media
About Kitt Peak National Observatory
Kitt Peak National Observatory is operated by the NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory and is the national center for ground-based nighttime astronomy in the United States. Kitt Peak is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. If you would like information about solar astr

What Benefits Does Kitt Peak National Observatory Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Kitt Peak National Observatory 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 Phoenix?

Understanding the cost of living near Phoenix is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Kitt Peak National Observatory.
Phoenix's Cost of Living Index is approximately 103.7 (3.7% more expensive than US average; 0.5% more than AZ average). Housing costs are the primary driver for being above US average, along with transportation. When planning your budget based on a salary from Kitt Peak National Observatory, 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 Kitt Peak National Observatory salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $170 - $280 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $64 (Valley Metro Monthly Pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $400 - $600 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $350 - $700+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,664 - $4,244+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Kitt Peak National Observatory

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Kitt Peak National Observatory?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Kitt Peak National Observatory is approximately from $69,478 to $90,906. 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 Kitt Peak National Observatory pay compared to InsideOut Literary Arts Project?

The average annual salary at Kitt Peak National Observatory is $79,447, or an hourly wage of $38, in comparison to InsideOut Literary Arts Project which pays $87,179 per year or $42 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Kitt Peak National Observatory?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Kitt Peak National Observatory 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 Kitt Peak National Observatory?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Kitt Peak National Observatory, 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 Kitt Peak National Observatory in Phoenix is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. What are the key factors that influence salary levels at Kitt Peak National Observatory?

Several key factors influence salary levels at Kitt Peak National Observatory. 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: Kitt Peak National Observatory likely benchmarks its salaries against other companies in the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sector. You can explore how these factors play out in our detailed salary data.