As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Foundation Development Specialist III in the United States is $91,440 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Foundation Development Specialist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Foundation Development Specialist III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $97,370 | $8,114 | $1,873 | $47 |
| Average | $91,440 | $7,620 | $1,758 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,450 | $6,538 | $1,509 | $38 |
A Foundation Development Specialist III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Coordination | 4.86% |
| Fundraising | 3.24% |
| Logistics | 1.44% |
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 III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Data Capture | $127,102 | |
| Scheduling | $99,670 | |
| Leadership | $96,926 |
Foundation Development Specialist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $97,054. While startup companies pay approximate $82,650.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $82,650 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $87,268 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $93,858 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $97,054 |
Understanding how a Foundation Development Specialist III'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 | $97,370 | $8,114 | $1,873 | $47 |
| Average | $91,440 | $7,620 | $1,758 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,450 | $6,538 | $1,509 | $38 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Foundation Development Specialist III, 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 Officer | $120,800 | 32% |
| Supervisor of Development, Non-Profit Organization | $79,100 | -13% |
Salaries for a Foundation Development Specialist III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $73,341 in 2023 to around $72,346 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Foundation Development Specialist III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $73,341 |
| 2024 | $73,068 |
| 2025 | $72,346 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Foundation Development Specialist III roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
A Foundation Development Specialist with four years of experience typically earns between $78,360 and $105,370 annually, with a median salary of $89,330. In top-paying cities like San Francisco, the annual salary can reach around $90,089, translating to approximately $7,507 monthly.
Foundation Development Specialists typically earn between $78,360 and $105,370 annually, with a median salary of $89,330. In comparison, foundation managers in top-paying cities like San Francisco can earn around $96,187 per year, reflecting the competitive nature of salaries in this field.
The estimated total pay for a Foundation Development Specialist is approximately $89,330 per year, with a salary range from $78,360 to $105,370. These figures represent the midpoint and range based on collected salary data, reflecting the compensation for this role in the industry.
The highest-paid specialist in the Foundation Development field is the Foundation Development Specialist, with a maximum salary of $105,370. This role involves securing funding and managing donor relationships, requiring expertise in fundraising strategies. The average salary for this position ranges from $78,360 to $89,330, reflecting the importance of their contributions to organizational success.
Foundations pay employees similarly to for-profit organizations, adhering to minimum wage and labor laws. For a Foundation Development Specialist, salaries range from $78,360 to $105,370, with a midpoint of $89,330. While payroll structures are alike, nonprofits may have specific exemptions if classified as 501c3.
The highest paying labor jobs in the U.S. include roles such as air traffic controller and construction manager. For specialized positions like Foundation Development Specialist, salaries range from a minimum of $78,360 to a maximum of $105,370, with a mid-salary of $89,330, reflecting the competitive nature of skilled labor in the industry.
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