Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory Salary

How much does the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory Pay for employees?

As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory in the United States is $44. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $91,968. Salaries at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory typically range from $39 to $51 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave 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 Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave 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.
How accurate does the salary look to you?

Current Job Openings at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory

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

Is Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave 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
120k
100k
80k
60k
40k
20k
0
Average Salary ($/year)
Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Fair Fight
Palcs
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory is below the average for the U.S. Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry by approximately 20%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory average annual salary with several similar companies. Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory average salary of $91,968 is higher than Fair Fight, which has an average salary of $85,365. It is lower than Palcs, with their average salary at $103,149. This places Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory 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 Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory

Considering a career at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave 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.
Wellness initiatives and flexible schedules support work-life balance, while the public service focus creates meaningful and rewarding work for all employees. Negotiated better vendor contracts without quality loss. Strong sense of purpose and public service drives our mission. The work environment is positive and supportive, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
Work-life balance is average, with some flexibility depending on role. The culture encourages collaboration and inclusivity. Employees feel supported in delivering impactful public service with pride and dedication. Structure can feel bureaucratic occasionally. This forward-thinking approach, even within a large government or educational framework, keeps the work engaging and ensures we're constan...
Working here feels purposeful. Staff are knowledgeable but sometimes lack consistency in communication. Supportive leadership and strong community focus make this an outstanding place to work and grow professionally. The people are committed to the mission, and the work directly impacts lives.
Predictable, and it is dynamic. Pay is fair and it is competitive. The teamwork here is exceptional, with colleagues always ready to support each other on projects. Management communicates well, but decisions often require multiple approvals. Structured routine, though little flexibility in role responsibilities. Working here has exceeded all my expectations.
Decision-making often involves multiple layers, which can delay project progress. Collaborative teams and excellent resources help me thrive every day. Efficient processes and clear goals help maintain high productivity levels. Leadership is approachable, though promotions tend to move. A capable team that may benefit from more cross-department collaboration.

Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory Overview

Website
www.ligo.org
Founded In
1997
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
127124 Rte 10 N Richland Washington WA 99352
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 5093728106
Social Media
About Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory
The LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) is a scientific collaboration of international physics institutes and research groups dedicated to the search for gravitational waves.

What Benefits Does Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave 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)
Work at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory?
Share your experience
How Much Should You Be Earning?

Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

illustration

What Is the Cost of Living Near Richland?

Understanding the cost of living near Richland is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory.
Richland (Tri-Cities) Cost of Living Index is approx. 95-98. Hanford Site influence, affordable. Ben Franklin Transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,000 - $1,500+ A significant portion of Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $100 - $190 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $35 (BFT monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $400 - $580 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $350 - $650+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $370 - $680+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,255 - $3,605+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $44 per hour . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory pay compared to Fair Fight?

The average annual salary at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory is $91,968, or an hourly wage of $44, in comparison to Fair Fight which pays $85,365 per year or $41 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory?

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

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory 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 Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory in Richland is fair given the local cost of living?

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

6. Are promotions at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory 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.