The DESC Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at The DESC in the United States is $113,011. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $54. Salaries at The DESC typically range from $98,710 to $129,475 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is The DESC’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does The DESC'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
Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University $91,398
-19.1%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University.
92y $125,911
+11.4%
Data suggests 92y's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
easterseals.com/midwest $101,229
-10.4%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Office of Children and Family Services $103,370
-8.5%
Office of Children and Family Services operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+2.1%
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 The DESC

Considering a career at The DESC? 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.
However, the mission is admirable, and coworkers are generally supportive. The organization is steady and mission-driven, though not particularly dynamic. Processes take time and decision-making often goes through many layers. Grant management experts.
Working here offers stability and opportunities for meaningful impact in public service. Benefits, including time off and retirement options, are above average. Training quality depends on supervisor initiative. Working here feels purposeful. Mission-driven environment with passionate coworkers. Resources are sufficient and accessible.
I’m grateful to work for a company that truly invests in its people. There’s a clear structure, which makes expectations manageable and tasks well-defined. Leadership often explains the rationale behind strategic choices, which helps employees understand the bigger picture and feel more connected to the organization's direction. The job offers structure, routine, and decent benefits, but little el...
The company’s dedication to community impact and sustainability makes working here even more fulfilling. Working here means engaging in meaningful work that impacts communities positively. Working in this organization has provided a deep sense of purpose. Some processes feel outdated.

The DESC Overview

Website
www.desc.org
Founded In
1979
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
515 3rd Ave Seattle Washington WA 98104
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
+1 2064641570
Social Media
About The DESC
DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1979 and continues to provide integrated services including housing, emergency shelter, crisis intervention and healthcare to thousands of homeless and formerly homeless people every day.

What Benefits Does The DESC Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. The DESC 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 Seattle?

Understanding the cost of living near Seattle is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at The DESC.
Seattle's Cost of Living Index is approximately 152.7 (52.7% more expensive than US average; 36.8% more than WA average). Major tech hub (Amazon, Microsoft nearby), extremely high housing costs. King County Metro, Sound Transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from The DESC, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,000 - $3,000+ A significant portion of The DESC salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $99 (ORCA monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $500 - $750 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $550 - $1,000+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $430 - $800+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,709 - $5,779+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of The DESC

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

The typical annual salary range for most roles at The DESC is approximately from $98,710 to $129,475. 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 The DESC pay compared to Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University?

The average annual salary at The DESC is $113,011, or an hourly wage of $54, in comparison to Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University which pays $91,398 per year or $44 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at The DESC?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at The DESC 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 The DESC?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at The DESC, 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 The DESC in Seattle is fair given the local cost of living?

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

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

An individual's actual salary at The DESC 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.