Mauna Loa Observatory Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Mauna Loa Observatory in the United States is $93,097. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $45. Salaries at Mauna Loa Observatory typically range from $81,372 to $106,563 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
How accurate does the salary look to you?

Is Mauna Loa Observatory’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Mauna Loa 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
Extension System of the University of $90,027
-3.3%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Greenfield Elementary School District 75 $76,431
-17.9%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Greenfield Elementary School District 75 primarily operates.
Courthouse Annex $90,038
-3.3%
Courthouse Annex focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Adams County Sheriffs Office $88,487
-5.0%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like Adams County Sheriffs Office.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+23.9%
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 Mauna Loa Observatory

Considering a career at Mauna Loa 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.
It’s a truly fulfilling place to work. Outstanding commitment to public service and community outcomes. Staff genuinely care and go the extra mile. Opportunities are given to develop in a structured system. This combination creates a positive workplace culture focused on both professional growth and meaningful community impact.
Employees access continuous development and wellness programs. It’s a core value that defines our operational ethos and builds trust. What makes this educational organization special is its ability to balance scale with personal attention. Job stability is excellent, with generous vacation time and reliable retirement plans.
The leadership fosters an environment of transparency, respect, and open communication. Employees have access to numerous learning and development programs that help them grow professionally and personally. There’s a respectful, inclusive atmosphere and real emphasis on diversity. This organization has a great culture centered on service and collaboration. Benefits and vacation policies are solid....
Despite serving thousands of students, it maintains a personal touch. Upper management is polite but distant, and decisions often take time. Leadership fosters innovation while providing necessary support. I've never worked for an educational organization that values its employees so highly.

Mauna Loa Observatory Overview

Website
www.esrl.noaa.gov
Founded In
Data pending, update soon.
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
1437 Kilauea Ave Hilo Hawaii HI 96720
Revenue
$5 Million - $10 Million
Phone Number
+1 8089336965
Social Media
About Mauna Loa Observatory
Mauna Loa Observatory is a company that operates in the Government industry. It employs 51-100 people and has $5M-$10M of revenue. The company is headquartered in Hilo, Hawaii.

What Benefits Does Mauna Loa Observatory Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Mauna Loa 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)
Work at Mauna Loa Observatory?
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 Hilo?

Understanding the cost of living near Hilo is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Mauna Loa Observatory.
Hilo (Big Island) Cost of Living Index is approximately 129.7 (29.7% more expensive than US average; 23.7% less than HI average). More affordable than Oahu, but still high due to island costs. Hele-On bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Mauna Loa Observatory, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,300 - $2,000+ A significant portion of Mauna Loa Observatory salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $220 - $380 (Rainy, can impact utilities) Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $45 (Hele-On monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $550 - $850 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $400 - $750+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $420 - $800+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,935 - $4,785+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Mauna Loa Observatory

1. How much does a Mauna Loa Observatory employee make?

Mauna Loa Observatory pays its employees an average of $93,097 per year. The average salary at Mauna Loa Observatory range from $81,372 to $106,563 per year. 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. Which similar company tend to pay more or less than Mauna Loa Observatory?

The salary at Mauna Loa Observatory is higher than the similar company. The average annual salary at Mauna Loa Observatory is $93,097, or an hourly wage of $45, in comparison to Extension System of the University of which pays $90,027 per year or $43 per hour.

3. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at Mauna Loa Observatory?

In many roles at Mauna Loa Observatory, particularly those requiring specialized knowledge or research capabilities (e.g., certain engineering, scientific, or financial roles), an advanced degree like a Master's or PhD can lead to a higher starting salary and faster career progression, thus higher earnings. However, for some roles, direct experience and skills might be valued as much or more than an advanced degree. The impact varies by field and specific job requirements.

4. How does the cost of living near Hilo affect the perceived value of a Mauna Loa Observatory salary?

Hilo (Big Island) Cost of Living Index is approximately 129.7 (29.7% more expensive than US average; 23.7% less than HI average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from Mauna Loa Observatory based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Hilo" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

5. What kind of benefits does Mauna Loa Observatory typically offer employees?

Mauna Loa Observatory generally offers a range of employee benefits designed to support their workforce's health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement savings plan (often with a company match), paid time off (PTO), and potentially disability and life insurance are included. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at Mauna Loa Observatory" section on this page.