Rubin Observatory Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Rubin Observatory in the United States is $79,310. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $38. Salaries at Rubin Observatory typically range from $69,359 to $90,747 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Rubin Observatory

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Is Rubin Observatory’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Rubin 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
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art $88,920
+12.1%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art targets.
Weill Cornell Center for Human Rights $90,660
+14.3%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in Weill Cornell Center for Human Rights's primary metro hubs.
El Sol $82,654
+4.2%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for El Sol's specialized projects.
I am a Freedom Fighter $78,804
-0.6%
Suggests I am a Freedom Fighter utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+45.4%
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 Rubin Observatory

Considering a career at Rubin 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.
More direct communication would improve efficiency and satisfaction. Leadership communicates well, but implementation of new ideas takes time. This applies not only to how we serve the public or our students but also to how employees are treated internally. Schedules are predictable and respect personal time. Employees have access to numerous learning and development programs that help them grow p...
Leadership shows real integrity. There’s strong alignment between mission and daily operations. Leadership is approachable and genuinely invested in employee success.
I’ve found excellent support from supervisors and strong mentorship from peers. I appreciate the regular hours and generous paid leave policies. Comprehensive benefits ensure employees feel valued and secure. This place values education, development, and inclusion.

Rubin Observatory Overview

Website
www.rubinobservatory.org
Founded In
2003
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
950 N Cherry Ave Tucson Arizona AZ 85719
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 5203183000
Social Media
About Rubin Observatory
Rubin Observatory will produce the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) beginning in 2023. The survey will image the entire visible sky in multiple colors with its 3200 megapixel digital camera (LSST Camera), probing the mysteries of Dark Matter and Dark Energy, and opening a movie-like window on objects that change or move rapidly: exploding supernovae, potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroid

What Benefits Does Rubin Observatory Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Rubin 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 Tucson?

Understanding the cost of living near Tucson is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Rubin Observatory.
Tucson's Cost of Living Index is approximately 91.6 (8.4% less expensive than US average; 11.2% less than AZ average). More affordable than Phoenix, mainly due to lower housing costs. When planning your budget based on a salary from Rubin Observatory, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $900 - $1,500+ A significant portion of Rubin Observatory salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $160 - $270 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $42 (Sun Tran Monthly Pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $380 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $300 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $650+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,132 - $3,612+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Rubin Observatory

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

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Rubin Observatory is approximately from $69,359 to $90,747. 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 Rubin Observatory pay compared to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art?

The average annual salary at Rubin Observatory is $79,310, or an hourly wage of $38, in comparison to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art which pays $88,920 per year or $43 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Rubin Observatory?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Rubin 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 Rubin Observatory?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Rubin 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 Rubin Observatory in Tucson is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. Why might an individual's actual salary at Rubin Observatory differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at Rubin Observatory can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.