Las Cumbres Observatory Salary

How much does the Las Cumbres Observatory Pay for employees?

As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at Las Cumbres Observatory in the United States is $48. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $100,037. Salaries at Las Cumbres Observatory typically range from $42 to $54 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. Las Cumbres Observatory’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 Las Cumbres Observatory Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Las Cumbres Observatory. 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 Las Cumbres Observatory

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

Is Las Cumbres Observatory’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Las Cumbres Observatory’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their hourly average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
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Average Salary ($/year)
Las Cumbres Observatory
Business Services
ERI Services
Rakudoku USA
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Las Cumbres Observatory is below the average for the U.S. Business Services industry by approximately 17%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Las Cumbres Observatory average annual salary with several similar companies. Las Cumbres Observatory average salary of $100,037 is higher than ERI Services, which has an average salary of $89,711. It is lower than Rakudoku USA, with their average salary at $105,374. This places Las Cumbres Observatory in a mid-range position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
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Employee Reviews: Working at Las Cumbres Observatory

Considering a career at Las Cumbres Observatory? 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.
Management communicates organizational changes, though sometimes with delays. There’s an emphasis on development and cross-functional teamwork. It’s a refreshing change from previous employers and makes a huge difference in overall job satisfaction for many of us here. Management is very understanding and supportive of personal commitments. Projects are well-managed, and collaboration is genuinely...
Processes are generally clear, and there's a good structure in place which helps in managing workloads effectively. The onboarding process was seamless, and I had access to mentors who helped guide me early on. Fair pricing, average delivery.
It’s a refreshing environment that encourages innovation while still maintaining strong structure and support. The benefits and compensation are very fair. Career growth requires patience and internal networking. This personalized support is incredibly motivating and shows that my development is a priority for the company. I’ve had the opportunity to work on high-impact projects with intelligent, ...
Work is engaging, and the collaborative culture makes even complex challenges enjoyable. Professional development is encouraged here. Whether it’s a major project launch or a work anniversary, management takes the time to acknowledge our achievements. It’s a great motivator and makes you feel like a valued part of the team.

Las Cumbres Observatory Overview

Website
www.lco.global
Founded In
1993
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Address
6740 Cortona Dr Goleta California CA 93117
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 8058801600
Social Media
About Las Cumbres Observatory
Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) is a network of astronomical observatories run by a non-profit private operating foundation directed by the technologist Wayne Rosing. Its offices are in Goleta, California. The telescopes are located at both northern and southern hemisphere sites distributed in longitude around the Earth. For some astronomical objects, the longitudinal spacing of telescopes allows co

What Benefits Does Las Cumbres Observatory Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Las Cumbres Observatory 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 Santa Barbara?

Understanding the cost of living near Santa Barbara is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Las Cumbres Observatory.
Santa Barbara's Cost of Living Index is approximately 204.1 (104.1% more expensive than US average; 46.0% more than CA average). 'American Riviera', extremely desirable coastal city with exceptionally high housing costs and overall high cost of living. When planning your budget based on a salary from Las Cumbres Observatory, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,800 - $4,500+ A significant portion of Las Cumbres Observatory salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $170 - $280 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $52 (MTD monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $500 - $780 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $550 - $1,100+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $440 - $830+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $4,512 - $7,492+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Las Cumbres Observatory

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Las Cumbres Observatory?

The typical salary range for most roles at Las Cumbres Observatory is approximately from $42 to $54 per hour. 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 Las Cumbres Observatory pay compared to ERI Services?

The average annual salary at Las Cumbres Observatory is $100,037, or an hourly wage of $48, in comparison to ERI Services which pays $89,711 per year or $43 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Las Cumbres Observatory?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Las Cumbres Observatory 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 Las Cumbres Observatory?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Las Cumbres Observatory, 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 Las Cumbres Observatory in Santa Barbara is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. Why might an individual's actual salary at Las Cumbres Observatory differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at Las Cumbres Observatory 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.