Does Cato Institute pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Cato Institute employees rate their compensation and benefits as 4.1 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Cato Institute. This rating has improved by 2% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Cato Institute?

96% of Cato Institute employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Cato Institute 4.7 out of 5 for work life balance, 4.7 for culture and values and 4.5 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Cato Institute?

Intern (36) , Internship (9) , Research Assistant (8) , Research Intern (7) , Research Associate (4) , Legal Associate (2) , Producer (2) , Public Opinion (2) , Research Analyst (2)

What are the pros of working at Cato Institute according to real employee reviews?

"Good Work environment and flexible" ((in 9 reviews)); "The people are also great to work with." ((in 7 reviews)); "Great coworkers and good research experience" ((in 6 reviews)); "I learned a lot and did meaningful work." ((in 5 reviews)); "Great education programs and opportunities" ((in 4 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Cato Institute according to real employee reviews?

"Low pay but not surprising for non" ((in 11 reviews)); "Unclear advancement tracks, low salaries." ((in 3 reviews))

What are the top reviewed Cato Institute locations?

Washington , Fairfax , Port Washington , Charlotte , Austin , Flower Mound , Allentown

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Cato Institute reviews

Cost of living increases, at best - Media Relations Manager Cato Institute Employee Review

4.0

May 6, 2024

Media relations manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

You will learn a lot, because Cato's scholars have a wide range of policy knowledge.

Cons

Do not expect competitive pay increases. I took a pay cut to work there and never made what my previous employer offered as a counteroffer. You will get cost of living adjustments at best. Also, some policy scholars are extremely confrontational, passive aggressive, or unprofessional.

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5.0

Jun 15, 2026

Internship

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

- Structured and well-organized program with substantive assignments (not too much busy work) and policy education seminars - Interesting assignments with policy experts who care very much about their works - Comprehensive access to research resources

Cons

- Not necessarily a con, but because of the nature of the organization, the policy analysis is taking a libertarian perspective heavily. Although they don't force them upon you, I also won't expect diverse viewpoints. - Compensation was a $1,000 stipend. Not high but decent for policy roles.

4.0

May 12, 2026

Prospect research analyst

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing people and fun environment to learn

Cons

They pay at a "prestige level"

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Media Relations Manager

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Cost of living increases, at best - Media Relations Manager Cato Institute Employee Review

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