Vote Smart Salary

As of April 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Vote Smart in the United States is $84,795. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $41. Salaries at Vote Smart typically range from $74,133 to $97,051 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Vote Smart

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Is Vote Smart’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Vote Smart'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
Studio Art Centers International $105,596
+24.5%
Driven by niche technical certifications required for Studio Art Centers International's specialized projects.
College Park Chapel $80,671
-4.9%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
31st District Agricultural Assoc $92,949
+9.6%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in 31st District Agricultural Assoc's primary metro hubs.
YNPN Milwaukee $87,664
+3.4%
Supported by YNPN Milwaukee's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+36.0%
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 Vote Smart

Considering a career at Vote Smart? 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.
Many policies are outdated and difficult to navigate. Employees feel valued thanks to open communication, supportive management, and recognition programs. The consistent benefits and long-term retirement options are a huge plus, especially for someone planning to stay long term. Employees have access to ongoing training, career advancement, and wellness programs, which help maintain a healthy work...
Collaborative teams work on impactful projects, making public service a rewarding and motivating career choice here. Collaborative environment with strong support for professional development and continuing education. It's a stable, respectful, and meaningful workplace. Even in such a large and complex structure, senior management communicates goals clearly and shows genuine appreciation for emplo...
Interactions are usually fine, but follow-up can take time. Leadership is approachable, and I’ve found opportunities to advance internally. If you're motivated by service and want your work to matter, this is a place where you’ll find fulfillment and support. it’s purposeful and well-run. Leadership maintains open communication, encouraging innovative ideas.
This dynamic approach, balanced with stability, makes it an engaging place to contribute to public service. You’ll find consistent expectations, open dialogue, and a shared drive to serve the public effectively and ethically. Secured funding we couldn’t access before. The leadership team is transparent and truly dedicated to serving the public.

Vote Smart Overview

Website
www.votesmart.org
Founded In
1992
Employees
25 - 50 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
1153 24th St Des Moines Iowa IA 50311
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 5159896363
Social Media
About Vote Smart
Vote Smart provides free, unbiased, in-depth information about current officials, candidates, issues, legislation, and voting. Non-partisan and nonprofit since 1988.

What Benefits Does Vote Smart Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Vote Smart 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 Des Moines?

Understanding the cost of living near Des Moines is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Vote Smart.
Des Moines' Cost of Living Index is approximately 80.8 (19.2% less expensive than US average; 10.1% less than IA average). State capital, affordable housing, growing. DART bus. When planning your budget based on a salary from Vote Smart, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $850 - $1,300+ A significant portion of Vote Smart salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $48 (DART monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $370 - $550 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $600+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $650+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,078 - $3,328+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Vote Smart

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Vote Smart?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Vote Smart, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $84,795 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Vote Smart pay compared to Studio Art Centers International?

The average annual salary at Vote Smart is $84,795, or an hourly wage of $41, in comparison to Studio Art Centers International which pays $105,596 per year or $51 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Vote Smart?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Vote Smart 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. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Vote Smart?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Vote Smart can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Vote Smart in Des Moines is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. Are promotions at Vote Smart usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Vote Smart are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.