Minor Planet Center Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Minor Planet Center in the United States is $100,164. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $48. Salaries at Minor Planet Center typically range from $88,226 to $113,037 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Minor Planet Center Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Minor Planet Center. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Deputy Director, with an annual salary of $172,073. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Is Minor Planet Center’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Minor Planet Center'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
Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association $98,455
-1.7%
Confirms Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Ghost Squadron LLC $96,651
-3.5%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like Ghost Squadron LLC.
Blue Squadron Inc $103,803
+3.6%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to Blue Squadron Inc's sector.
Pilots Halo LLC $96,767
-3.4%
Pilots Halo LLC operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
MFG Durable Industry $121,746
+21.5%
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 Minor Planet Center

Considering a career at Minor Planet Center? 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.
Management regularly checks in to ensure we’re doing well. However, job stability is good and stress levels are low. This level of engagement from the top makes a big difference in morale and problem-solving, fostering a collaborative spirit across all levels. Employees at this company benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages continuous learning and safety awareness. Tasks are repeated...
The atmosphere is professional but friendly, and coworkers genuinely look out for each other. The company's reputation for quality and reliability is well-deserved, solidifying its position as an industry leader. Schedules are consistent, and shifts are rarely disrupted. After years in the industry, I can confidently say this is the premier manufacturing employer. I’ve been promoted twice in five ...
Flexible scheduling options help maintain work-life balance. Management fosters a culture of mutual respect and continuous learning. There's a strong emphasis on professional development, with many resources available for learning new skills. Managers are often on the floor, talking to employees and understanding the day-to-day operations. Productivity and morale remain high.

Minor Planet Center Overview

Website
www.minorplanetcenter.net
Founded In
1947
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
MFG Durable
Headquarter Address
60 Garden St Cambridge Massachusetts MA 02138
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 6174957442
Social Media
About Minor Planet Center
[3] The Minor Planet Center (MPC) operates at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, under the auspices of Division F of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The MPC's operating funds come from a NASA Near-Earth Object Observations programme grant. [4] Data from the webpage: Asteroids with Satellites, by Wm.

What Benefits Does Minor Planet Center Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Minor Planet Center 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 Cambridge?

Understanding the cost of living near Cambridge is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Minor Planet Center.
Cambridge's Cost of Living Index is approximately 197.8 (97.8% more expensive than US average; 49.2% more than MA average). Home to Harvard/MIT, extremely high housing costs, very high overall expenses. MBTA. When planning your budget based on a salary from Minor Planet Center, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,800 - $4,200+ A significant portion of Minor Planet Center salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $180 - $290 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $90 (MBTA LinkPass monthly) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $520 - $800 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $600 - $1,100+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $460 - $880+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $4,650 - $7,270+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Minor Planet Center

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Minor Planet Center?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Minor Planet Center is approximately from $88,226 to $113,037. 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 Minor Planet Center pay compared to Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association?

The average annual salary at Minor Planet Center is $100,164, or an hourly wage of $48, in comparison to Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association which pays $98,455 per year or $47 per hour.

3. How does experience level affect salary at Minor Planet Center?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Minor Planet Center, 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 Minor Planet Center in Cambridge is fair given the local cost of living?

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

5. Are the salaries listed for Minor Planet Center on Salary.com pre-tax or after-tax?

All salary figures displayed for Minor Planet Center, including average base salary and estimated total compensation, are pre-tax amounts. They do not account for federal, state, or local income taxes, nor deductions for benefits like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.