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City Lights Books Salary

City Lights Books Salary

How much does the City Lights Books Pay for employees?

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As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at City Lights Books in the United States is $114,825. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $55. Salaries at City Lights Books typically range from $100,982 to $129,841 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. City Lights Books’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

How Much Does City Lights Books Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at City Lights Books. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for popular roles within the company, helping you benchmark potential earnings. Use 'View by Card/Table' option to find the data most relevant to your career path.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.
How accurate does the salary look to you?

Current Job Openings at City Lights Books

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at City Lights Books. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is City Lights Books’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does City Lights Books’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their annual average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
180k
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Average Salary ($/year)
City Lights Books
Retail & Wholesale
Lex Associates Inc
Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at City Lights Books is below the average for the U.S. Retail & Wholesale industry by approximately 7%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared City Lights Books average annual salary with several similar companies. City Lights Books average salary of $114,825 is higher than Lex Associates Inc, which has an average salary of $101,735. It is higher than Hoffpauir Outdoor Superstore, with their average salary at $83,909. This places City Lights Books in a competitive position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
The companies behind the question marks could be hiring your best people. Don't operate with incomplete data. Unlock your full competitive view with Salary.com for Business to precisely benchmark salaries, benefits, and more against your true competitors.

How City Lights Books's Salaries Compare to Similar Companies?

Explore companies in the same industry to compare average salaries, benefits, and career opportunities with those at City Lights Books. Click a company name to learn more.

Employee Reviews: Working at City Lights Books

Considering a career at City Lights Books? 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.
The job is steady, and the environment is low-stress. I appreciate the flexible scheduling options, making it easier to balance personal and professional life. The company values its employees and fosters a positive work environment. The retail discounts are generous, and the performance-based rewards keep me motivated. Highly recommend for those seeking long-term growth.
Commented in March 14, 2025
29
1
Employee recognition programs are a nice touch. I appreciate the transparency in communication from upper management—it makes me feel valued as an employee. The job provides a balanced workload. Employees are treated with respect, and there’s a strong sense of teamwork. I appreciate the employee discounts and wellness programs they offer. Highly recommend this company to anyone in the industry.
Commented in November 19, 2024
14
2
Team communication is clear. Consistent schedule, reliable pay. The company values its employees and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Great leadership and a strong team dynamic.
Commented in March 31, 2024
21
1

City Lights Books Overview

Website
www.citylights.com
Founded In
1953
Employees
<25 employees
Industry
Retail & Wholesale
Headquarter Address
261 Columbus Ave San Francisco California CA 94133
Revenue
$5 Million - $10 Million
Phone Number
+1 4153628193
Social Media
About City Lights Books
Founded in 1953, City Lights Books is a bookseller and publisher located in San Francisco, California.

What Benefits Does City Lights Books Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. City Lights Books 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 San Francisco?

Understanding the cost of living near San Francisco is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at City Lights Books.
San Francisco's Cost of Living Index is approximately 243.5 (143.5% more expensive than US average; 74.2% more than CA average). One of the most expensive cities globally, extreme housing costs, high transportation, and very high prices for all goods/services. When planning your budget based on a salary from City Lights Books, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $3,200 - $5,000+ A significant portion of City Lights Books salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $200 - $320 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $81 (Muni Monthly Pass 'M') Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $550 - $850 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $600 - $1,200+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $450 - $850+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $5,081 - $8,221+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of City Lights Books

1. How much does a City Lights Books employee make?

City Lights Books pays its employees an average of $114,825 per year. The average salary at City Lights Books range from $100,982 to $129,841 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 City Lights Books?

The salary at City Lights Books is higher than the similar company. The average annual salary at City Lights Books is $114,825, or an hourly wage of $55, in comparison to Lex Associates Inc which pays $101,735 per year or $49 per hour.

3. How much does a Director, Events typically earn at City Lights Books?

A Director, Events at City Lights Books typically earns an average annual base salary of around $147,579, with a general range of $131,460 to $163,966.

4. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at City Lights Books?

In many roles at City Lights Books, 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 San Francisco affect the perceived value of a City Lights Books salary?

San Francisco's Cost of Living Index is approximately 243.5 (143.5% more expensive than US average; 74.2% more than CA average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from City Lights Books based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for San Francisco" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

6. What kind of benefits does City Lights Books typically offer employees?

City Lights Books 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 City Lights Books" section on this page.

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