As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a DEI Specialist V in the United States is $151,093 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.
However, a DEI Specialist V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A DEI Specialist V'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 V'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist III | 4-7 years | $92,692 |
| Diversity Compliance and Analysis Specialist IV | 7+ years | $123,352 |
| DEI Specialist V | 7-10 years | $151,073 |
| Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity Supervisor | 10+ years | $117,100 |
| Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity Manager | 10+ years | $137,703 |
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 Vs. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Team Operations
|
$194,910 |
29%
|
|
Programming
|
$191,888 |
27%
|
|
Partnering
|
$178,290 |
18%
|
|
Commitment
|
$175,268 |
16%
|
|
Planning
|
$166,202 |
10%
|
|
Insight
|
$163,180 |
8%
|
DEI Specialist V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $168,996. While startup companies pay approximate $142,920.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $142,920 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $151,161 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $163,198 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $168,996 |
For DEI Specialist V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Construction and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, DEI Specialist positions in Insurance or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view DEI Specialist V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | $181,312 | $87.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $173,757 | $84.0 | 15% |
| Media | $169,224 | $81.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $166,202 | $80.0 | 10% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $163,180 | $78.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a DEI Specialist V'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 July 01, 2026For a DEI Specialist V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $117,100 - a projected growth of -22% over your current level.
Salaries for a DEI Specialist V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $144,479 in 2023 to around $135,792 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of DEI Specialist V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $144,479 |
| 2024 | $139,594 |
| 2025 | $135,792 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for DEI Specialist V roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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 $146,733 to $185,933, with a midpoint of $164,783.
The salary for a DEI Specialist at Deloitte ranges from $146,733 to $185,933, with a mid-point salary of $164,783. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in diversity and inclusion roles within the company.
DEI Specialists typically earn between $146,733 and $185,933 annually, with a median salary of $164,783. While specific city data varies, these figures reflect the competitive compensation for DEI roles across various locations.
DEI consultants typically charge based on their experience and the scope of the project. Salaries for DEI Specialists range from a minimum of $146,733 to a mid-range of $164,783, with a maximum of $185,933. Rates may vary, but many consultants charge hourly rates that reflect these salary ranges, or they may offer flat fees for specific projects.
The estimated total pay for a DEI Specialist in the US ranges from $146,733 to $185,933 per year, with a mid-salary of $164,783. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clearer picture of compensation for this role.
DEI Specialists in NYC earn between $146,733 and $185,933 annually, with a mid-salary of $164,783. This reflects a competitive salary range, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion roles in the workplace.
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