Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager in the United States is $69,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

However, a Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $88,587
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,500 to $79,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,581
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View as table View as graph 25% $61,500 10% $54,581 90% $88,587 75% $79,300 $69,100 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $79,300 $6,608 $1,525 $38
Average $69,100 $5,758 $1,329 $33
25th Percentile $61,500 $5,125 $1,183 $30
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Key Factors That Influence Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager Salaries

A Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager'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.

How Experience Level Affects Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager'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): $66,264
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $66,604
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $67,739
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $69,100
  • Expert (over 8 years): $71,688
Levels Salary
Entry Level Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager$66,264
Intermediate Level Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager$66,604
Senior Level Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager$67,739
Specialist Level Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager$69,100
Expert Level Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager$71,688
$66,264 0 yr
$66,604 < 2 yrs
$67,739 2-4 yrs
$69,100 5-8 yrs
$71,688 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Donor Relations and Stewardship Managers

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: $87,100
  • San Francisco: $86,200
  • Oakland: $84,400

Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $71,311. While startup companies pay approximate $60,934.

Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$60,934
Growth Stage51~500$64,289
Established501~5000$69,034
Enterprise5000+$71,311

Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 6% above the average. Conversely, Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$73,246$35.06%

Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager'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, 2026

Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the College Development Officer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $168,400 - a projected growth of 144% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager

Here are companies hiring for Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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FAQ about Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager

1. What does a steward manager do?

A Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors, ensuring effective communication and engagement. They oversee stewardship activities, manage donor recognition programs, and analyze fundraising data to enhance donor experiences. The salary for this role typically ranges from $76,100 to $93,700, with a midpoint of $84,400.

2. Do relationship managers get commission?

Relationship managers typically do not receive commission in the traditional sense. Instead, they may earn a trail commission based on client investments, which can be around 1%. Their compensation often includes a salary range of $76,100 to $93,700, depending on experience and performance, rather than direct commissions on sales.

3. How do I become a donor relations specialist?

To become a donor relations specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in communication, public relations, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree. While certification isn't mandatory, it can enhance your competitiveness. The salary for this role ranges from $76,100 to $93,700, with a midpoint of $84,400.

4. What is the highest salary of a relationship manager?

The highest salary for a Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager is $93,700. While salaries can vary widely, the typical range for this role is between $76,100 and $84,400, with top earners in the field reaching up to $93,700 annually.

5. What is the salary for Assistant Director of donor Relations?

The estimated total pay for an Assistant Director of Donor Relations ranges from $76,100 to $93,700 per year, with a mid-salary of $84,400. These figures reflect the salary range based on current data for similar positions in donor relations and stewardship management.

6. What is the highest salary of a steward?

The highest salary for a Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager is $93,700. This role typically offers a salary range from $76,100 to $93,700, with a midpoint of $84,400. This reflects the value placed on effective donor engagement and stewardship in various organizations.

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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