As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a DEI Specialist IV in the United States is $123,373 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a DEI Specialist IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A DEI Specialist IV'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 IV'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 II | 2-4 years | $80,198 |
| Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist III | 4-7 years | $92,690 |
| DEI Specialist IV | 7+ years | $123,353 |
| Diversity Equity & Inclusion Specialist V | 7-10 years | $151,068 |
| Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity Supervisor | 10+ years | $117,108 |
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 IVs. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Regulatory Compliance
|
$139,411 |
13%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$139,411 |
13%
|
|
Data Analysis
|
$134,477 |
9%
|
|
Insight
|
$134,477 |
9%
|
|
Time Management
|
$129,542 |
5%
|
|
Partnering
|
$129,542 |
5%
|
DEI Specialist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $138,109. While startup companies pay approximate $116,837.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $116,837 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $123,569 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $133,369 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $138,109 |
For DEI Specialist IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, DEI Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view DEI Specialist IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $160,385 | $77.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $148,048 | $71.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $141,879 | $68.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $135,710 | $65.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $135,710 | $65.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a DEI Specialist IV'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 IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Diversity Equity & Inclusion Specialist V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $151,100 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Salaries for a DEI Specialist IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $112,122 in 2023 to around $110,706 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of DEI Specialist IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $112,122 |
| 2024 | $111,292 |
| 2025 | $110,706 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for DEI Specialist IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Based on the salary data for a DEI Specialist, the minimum salary is $116,973, the mid-range salary is $132,373, and the maximum salary is $148,863. This indicates that DEI roles offer competitive compensation, significantly higher than the average hourly pay reported for similar positions in the industry.
A career in DEI is worth considering, especially given the competitive salary range for DEI Specialists, with a minimum of $116,973, a mid-range of $132,373, and a maximum of $148,863. This field not only offers financial rewards but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in organizations and communities.
About the DEI Ambassador Role: Act as a key liaison for current and prospective students, faculty, staff, and alumni on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. Your role will be crucial in fostering a supportive and inclusive community. The salary for this position ranges from $116,973 to $148,863, with a midpoint of $132,373.
DEI Specialists in the United States earn between $116,973 and $148,863 annually, with a median salary of $132,373. This reflects a significant difference compared to the UK, where diversity inclusion leads average £48,940 per year, with entry-level positions starting at £41,387 and experienced workers earning up to £62,500.
A DEI specialist is a professional who works with organizations to create, implement, and assess strategies that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. The salary for a DEI specialist typically ranges from $116,973 to $148,863, with a mid-level salary around $132,373, reflecting the importance of their role in fostering an inclusive environment.
To become a DEI Specialist, pursue education in fields such as human resources, sociology, psychology, education, or business administration. While no specific degree is mandatory, these areas provide essential knowledge. The salary range for this role typically falls between $116,973 and $148,863, with a median salary of $132,373.
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