LIGO Hanford Observatory Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at LIGO Hanford Observatory in the United States is $97,717. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $47. Salaries at LIGO Hanford Observatory typically range from $85,826 to $110,672 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does LIGO Hanford Observatory Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at LIGO Hanford Observatory. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Mechanical Engineer, with an annual salary of $101,277. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Current Job Openings at LIGO Hanford Observatory

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at LIGO Hanford Observatory. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is LIGO Hanford Observatory’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does LIGO Hanford 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
Beckman Institute $91,599
-6.3%
Beckman Institute likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Alliance Biomedical Research Holdings LLC $91,799
-6.1%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Alliance Biomedical Research Holdings LLC primarily operates.
Sound Maintenance Services $101,377
+3.7%
Supported by Sound Maintenance Services's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
WA) Cascade Vista LLC $106,946
+9.4%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to WA) Cascade Vista LLC's sector.
Business Services Industry $120,931
+23.8%
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 LIGO Hanford Observatory

Considering a career at LIGO Hanford 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.
They deliver consistent results with minimal supervision. The company offers great support and encouragement. I'm proud to be part of it. Leadership values employee feedback consistently. The work environment is energetic and positive, with plenty of room to grow.
Growth opportunities and helpful team. It’s a rewarding and stable environment that encourages innovation and personal accountability. The company provides excellent resources for continuous learning, such as a subscription to online course platforms and a budget for professional books. I've personally seen junior employees' suggestions turn into company-wide initiatives. Regular team-building act...
Some tools and systems could be modernized. The atmosphere is quiet and respectful, though not particularly energetic. Encourages new ideas and autonomy. While I appreciate the structured work environment, I sometimes wish there were more opportunities for creativity or innovation. Feedback loops ensure we continuously improve our services.

LIGO Hanford Observatory Overview

Website
www.ligo.caltech.edu
Founded In
Data pending, update soon.
Employees
100 - 200 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Address
127124 Rte 10 N Richland Washington WA 99352
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 5093728106
Social Media
About LIGO Hanford Observatory
LIGO Hanford Observatory is a company that operates in the Research industry. It employs 101-250 people and has $10M-$25M of revenue. The company is headquartered in Richland, Washington.

What Benefits Does LIGO Hanford Observatory Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. LIGO Hanford 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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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Richland?

Understanding the cost of living near Richland is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at LIGO Hanford Observatory.
Richland (Tri-Cities) Cost of Living Index is approx. 95-98. Hanford Site influence, affordable. Ben Franklin Transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from LIGO Hanford Observatory, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,000 - $1,500+ A significant portion of LIGO Hanford Observatory salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $100 - $190 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $35 (BFT 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) $2,255 - $3,605+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of LIGO Hanford Observatory

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at LIGO Hanford Observatory?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at LIGO Hanford Observatory is approximately from $85,826 to $110,672. 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 LIGO Hanford Observatory pay compared to Beckman Institute?

The average annual salary at LIGO Hanford Observatory is $97,717, or an hourly wage of $47, in comparison to Beckman Institute which pays $91,599 per year or $44 per hour.

3. How does experience level affect salary at LIGO Hanford Observatory?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at LIGO Hanford 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.

4. How can I determine if a salary offer from LIGO Hanford Observatory in Richland is fair given the local cost of living?

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

5. What factors influence salary increases at LIGO Hanford Observatory?

Salary increases at LIGO Hanford Observatory are likely influenced by a combination of factors, including: individual employee performance against set goals, overall company performance and profitability, budget availability, changes in the market rate for similar roles (market adjustments), and sometimes cost-of-living increases.