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Government Affairs Director Salary in Los Angeles, CA

How much does a Government Affairs Director make in Los Angeles, CA?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Government Affairs Director in Los Angeles, CA is $236,053 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $113.

However, a Government Affairs Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $286,855
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $209,482 to $262,645
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $185,291
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Government Affairs Director Salaries

A Government Affairs Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Government Affairs Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Government Affairs Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Government Affairs Manager (10+ years): $166,394
  • Government Affairs Senior Manager (10+ years): $216,025
  • Government Affairs Director (10+ years): $236,053
  • Government Affairs Senior Director (10+ years): $293,467
  • SVP of Government Affairs (10+ years): $361,764
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Government Affairs Manager10+ years$166,394
Government Affairs Senior Manager10+ years$216,025
Government Affairs Director10+ years$236,053
Government Affairs Senior Director10+ years$293,467
SVP of Government Affairs10+ years$361,764
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Top Paying Cities for Government Affairs Directors

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $269,467
  • San Francisco: $266,516
  • Oakland: $260,900

Government Affairs Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Government Affairs Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $263,529. While startup companies pay approximate $223,142.

Government Affairs Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $223,142
Growth Stage 51~500 $235,944
Established 501~5000 $254,458
Enterprise 5000+ $263,529

Government Affairs Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Government Affairs Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Government Affairs Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Government Affairs Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Government Affairs Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$277,735$134.030%
Financial Services$267,052$128.025%
Healthcare$256,370$123.020%
Pharmaceuticals$245,688$118.015%
Biotechnology$235,006$113.010%

Government Affairs Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Government Affairs Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$209,482
Average $236,053/year
$262,645
$17,457
Average $19,671/month
$21,887
$4,029
Average $4,539/week
$5,051
$101
Average $113/hour
$126
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $262,645 $21,887 $5,051 $126
Average $236,053 $19,671 $4,539 $113
25th Percentile $209,482 $17,457 $4,029 $101

Government Affairs Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Government Affairs Director

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Advancement

For a Government Affairs Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Government Affairs role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $293,467 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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