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:
Foundation Development Specialist I Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.52% |
| Logistics | 1.52% |
| Grant Writing | 1.18% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Insight | $57,837 | |
| Corporate Development | $57,334 | |
| Business Development | $56,328 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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% |
Salaries for a Foundation Development Specialist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $50,452 in 2023 to around $49,894 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Foundation Development Specialist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $50,452 |
| 2024 | $50,552 |
| 2025 | $49,894 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: