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How much does a Director of Communications make?

As of March 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Director of Communications in the United States is $190,640. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $149,432 to a high of $237,465, with most professionals earning between $169,070 and $215,150.

Director of Communications Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $215,150 $17,929 $4,138 $103
Average $190,640 $15,887 $3,666 $92
25th Percentile $169,070 $14,089 $3,251 $81

Average Salary

25% $169,070 10% $149,432 90% $237,465 75% $215,150 $190,640 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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How much does a Director of Communications make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified Director of Communications salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a Director of Communications is about $190,640 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of $92, a monthly salary of about $15,887, and a weekly pay of around $3,666 . Click the switch button below to see more details about Director of Communications hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

Last Updated on March 01, 2025
Last Updated on March 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect a Director of Communications's Salary?

An entry-level Director of Communications with less than 1 year of experience earns about $175,196. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $177,103. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $179,646. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $182,826, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $186,005.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Director of Communications $175,196
Intermediate Level Director of Communications $177,103
Senior Level Director of Communications $179,646
Specialist Level Director of Communications $182,826
Expert Level Director of Communications $186,005
$175,196 0 yr
$177,103 < 2 yrs
$179,646 2-4 yrs
$182,826 5-8 yrs
$186,005 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on March 01, 2025
Entry Level 8%
Mid Level 7%
Senior Level 6%
Top Level 4%
Experienced 2%
View as graph
Last Updated on March 01, 2025

How much does salary of Director of Communications vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of March 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a Director of Communications is $238,300.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $222,670.
  • In Boston, MA, a Director of Communications earns $213,710 per year.

What is the salary trend of Director of Communications?

As of March 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Director of Communications compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $169,001 in 2023 to approximately $163,951 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Director of Communications salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of Director of Communications Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$169,001
2023
$163,951
2024
$161,628
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on March 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$169,001
2024
$163,951
2025
$161,628
2026
$???
Last Updated on March 01, 2025

Director of Communications Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $169,001
2024 $163,951
2025 $161,628
2026 View More
Last Updated on March 01, 2025

Job Openings of Director of Communications

Salary.com job board provides millions of Director of Communications information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Director of Communications job openings or enter a new job title here.

Most Common Benefits for Director of Communications

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 64.2%
Bonuses 10.5%
Social Security 4.6%
401k/403b 3.1%
Disability 1.5%
Healthcare 2.8%
Pension 4.0%
Time Off 9.2%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $190,640 64.2%
Bonus $31,140 10.5%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $13,669 4.6%
401K/403B $9,315 3.1%
Disability $4,436 1.5%
Healthcare $8,352 2.8%
Pension $11,976 4.0%
Time Off $27,296 9.2%
Total Compensation $296,824 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on March 01, 2025

What are the salaries of a Director of Communications with different levels of education?

Salaries for Director of Communications with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Director of Communications with a Bachelor's Degree is $179,147 - $191,623. Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus.

Director of Communications Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on March 01, 2025
Typical Education for Director of Communications
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.2%
High School 2.7%
Associates 2.4%
Bachelors 56.0%
Masters 36.6%
Doctorate 2.2%
Typical Education for Director of Communications
No Diploma 0.2%
High School 2.7%
Associates 2.4%
Bachelors 56.0%
Masters 36.6%
Doctorate 2.2%
view as table

Director of Communications Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on March 01, 2025

What Am I Worth?

FAQ about Director of Communications

1. How do you become a director of communications?

To become a Director of Communications, you typically need an undergraduate degree, with many holding a master's or industry certifications. Significant work experience, a strong portfolio, and a robust network are essential. Salaries for this role range from $168,220 to $214,070, with a median salary of $189,680, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved.

2. Is director a high level position?

A director is indeed a high-level position, responsible for overseeing significant aspects of an organization. They manage teams and departments, ensuring strategic goals are met. In terms of compensation, the salary for a Director of Communications ranges from $168,220 to $214,070, reflecting the seniority and importance of the role within the organization.

3. What is the salary of Director of Communications?

The salary of a Director of Communications ranges from $168,220 to $214,070, with a mid-point of $189,680. This data reflects the compensation for professionals in this role, providing a clear overview of potential earnings based on experience and industry standards.

4. What is another name for a communications director?

A director of communications may also be referred to as a public relations manager or press secretary. This role typically reports to a CxO, such as a chief communications officer (CCO) or chief executive officer (CEO). The salary for this position ranges from $168,220 to $214,070, with a mid-point of $189,680, reflecting the importance of effective communication in organizations.

5. How much does a Director of Communications make in the US?

The salary for a Director of Communications in the US ranges from $168,220 to $214,070, with a mid-salary of $189,680. These figures reflect the competitive compensation for this role, highlighting the importance of effective communication leadership in organizations.

6. What is the salary of head of communications?

The estimated total pay for a Director of Communications ranges from £168,220 to £214,070 per year, with a mid-salary of £189,680. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data and provide a comprehensive view of compensation for this role.

About Our Data

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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The average salary for a Director of Communications is $190,640 per year in the United States, updated at March 01, 2025.
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