Shedd Aquarium Salary

How Much Does Shedd Aquarium Pay for employees?

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Shedd Aquarium in the United States is $84,593. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $41. Salaries at Shedd Aquarium typically range from $74,228 to $96,612 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. Shedd Aquarium’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 Shedd Aquarium Pay for Different Roles?

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.

Animal Care Specialist (Part-Time, Seasonal)

$68,735 / year

Salary Range: $61,257 - $78,455

Senior Coordination

Aquarist Galleries

$80,597 / year

Salary Range: $73,346 - $89,946

Public Relations

Aquatic Presentation Video Switcher/Camera Operator

$78,800 / year

Salary Range: $70,556 - $87,358

Fashion

Assistant Director of Marketing

$159,463 / year

Salary Range: $141,466 - $180,189

Marketing Management

Assistant, Volunteer Services & Staff Training

$85,700 / year

Salary Range: $76,082 - $95,576

Volunteer Services

Conservation Stewardship Facilitator

$68,845 / year

Salary Range: $55,422 - $83,490

Word Processing

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.

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Shedd Aquarium.
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About Shedd Aquarium: Company Profile

Website
www.sheddaquarium.org
Founded In
1930
Employees
200 - 500 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Location
CHICAGO
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Shedd Aquarium's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
The impactful public service mission adds meaning to daily tasks, inspiring employees to deliver their best. The organization is well-run and mission-oriented, with a strong focus on serving the public and improving access to education. There’s a real sense of purpose in the work we do, making it incredibly rewarding each day. They invest in people, provide useful feedback, and respond quickly whe...
The onboarding and training experience were excellent, providing a smooth transition into my role. Leadership fosters a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. I love the team here. Most importantly, there's a tangible culture of respect where educators are trusted as professionals. The culture values diversity, respect, and collaboration.
Benefits are excellent, and the team culture is respectful and collaborative. Supportive leadership and a strong focus on community impact. The environment encourages open communication, collaboration, and innovation, allowing everyone to contribute meaningfully. Roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined, but the culture leans traditional.

Is Shedd Aquarium’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Shedd Aquarium’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
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Average Salary ($/year)
Shedd Aquarium
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
S2 FINANCIAL CONSULTING
S2GINC
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Shedd Aquarium is below the average for the U.S. Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry by approximately 27%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Shedd Aquarium average annual salary with several similar companies. Shedd Aquarium average salary of $84,593 is higher than S2 FINANCIAL CONSULTING, which has an average salary of $75,543. It is higher than S2GINC, with their average salary at $71,219. This places Shedd Aquarium 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.

What Is the Cost of Living Near Chicago?

Understanding the cost of living near Chicago is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Shedd Aquarium.
Chicago's Cost of Living Index is approximately 106.9 (6.9% more expensive than US average; 14.0% more than IL average). Major US city, housing varies greatly by neighborhood but can be high, extensive CTA transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from Shedd Aquarium, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,700 - $2,600+ A significant portion of Shedd Aquarium salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $105 (CTA 30-day pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $430 - $640 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $800+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $400 - $750+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,225 - $5,025+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

Most Common Questions About Shedd Aquarium

FAQ 1: What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Shedd Aquarium?
The typical annual salary range for most roles at Shedd Aquarium is approximately from $74,228 to $96,612. 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.
FAQ 2: How much does Shedd Aquarium pay compared to S2 FINANCIAL CONSULTING?
The average annual salary at Shedd Aquarium is $84,593, or an hourly wage of $41, in comparison to S2 FINANCIAL CONSULTING which pays $75,543 per year or $36 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does experience level affect salary at Shedd Aquarium?
Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Shedd Aquarium, 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.
FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Shedd Aquarium and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Chicago" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: What are the key factors that influence salary levels at Shedd Aquarium?
Several key factors influence salary levels at Shedd Aquarium. 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: Shedd Aquarium 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.