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Hourly Wage for Admissions Specialist Salary in the United States

How much does an Admissions Specialist make hourly?

As of October 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Admissions Specialist in the United States is $23, which translates to an annual salary of about $46,990.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $28 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $20 to $25 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $17 per hour

Key Factors That Influence Admissions Specialist Salaries

An Admissions Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Admissions Specialists

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: $59,190
  • San Francisco: $58,590
  • Oakland: $57,390

What Skills Can Increase an Admissions Specialist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 13.98% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 2.63% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
  • Assisted Living (Mentioned in 1.77% Job Postings): Assisted living exemplifies the shift from "care as service" to "care as business" in the broader health care arena predicted more than three decades ago. A consumer-driven industry, assisted living offers a wide range of options, levels of care, and diversity of services (Lockhart, 2009) and is subject to state rather than federal regulatory oversight. "Assisted living" means depends on both the state and provider in question: variations in state regulatory definitions are significant and provider variables include everything from philosophy, geographic location and auspice, to organizational size and structure.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 13.98%
Microsoft Office 2.63%
Assisted Living 1.77%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Admissions Specialist's salary.

  • CRM: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Teamwork: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
CRM $52,159
11%
Teamwork $50,279
7%
Commitment $50,279
7%

Admissions Specialist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Admissions Specialist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,825. While startup companies pay approximate $42,465.

Admissions Specialist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $42,465
Growth Stage 51~500 $44,830
Established 501~5000 $48,183
Enterprise 5000+ $49,825

Admissions Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Admissions Specialist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Admissions Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Admissions Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Admissions Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$56,388$27.020%

Admissions Specialist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Admissions Specialist'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
$41,090
Average $46,990/year
$52,990
$3,424
Average $3,916/month
$4,416
$790
Average $904/week
$1,019
$20
Average $23/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $52,990 $4,416 $1,019 $25
Average $46,990 $3,916 $904 $23
25th Percentile $41,090 $3,424 $790 $20

Most common benefits for Admissions Specialist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Admissions Specialist

Here are companies hiring for Admissions Specialist and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Admissions Specialist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Admissions Specialist?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Admissions Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much do post university admissions advisors make?

Post University admissions advisors typically earn between $46,590 and $66,690, with a median salary of around $55,290. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role.

3. How much does an admissions counselor make?

Admissions specialists typically earn between $46,590 and $66,690 annually, with a median salary of $55,290. This compensation reflects the responsibilities and expertise required for the role, which can vary significantly based on experience and location.

4. How much do specialists make in the US?

In the United States, Admissions Specialists earn between $46,590 and $66,690, with a median salary of $55,290. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role, providing a competitive compensation for professionals in this field.

5. How much do admissions coordinators make in the US?

Admissions Specialists in the US typically earn between $46,590 and $66,690 annually. The average salary is around $55,290, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the compensation landscape for this role.

6. How do I become a proposal specialist?

To become a proposal specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field, along with strong writing skills. Your responsibilities may include researching market rates, crafting proposal copy, and establishing pricing and timelines. Salaries for this role range from $46,590 to $66,690, with a median salary of $55,290.

7. How much do proposal specialists make entry level?

While salary data for Admissions Specialists varies, entry-level positions typically offer salaries ranging from $46,590 to $66,690 annually. The median salary is around $55,290, reflecting a competitive compensation structure within the field.

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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