As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a DEI Specialist II in the United States is $80,213 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a DEI Specialist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A DEI Specialist II'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a DEI Specialist II'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Diversity Compliance and Analysis Specialist I | 0-2 years | $62,692 |
| DEI Specialist II | 2-4 years | $80,198 |
| Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist III | 4-7 years | $92,690 |
| Diversity Compliance and Analysis Specialist IV | 7+ years | $123,353 |
| Diversity Equity & Inclusion Specialist V | 7-10 years | $151,068 |
What Am I Worth?
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 DEI Specialist IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Initiative | 10.34% |
| Community Development | 2.55% |
| Employee Relations | 0.9% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Supplier Diversity
|
$86,630 |
8%
|
|
Team Operations
|
$85,828 |
7%
|
|
Succession Planning
|
$83,422 |
4%
|
|
Alignment
|
$82,619 |
3%
|
|
Partnering
|
$82,619 |
3%
|
|
Insight
|
$81,817 |
2%
|
DEI Specialist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $89,794. While startup companies pay approximate $75,963.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,963 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $80,340 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $86,712 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $89,794 |
For DEI Specialist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, DEI Specialist positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view DEI Specialist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $96,256 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $96,256 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $96,256 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $96,256 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $96,256 | $46.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a DEI Specialist II'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 August 01, 2026For a DEI Specialist II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $92,690 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for a DEI Specialist II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $75,125 in 2023 to around $73,058 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of DEI Specialist II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $75,125 |
| 2024 | $74,094 |
| 2025 | $73,058 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for DEI Specialist II roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
A career in DEI can be rewarding both personally and financially. With salaries ranging from $73,713 to $93,693, and a median salary of $82,713, professionals in this field can expect competitive compensation. Additionally, obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your qualifications, helping you stand out in the job market and potentially leading to career advancement.
To become a diversity and inclusion officer, pursue a degree in human resources, sociology, or business studies. Gain relevant work experience and consider professional certifications or postgraduate qualifications. The salary for this role typically ranges from $73,713 to $93,693, with a median salary of $82,713.
DEI Specialists typically earn between $73,713 and $93,693 annually, with a median salary of $82,713. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced professionals can reach the higher end of the salary range.
Specialist (abbreviated 'SPC') is one of the four junior enlisted ranks in the U.S. Army, positioned above Private First Class and equivalent in pay grade to Corporal. Unlike Corporals, Specialists are not classified as junior non-commissioned officers (NCOs). In terms of salary, DEI Specialists earn between $73,713 and $93,693, with a median salary of $82,713.
Companies hire DEI consultants to address outdated or ineffective policies. These specialists, earning between $73,713 and $93,693, assist in reviewing and revising hiring, promotion, and compensation practices to ensure inclusivity and equity within the organization. Their expertise helps create a more diverse and fair workplace environment.
DEI specialists in NYC typically earn between $73,713 and $93,693 annually. The average salary is around $82,713. While top earners can make significantly more, the salary range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the field.
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