upper level job

Foundation Development Specialist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Foundation Development Specialist I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Foundation Development Specialist I in the United States is $50,293 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Foundation Development Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $59,750
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,263 to $55,243
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,683

Key Factors That Influence Foundation Development Specialist I Salaries

A Foundation Development Specialist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Foundation Development Specialist Is

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: $63,433
  • San Francisco: $62,733
  • Oakland: $61,413

What Skills Can Increase a Foundation Development Specialist I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 4.52% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Logistics (Mentioned in 1.52% Job Postings): In a general business sense, logistics is the management of the flow of things between the point of origin and the point of consumption to meet the requirements of customers or corporations.
  • Grant Writing (Mentioned in 1.18% Job Postings): Grant writing is the practice of completing an application process for a financial grant provided by an institution such as a government department, corporation, foundation, or trust. Such application processes are often referred to as either a grant proposal or a grant submission. Successful grant writing requires a clear understanding of grantsmanship. While the principles and fundamentals of grantsmanship apply broadly, it is important to know the target and to be able to tune the language appropriately. Understanding the creation process of a grant proposal is a big part of the success in grant writing. The basic parts to the proposal creation process include: Analyzing the intended audience for the proposal Analyzing the purpose of the proposal Gathering information about the subject of the proposal Choosing the appropriate type of proposal (in this case, a grant proposal) Writing the proposal Formatting the proposal Revising, editing, and proofreading the proposal Submitting the proposal
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 4.52%
Logistics 1.52%
Grant Writing 1.18%

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 a Foundation Development Specialist I's salary.

  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Corporate Development: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Business Development: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Insight $57,837
15%
Corporate Development $57,334
14%
Business Development $56,328
12%

Foundation Development Specialist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Foundation Development Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $53,380. While startup companies pay approximate $45,458.

Foundation Development Specialist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $45,458
Growth Stage 51~500 $47,998
Established 501~5000 $51,623
Enterprise 5000+ $53,380

Foundation Development Specialist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Foundation Development Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Foundation Development Specialist positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Foundation Development Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Foundation Development Specialist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$60,352$29.020%

How Education impacts a Foundation Development Specialist I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Foundation Development Specialist Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Foundation Development Specialist I with a Associate's Degree is between $49,178 and $51,693).

Foundation Development Specialist I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Foundation Development Specialist I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.1%
High School 4.9%
Associates 4.5%
Bachelors 63.9%
Masters 25.6%
Doctorate 1.0%

Foundation Development Specialist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Foundation Development Specialist I'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
$45,263
Average $50,293/year
$55,243
$3,772
Average $4,191/month
$4,604
$870
Average $967/week
$1,062
$22
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $55,243 $4,604 $1,062 $27
Average $50,293 $4,191 $967 $24
25th Percentile $45,263 $3,772 $870 $22

Foundation Development Specialist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Foundation Development Specialist I, 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.

Foundation Development Specialist I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Major Gifts Development Coordinator $78,000 55%
Grants and Proposals Specialist $73,870 47%
Donor Relations Coordinator II $61,600 22%

Most common benefits for Foundation Development Specialist I

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

Common company salaries for Foundation Development Specialist I

Here are companies hiring for Foundation Development Specialist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Foundation Development Specialist I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Foundation Development Specialist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Foundation Development Specialist I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Foundation Development Specialist I?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Foundation Development Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How do I become a business development specialist?

To become a Foundation Development Specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in marketing or business, along with experience in sales and customer service. Strong communication skills are essential, as is the ability to be persuasive and persistent in converting leads into loyal supporters. The salary for this role ranges from $47,113 to $56,563, with a midpoint of $51,613.

3. Do specialists get paid well?

On average, Foundation Development Specialists earn between $47,113 and $56,563 annually, with a mid-salary of $51,613. This reflects the additional training and expertise required for the role, indicating that specialists are compensated well compared to non-specialists.

4. How do you become a foundation manager?

To become a Foundation Development Specialist, you typically need a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Business Administration or Nonprofit Management. A CPA certificate can be beneficial. Relevant experience may substitute for educational requirements on a year-for-year basis. The salary for this role ranges from $47,113 to $56,563, with a midpoint of $51,613.

5. Who is the highest paid Specialist?

The highest-paid Foundation Development Specialist earns a maximum salary of $56,563 annually. This role focuses on securing funding and support for various initiatives, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. The average salary for this position ranges from a minimum of $47,113 to a midpoint of $51,613, reflecting the importance of expertise in development strategies.

6. Can foundations pay salaries?

Yes, foundations can pay salaries. About a quarter of U.S. foundations compensate their trustees with salaries, fees, or stipends. The compensation varies widely, with salaries for positions like Foundation Development Specialist ranging from $47,113 to $56,563, depending on the foundation's size and the nature of the board service.

7. What is the highest paying labor job in the US?

The highest paying labor jobs in the U.S. include roles such as air traffic controller, construction manager, and elevator installer. For specialized positions like Foundation Development Specialist, salaries range from $47,113 to $56,563, with a mid-salary of $51,613, reflecting the competitive nature of skilled labor in various industries.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst