Start Early Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Start Early in the United States is $98,761. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $47. Salaries at Start Early typically range from $86,311 to $113,098 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Start Early

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Is Start Early’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Start Early'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
State Municipal Teamsters $96,177
-2.6%
Aligns perfectly with prevailing regional benchmarks for this specific job family.
Los Angeles Universal Preschool $106,999
+8.3%
Reflects structural premiums typical of Los Angeles Universal Preschool's large-cap national operations.
Children's Paradise Inc $100,259
+1.5%
Confirms Children's Paradise Inc is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Eureka College $88,772
-10.1%
Eureka College likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+16.8%
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 Start Early

Considering a career at Start Early? 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.
This organization offers solid work conditions, but innovation is limited. The organization supports continuing education and offers a lot of structure. A good experience overall, with opportunities for enhanced interdepartmental cooperation and workflow improvements. Employees benefit from flexible schedules and comprehensive wellness programs, which promote both productivity and job satisfaction...
Employee input directly influences policies and work processes. The leadership demonstrates transparency in decision-making, and the organizational goals are clearly communicated. There’s support from colleagues, though some departments are more responsive than others. Still, the team works hard and remains committed to their roles. Some policies feel outdated, and technological upgrade take time ...
Engaging public forums. The environment is collaborative, positive, and inclusive. Collaborative teams and excellent resources help me thrive every day.
The work can be administrative at times, but there’s meaning behind every project. Practical tools provided. It’s a core value that defines our operational ethos and builds trust. Experienced colleagues are genuinely willing to share their knowledge and guide those still learning the ropes.
Efficient policy support. The focus on community impact and employee well-being makes this a fulfilling and stable environment for professional growth and long-term satisfaction. The inclusive culture promotes mutual respect and work-life balance, helping employees stay motivated and committed to their roles in public service. Ensured accessibility for all community members. Overall, it’s a solid,...

Start Early Overview

Website
www.startearly.org
Founded In
1982
Employees
100 - 200 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
33 W Monroe St Chicago Illinois IL 60603
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 3129223863
Social Media
About Start Early
Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce of Prevention) is a nonprofit public-private partnership advancing quality early learning and care for families with children, before birth through their earliest years, to help close the opportunity gap. For nearly 40 years, Start Early has delivered best-in-class doula, home visiting, and Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Bringing expertise in pro

What Benefits Does Start Early Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Start Early 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 Chicago?

Understanding the cost of living near Chicago is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Start Early.
Chicago's Cost of Living Index is approximately 106.9 (6.9% more expensive than US average; 14.0% more than IL average). Major US city, housing varies greatly by neighborhood but can be high, extensive CTA transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from Start Early, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,700 - $2,600+ A significant portion of Start Early salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $105 (CTA 30-day pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $430 - $640 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $800+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,225 - $5,025+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Start Early

1. How much does a Start Early employee make?

Start Early pays its employees an average of $98,761 per year. The average salary at Start Early range from $86,311 to $113,098 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 Start Early?

The salary at Start Early is higher than the similar company. The average annual salary at Start Early is $98,761, or an hourly wage of $47, in comparison to State Municipal Teamsters which pays $96,177 per year or $46 per hour.

3. How much does a President typically earn at Start Early?

A President at Start Early typically earns an average annual base salary of around $764,496, with a general range of $581,307 to $975,777.

4. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at Start Early?

In many roles at Start Early, 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.

5. How does the cost of living near Chicago affect the perceived value of a Start Early salary?

Chicago's Cost of Living Index is approximately 106.9 (6.9% more expensive than US average; 14.0% more than IL average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from Start Early based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Chicago" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

6. What kind of benefits does Start Early typically offer employees?

Start Early 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 Start Early" section on this page.