As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Grants/Proposal Manager in the United States is $86,620 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Grants/Proposal Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Grants/Proposal Manager'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Grants/Proposal Manager'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Grants/Proposal Manager | $83,277 |
| Intermediate Level Grants/Proposal Manager | $83,678 |
| Senior Level Grants/Proposal Manager | $85,015 |
| Specialist Level Grants/Proposal Manager | $86,620 |
| Expert Level Grants/Proposal Manager | $89,170 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Grants/Proposal Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 4.73% |
| Fundraising | 2.67% |
| RFI | 1.83% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$89,219 |
3%
|
|
Program Management
|
$89,219 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$89,219 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$88,352 |
2%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$87,486 |
1%
|
|
Proposal Management
|
$87,486 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Grants/Proposal Managers enter the field with a Bachelor'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 Grants/Proposal Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $83,819 and $91,521).
Grants/Proposal Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 4.6% |
| Associates | 2.5% |
| Bachelors | 44.3% |
| Masters | 44.6% |
| Doctorate | 3.6% |
Understanding how a Grants/Proposal Manager'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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Grants/Proposal Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $87,659 in 2023 to around $86,948 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Grants/Proposal Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $87,659 |
| 2024 | $87,488 |
| 2025 | $86,948 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Proposal management can be a rewarding career, offering a salary range from $76,600 to $105,200, with a midpoint of $90,520. It serves as a strong starting point for some, while others find it a fulfilling long-term profession. Proposal managers are essential to their organization's success, balancing various responsibilities effectively.
Our survey found that shoppers now spend an average of $90,520 on their proposal piece. This figure reflects a shift from $95,500 in 2023 and $98,800 in 2022. In 2021, the average was significantly higher at $100,200.
Entry-level Proposal Specialists typically earn between $76,600 and $90,520 annually, with the potential to reach up to $105,200 for more experienced roles. While some sources may report lower figures, this data reflects a more accurate salary range for Grants/Proposal Managers in the current market.
As of January 20, 2025, the salary for a Grants/Proposal Manager in the United States ranges from $76,600 to $105,200 annually, with a median salary of $90,520. This translates to approximately $36.83 to $50.60 per hour, or $1,473 to $2,020 per week.
Proposal Specialists in the US typically earn between $76,600 and $105,200 annually, with a median salary of around $90,520. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role.
Writing grant applications can be time-intensive, taking 30-50 hours for foundation grants, 60-80 hours for state grants, and at least 120 hours for complex federal grants. Considering the salary range for a Grants/Proposal Manager, which is between $76,600 and $105,200 annually, the hourly cost can vary significantly based on experience.
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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