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EHS Director Salary in the United States

How much does an EHS Director make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an EHS Director in the United States is $154,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.

However, an EHS Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $173,321
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $141,590 to $164,490
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $129,572
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View as table View as graph 25% $141,590 10% $129,572 90% $173,321 75% $164,490 $154,790 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

EHS Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $164,490 $13,708 $3,163 $79
Average $154,790 $12,899 $2,977 $74
25th Percentile $141,590 $11,799 $2,723 $68
Check out EHS Director Job Openings in the United States
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Key Factors That Influence EHS Director Salaries

An EHS Director'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects EHS Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an EHS Director'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): $149,865
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $150,456
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $151,441
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $152,820
  • Expert (over 8 years): $154,790
Levels Salary
Entry Level EHS Director$149,865
Intermediate Level EHS Director$150,456
Senior Level EHS Director$151,441
Specialist Level EHS Director$152,820
Expert Level EHS Director$154,790
$149,865 0 yr
$150,456 < 2 yrs
$151,441 2-4 yrs
$152,820 5-8 yrs
$154,790 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for EHS Directors

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: $195,190
  • San Francisco: $193,290
  • Oakland: $188,990

What Skills Can Increase an EHS Director's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 4.51% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • HVAC (Mentioned in 2.51% Job Postings): Designing, developing, maintaining, and updating Heating, Ventilation, Air-conditioning and Cooling system.
  • Fire Safety (Mentioned in 1.59% Job Postings): Planning and implementing safety practices, policies, and procedures to significantly reduce the extent of damage that a fire can cause.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 4.51%
HVAC 2.51%
Fire Safety 1.59%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an EHS Director's salary.
  • Purchasing: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Housekeeping Services: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Customer Service: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Purchasing
$171,817
11%
Housekeeping Services
$168,721
9%
Customer Service
$165,625
7%
Facilities Management
$164,077
6%
Collaboration
$162,530
5%
Dedication
$162,530
5%
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How Education impacts an EHS Director's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many EHS Directors enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an EHS Director with a No Diploma is between $143,506 and $153,751).

EHS Director Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for EHS Director
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 6.3%
High School 12.5%
Associates 31.3%
Bachelors 31.3%
Masters 43.8%
Doctorate 6.3%
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EHS Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an EHS Director'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 January 01, 2026

EHS Director Salary Growth & Career Path

For an EHS Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of EHS role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $216,770 - a projected growth of 40% over your current level.

Salary Trends for EHS Director

Salaries for an EHS Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $152,823 in 2023 to around $148,192 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of EHS Director salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of EHS Director Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$152,823
2024
$150,403
2025
$148,192
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $152,823
2024 $150,403
2025 $148,192
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for EHS Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for EHS Director

Here are companies hiring for EHS Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about EHS Director

1. Do directors get paid a lot?

Directors can earn significant salaries, especially in specialized fields like Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). For an EHS Director, the salary ranges from a minimum of $139,490 to a maximum of $181,590, with a median salary of $157,290. This indicates that directors in this sector are compensated well above the general median wage for producers and directors.

2. What is the highest paid specialist in the US?

The highest-paid specialist in the US is the EHS Director, with a salary range from $139,490 to $181,590. This role involves overseeing environmental health and safety programs, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting workplace safety. The average salary for an EHS Director is approximately $157,290, reflecting the importance of this position in various industries.

3. How much does an HSE specialist earn in USA?

An EHS Director in the USA earns between $139,490 and $181,590 annually, with a median salary of $157,290. This reflects a more specialized and senior role compared to HSE specialists, whose salaries typically range from $42,000 to $101,000, depending on experience and location.

4. What is the highest salary in the HSE?

The highest salary for an EHS Director is $181,590. The median salary stands at $157,290, while the minimum salary is $139,490. This reflects a competitive compensation structure within the field, with top earners significantly above the median.

5. Who is paid more a manager or director?

Generally speaking, managers typically earn between $40,000 and $112,000. In contrast, EHS Directors have a significantly higher salary range, with a minimum of $139,490, a mid-salary of $157,290, and a maximum of $181,590. This indicates that directors are generally paid more than managers.

6. What is the highest salary in EHS?

The highest salary for an EHS Director is $181,590 annually. The salary range for this position typically spans from a minimum of $139,490 to a midpoint of $157,290, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role.

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.)

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

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