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ESG Director Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an ESG Director in the United States is $170,050 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $216,245
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $138,110 to $194,230
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $109,030
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence ESG Director Salaries

An ESG 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects ESG Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an ESG 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:

  • Environmental, Social, & Governance Manager (10+ years): $112,949
  • Environmental, Social, & Governance Senior Manager (10+ years): $141,412
  • ESG Director (10+ years): $170,044
  • VP of Environmental, Social, & Governance (10+ years): $188,907
  • SVP of Environmental, Social, & Governance (10+ years): $232,767
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Environmental, Social, & Governance Manager10+ years$112,949
Environmental, Social, & Governance Senior Manager10+ years$141,412
ESG Director10+ years$170,044
VP of Environmental, Social, & Governance10+ years$188,907
SVP of Environmental, Social, & Governance10+ years$232,767
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How Do ESG Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 ESG Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $188,280.
  • California: $187,560.
  • Massachusetts: $185,060.

Top Paying Cities for ESG 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: $214,480
  • San Francisco: $212,130
  • Oakland: $207,660

ESG Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

ESG Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $190,038. While startup companies pay approximate $160,753.

ESG Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $160,753
Growth Stage 51~500 $170,012
Established 501~5000 $183,506
Enterprise 5000+ $190,038

ESG Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For ESG Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, ESG Director positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view ESG Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an ESG Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$187,055$90.010%

ESG Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an ESG 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 September 01, 2026
$138,110
Average $170,050/year
$194,230
$11,509
Average $14,171/month
$16,186
$2,656
Average $3,270/week
$3,735
$66
Average $82/hour
$93
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $194,230 $16,186 $3,735 $93
Average $170,050 $14,171 $3,270 $82
25th Percentile $138,110 $11,509 $2,656 $66

ESG Director Salary Growth & Career Path

ESG Director

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an ESG Director, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Corporate Secretary (Legal Officer) $218,800 29%
VP of Environmental, Social, & Governance $189,000 11%

Most common benefits for ESG Director

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for ESG Director

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

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FAQ about ESG Director

1. What industry pays the highest salary for ESG Director?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for ESG Director roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

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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