Cato Institute
The Cato Institute is a prominent American libertarian think tank based in Washington, D.C. Founded in January 1977, it promotes public policies centered on individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. The institute aims to influence public policy and keep these principles alive for future generations. Cato conducts extensive research and advocacy on various issues, including economics, government regulation, taxation, and civil liberties. It emphasizes clear communication to make libertarian ideas accessible to a broad audience. The institute engages in public education through publications, events, and media appearances, and it collaborates with other organizations to promote a freer society. Cato produces research reports, policy papers, and multimedia content to inform policymakers, scholars, and the general public about libertarian principles. With a significant presence in policy debates and a growing revenue base, the Cato Institute continues to shape libertarian thought and influence public discourse.
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Headcount trend
Cato Institute went from 202 employees in Jul 2023 to 238 in Jun 2025. Jan to Jun 2025: 46 people joined, 18 left.
Headcount data through Jun 2025
Org structure
Headcount by department
Hiring now
See all jobsSalaries at Cato Institute
All salaries1 salary profiles in the US
H-1B sponsorship
The department split adds up all the years listed above. FY2026 alone: 4 filings.
Peer reviews
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Anonymous peer reviews on OffTheRecord
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Cato Institute FAQ
How many employees does Cato Institute have?
Cato Institute has about 238 employees, up 8.7% over the 3 months to Jun 2025.
Does Cato Institute sponsor H1B visas?
Yes. Cato Institute filed 4 H1B (LCA) applications in FY2026, according to the latest U.S. Department of Labor disclosures. Most of them were for Design roles.
What is Cato Institute's revenue per employee?
Cato Institute makes about $273K in revenue per employee, based on $65.01M annual revenue and 238 employees.
How much does Cato Institute pay?
6figr has 1 salary profile for Cato Institute in the US, with pay broken down by role, level, gender and ethnicity on the Cato Institute salaries page. See Cato Institute salaries
Data from Company Prospectus, DOL LCA disclosures, WARN notices and 6figr salary profiles.