Descanso Gardens Salary

How much does the Descanso Gardens Pay for employees?

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Descanso Gardens in the United States is $100,670. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $48. Salaries at Descanso Gardens typically range from $88,007 to $115,220 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. Descanso Gardens’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 Descanso Gardens Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Descanso Gardens. 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.
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Current Job Openings at Descanso Gardens

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

Is Descanso Gardens’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Descanso Gardens’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
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Average Salary ($/year)
Descanso Gardens
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
St Francis Lutheran Church
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Descanso Gardens is below the average for the U.S. Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry by approximately 13%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Descanso Gardens average annual salary with several similar companies. Descanso Gardens average salary of $100,670 is lower than St Francis Lutheran Church, which has an average salary of $108,317. It is higher than Lehigh Valley Zoo, with their average salary at $89,109. This places Descanso Gardens in a mid-range 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.

Employee Reviews: Working at Descanso Gardens

Considering a career at Descanso Gardens? 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.
Optimized our spending without sacrificing services. The curriculum development process is collaborative and cutting-edge. Working here offers a sense of structure and security, but it can feel stagnant at times. Staff turnover is low, which helps maintain continuity, but also limits opportunities for growth. Workload is consistent, though processes can be overly bureaucratic.
Employees have access to numerous learning and development programs that help them grow professionally and personally. Benefits are decent and help make up for the lack of upward mobility. Communication is formal and hierarchical, sometimes delaying feedback and collaboration efforts. Support is not consistent, although sometimes it take time. Working here feels purposeful. They build great relati...
This supportive, growth-oriented environment inspires me to give my best every day and contributes significantly to my career satisfaction. I appreciate the focus on professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities. It’s a highly stable job with a clear mission.
The culture values diversity, respect, and collaboration. Leadership genuinely cares about employee well-being, and my team collaborates well. The work-life balance initiatives are thoughtful and effective.

Descanso Gardens Overview

Website
www.descansogardens.org
Founded In
1970
Employees
25 - 50 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
1418 Descanso Dr La Canada Flintridge California CA 91011
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 8189494200
Social Media
About Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. In 1953, Descanso founder E. Manchester Boddy preserved these 160 acres of gardens, woodlands and chaparral for future generations to experience the natural heritage and beauty of Southern California. Accredited by the American Associati

What Benefits Does Descanso Gardens Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Descanso Gardens 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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How Much Should You Be Earning?

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What Is the Cost of Living Near Los Angeles?

Understanding the cost of living near Los Angeles is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Descanso Gardens.
Los Angeles' Cost of Living Index is approximately 173.3 (73.3% more expensive than US average; 23.9% more than CA average). Driven by extremely expensive housing, high transportation costs, and above-average goods/services. When planning your budget based on a salary from Descanso Gardens, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,500 - $3,800+ A significant portion of Descanso Gardens salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $100 (Metro TAP card varies) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $450 - $700 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $500 - $1,000+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $350 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $4,050 - $6,450+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Descanso Gardens

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

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Descanso Gardens is approximately from $88,007 to $115,220. 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 Descanso Gardens pay compared to St Francis Lutheran Church?

The average annual salary at Descanso Gardens is $100,670, or an hourly wage of $48, in comparison to St Francis Lutheran Church which pays $108,317 per year or $52 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Descanso Gardens?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Descanso Gardens 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 Descanso Gardens?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Descanso Gardens, 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 Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. What are the key factors that influence salary levels at Descanso Gardens?

Several key factors influence salary levels at Descanso Gardens. These primarily include: 1. Job Role & Responsibilities: More complex roles with greater impact typically command higher pay. 2. Experience & Skills: Your years of relevant experience and specific in-demand skills are critical. 3. Performance: Strong performance can lead to higher raises and bonuses. 4. Location: Office location impacts pay due to varying local market rates and cost of living. 5. Industry Benchmarks: Descanso Gardens likely benchmarks its salaries against other companies in the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sector. You can explore how these factors play out in our detailed salary data.