Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. Salary in the United States

How much does a Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. in the United States is $168,370 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.

However, a Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $222,073
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $137,760 to $196,480
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $109,891
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View as table View as graph 25% $137,760 10% $109,891 90% $222,073 75% $196,480 $168,370 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $196,480 $16,373 $3,778 $94
Average $168,370 $14,031 $3,238 $81
25th Percentile $137,760 $11,480 $2,649 $66
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Key Factors That Influence Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. Salaries

A Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.'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.

How Experience Level Affects Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.'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:

  • College Resource Development Coordinator (2-4 years): $57,087
  • Educational Programs Sponsorship Manager (4-5 years): $110,703
  • Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. (5+ years): $168,365
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
College Resource Development Coordinator2-4 years$57,087
Educational Programs Sponsorship Manager4-5 years$110,703
Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.5+ years$168,365
$57,087 College R...
$110,703 Education...
$168,365 Head Deve...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. 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 Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $186,420.
  • California: $185,710.
  • Massachusetts: $183,240.

Top Paying Cities for Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.s

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: $212,360
  • San Francisco: $210,040
  • Oakland: $205,610

What Skills Can Increase a Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.'s Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 12.36% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Corporate Development (Mentioned in 1.12% Job Postings): Corporate development refers to the planning and execution of strategies to meet organizational objectives.
  • Event Management (Mentioned in 1.12% Job Postings): Setting up, designing, and hosting social and business events to boost the business's reputation and client base.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 12.36%
Corporate Development 1.12%
Event Management 1.12%
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 Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.'s salary.
  • Social Media Strategy: Can increase your salary by up to 46%.
  • Multimedia: Can increase your salary by up to 31%.
  • Crisis Response: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Social Media Strategy
 $245,820
46%
Multimedia
 $220,565
31%
Crisis Response
 $200,360
19%
Direct Marketing
 $200,360
19%
Data Analytics
 $188,574
12%
Change Management
 $188,574
12%
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Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $173,887. While startup companies pay approximate $148,517.

Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$148,517
Growth Stage51~500$156,710
Established501~5000$168,344
Enterprise5000+$173,887

Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Education, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. positions in Government typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Education$185,207$89.010%

How Education impacts a Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.'s Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.s enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $158,384 and $179,594).

Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 40.2%
High School 51.1%
Associates 8.7%
Bachelors 40.2%
Masters 51.1%
Doctorate 8.7%
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Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on July 01, 2026
$137,760
Average $168,370/year
$196,480
$11,480
Average $14,031/month
$16,373
$2,649
Average $3,238/week
$3,778
$66
Average $81/hour
$94
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $196,480 $16,373 $3,778 $94
Average $168,370 $14,031 $3,238 $81
25th Percentile $137,760 $11,480 $2,649 $66

Salaries of jobs related to Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.

Salary Trends for Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.

Salaries for a Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $159,023 in 2023 to around $143,641 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$159,023
2024
$152,696
2025
$143,641
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $159,023
2024 $152,696
2025 $143,641
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.

Here are companies hiring for Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Head Development Officer - Higher Ed.?

The Education industry offers the highest average compensation for Head Development Officer - Higher Ed. roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. How much does the head of R&D make in the US?

As of the latest data, the salary for a Head Development Officer in Higher Education in the United States ranges from $115,660 to $195,690 annually, with a median salary of $154,860. This reflects the competitive compensation for leadership roles in academic development.

3. Does education make a difference in salary for a CEO?

Education can influence salary, but the impact varies. For instance, a Head Development Officer in higher education typically earns between $115,660 and $195,690, with a median salary of $154,860. While some CEOs without degrees may earn more, the overall trend suggests that education can still play a role in compensation levels.

4. What does a chief development officer do?

A Chief Development Officer (CDO) is an executive responsible for the financial stability, fundraising, and growth of an organization, whether in business or non-profit sectors. In higher education, the role is crucial for securing funding and enhancing institutional development. Salaries for this position typically range from $115,660 to $195,690, with a median of $154,860.

5. What is a chief education officer?

A Chief Education Officer (CEO) is the top administrative leader within a Local Education Authority, responsible for overseeing educational policies and programs. This role is crucial in shaping the educational landscape and ensuring effective governance. Salaries for this position typically range from $115,660 to $195,690, with a median salary of $154,860.

6. Which PhD pays highest?

The highest-paying PhD is in fields related to higher education leadership, such as a Head Development Officer, with salaries ranging from $115,660 to $195,690. The median salary for this role is approximately $154,860, making it a lucrative option for those pursuing advanced degrees in educational administration or development.

7. How much does a CEO of a billion dollar company make?

The compensation for a Head Development Officer in higher education typically ranges from a minimum salary of $115,660 to a mid-salary of $154,860, with a maximum salary reaching $195,690. This reflects the increasing financial responsibilities and expectations associated with leadership roles in the sector.

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.

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