Clinical Education Programs Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Clinical Education Programs Director make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Clinical Education Programs Director in the United States is $130,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.

However, a Clinical Education Programs Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $160,594
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $115,300 to $146,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $101,370

Key Factors That Influence Clinical Education Programs Director Salaries

A Clinical Education Programs 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Clinical Education Programs Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Clinical Education Programs 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $121,237
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $122,607
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $124,891
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $127,175
  • Expert (over 8 years): $131,069
Levels Salary
Entry Level Clinical Education Programs Director$121,237
Intermediate Level Clinical Education Programs Director$122,607
Senior Level Clinical Education Programs Director$124,891
Specialist Level Clinical Education Programs Director$127,175
Expert Level Clinical Education Programs Director$131,069

How Do Clinical Education Programs Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Clinical Education Programs Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $144,600.
  • California: $144,100.
  • Massachusetts: $142,200.

Top Paying Cities for Clinical Education Programs 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: $164,800
  • San Francisco: $163,000
  • Oakland: $159,500

Clinical Education Programs Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Clinical Education Programs Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $143,497. While startup companies pay approximate $121,976.

Clinical Education Programs Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $121,976
Growth Stage 51~500 $128,845
Established 501~5000 $138,715
Enterprise 5000+ $143,497

Clinical Education Programs Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Clinical Education Programs Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Biotechnology, offers compensation 50% above the average. Conversely, Clinical Education Programs Director positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Clinical Education Programs Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Clinical Education Programs Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$195,900$94.050%

How Education impacts a Clinical Education Programs Director's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Clinical Education Programs Directors enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Clinical Education Programs Director with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $111,725 and $118,936).

Clinical Education Programs Director Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Clinical Education Programs Director
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 10.5%
High School 10.5%
Associates 47.4%
Bachelors 26.3%
Masters 47.4%
Doctorate 15.8%

Clinical Education Programs Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Clinical Education Programs 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 September 01, 2026
$115,300
Average $130,600/year
$146,300
$9,608
Average $10,883/month
$12,192
$2,217
Average $2,512/week
$2,813
$55
Average $63/hour
$70
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $146,300 $12,192 $2,813 $70
Average $130,600 $10,883 $2,512 $63
25th Percentile $115,300 $9,608 $2,217 $55

Clinical Education Programs Director Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Clinical Education Programs Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Nursing Curriculum Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $141,993 - a projected growth of 9% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Clinical Education Programs Director

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

Common company salaries for Clinical Education Programs Director

Here are companies hiring for Clinical Education Programs Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Clinical Education Programs Director

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Clinical Education Programs Director?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Clinical Education Programs Director roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. How much does a clinical program director make?

In California, the salary for a Clinical Education Programs Director ranges from $104,400 to $134,000, with a midpoint of $117,600. This reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities associated with the role.

3. What is the difference between a clinical director and a program director?

The primary difference between a clinical director and a program director lies in their focus areas. A program director emphasizes oversight, social work, and patient engagement, while a clinical director prioritizes patient care, physical therapy, and clinical outcomes. In terms of compensation, a Clinical Education Programs Director typically earns between $104,400 and $134,000 annually, with a median salary of $117,600.

4. What is the highest level of education for a respiratory therapist?

Respiratory therapists typically require at least an associate's degree to enter the field, but pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree is highly recommended for better job prospects and career advancement. The salary for Clinical Education Programs Directors in this field ranges from $104,400 to $134,000, with a median salary of $117,600.

5. Who is paid more a manager or director?

Typically, Clinical Education Programs Directors earn significantly more than managers. Based on recent data, the salary range for this role is between $104,400 and $134,000, with a median salary of $117,600. In comparison, managers generally earn between $40,000 and $112,000, indicating that directors are compensated at a higher level.

6. What does an education program director do?

An Educational Program Director oversees and coordinates educational programs in various settings, including schools and colleges. They develop curriculum, hire and supervise staff, and ensure compliance with regulations. The salary for this role typically ranges from $104,400 to $134,000, with a median salary of $117,600.

7. How do I become a clinical education coordinator?

To become a Clinical Education Coordinator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in nursing, though a master's degree can enhance your prospects. A master's program may take an additional two to three years. The salary for this role ranges from $104,400 to $134,000, with a median salary of $117,600, reflecting the importance of advanced education and experience in the field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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