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Permitting/Licensing Specialist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Permitting/Licensing Specialist I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Permitting/Licensing Specialist I in the United States is $71,260 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,264
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,700 to $78,590
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,459

Key Factors That Influence Permitting/Licensing Specialist I Salaries

A Permitting/Licensing Specialist I'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 Permitting/Licensing Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Permitting/Licensing Specialist I'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:

  • Permitting/Licensing Specialist I (0-2 years): $71,258
  • Intermediate Regulatory Affairs Specialist (2-4 years): $84,401
  • Permitting/Licensing Specialist III (4-7 years): $103,930
  • Permitting/Licensing Specialist IV (7+ years): $131,314
  • Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance (7+ years): $151,148
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Permitting/Licensing Specialist I0-2 years$71,258
Intermediate Regulatory Affairs Specialist2-4 years$84,401
Permitting/Licensing Specialist III4-7 years$103,930
Permitting/Licensing Specialist IV7+ years$131,314
Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance7+ years$151,148

Top Paying Cities for Permitting/Licensing 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: $89,880
  • San Francisco: $88,900
  • Oakland: $87,030

What Skills Can Increase a Permitting/Licensing Specialist I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 3.2% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Clinical Research (Mentioned in 2.87% Job Postings): Clinical research is a branch of healthcare science that determines the safety and effectiveness (efficacy) of medications, devices, diagnostic products and treatment regimens intended for human use. These may be used for prevention, treatment, diagnosis or for relieving symptoms of a disease. Clinical research is different from clinical practice. In clinical practice established treatments are used, while in clinical research evidence is collected to establish a treatment.
  • Product Registration (Mentioned in 1.51% Job Postings): Product registration is the activity that adapts the product to the legislation. It is the process done before marketing for the product to be evaluated and become fit for marketing.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 3.2%
Clinical Research 2.87%
Product Registration 1.51%

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 Permitting/Licensing Specialist I's salary.

  • Product Registration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Quality Management System: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Change Control: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Product Registration $74,823
5%
Quality Management System $74,823
5%
Change Control $74,823
5%

Permitting/Licensing Specialist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Permitting/Licensing Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $79,636. While startup companies pay approximate $67,364.

Permitting/Licensing Specialist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $67,364
Growth Stage 51~500 $71,244
Established 501~5000 $76,899
Enterprise 5000+ $79,636

Permitting/Licensing Specialist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Permitting/Licensing Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 95% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Permitting/Licensing Specialist positions in Financial Services or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Permitting/Licensing Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Permitting/Licensing Specialist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$99,764$48.040%
Software & Networking$92,638$45.030%
Biotechnology$89,075$43.025%
Energy & Utilities$85,512$41.020%
Healthcare$81,949$39.015%

How Education impacts a Permitting/Licensing Specialist I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Permitting/Licensing 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 Permitting/Licensing Specialist I with a Associate's Degree is between $63,528 and $68,686).

Permitting/Licensing Specialist I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Permitting/Licensing Specialist I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 4.3%
High School 4.3%
Associates 5.8%
Bachelors 46.5%
Masters 34.9%
Doctorate 8.5%

Permitting/Licensing Specialist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Permitting/Licensing 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
$67,700
Average $71,260/year
$78,590
$5,642
Average $5,938/month
$6,549
$1,302
Average $1,370/week
$1,511
$33
Average $34/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,590 $6,549 $1,511 $38
Average $71,260 $5,938 $1,370 $34
25th Percentile $67,700 $5,642 $1,302 $33

Permitting/Licensing Specialist I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Permitting/Licensing 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.

Permitting/Licensing Specialist I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Compliance Documentation Specialist II $79,800 12%
Intermediate Regulatory Affairs Specialist $84,500 19%
Product Regulations Specialist II $77,400 9%

Most common benefits for Permitting/Licensing Specialist I

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

Common company salaries for Permitting/Licensing Specialist I

Here are companies hiring for Permitting/Licensing Specialist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Permitting/Licensing Specialist I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Permitting/Licensing Specialist I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Permitting/Licensing Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. How to become a license and permit specialist?

To become a licensing and permit specialist, you need a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, and pass a criminal record check. This role involves public communication, so strong communication skills are essential. The salary for this position ranges from $61,370 to $78,520, with a median salary of $69,540, reflecting the importance of experience in processing forms.

3. How to become a licensing agent?

To become a licensing agent, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field like business, law, marketing, engineering, or arts. The salary for a Permitting/Licensing Specialist ranges from $61,370 to $78,520, with a median salary of $69,540. Gaining experience and knowledge in regulations and compliance can enhance your career prospects.

4. How much do licensing agents make?

Licensing Agents typically earn between $61,370 and $78,520 annually, with a median salary of around $69,540. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $29.49 to $37.75, depending on experience and location.

5. Do specialists get paid well?

On average, Permitting/Licensing Specialists earn between $61,370 and $78,520 annually, with a median salary of $69,540. This reflects the additional training and expertise required for the role, indicating that specialists are compensated well compared to many other positions.

6. What is a licensed specialist?

A licensing specialist is a professional who advises and assists clients in obtaining, maintaining, and managing various types of licenses, including intellectual property and regulatory licenses. The salary for this role typically ranges from $61,370 to $78,520, with a mid-point salary of $69,540, reflecting the specialist's expertise and responsibilities.

7. How do I become an environmental permitting specialist?

To become an environmental permitting specialist, you typically need a B.S. or B.A. in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, or a related field, along with 5-10 years of experience. Prior experience in federal, state, and local permitting is essential. The salary for this role ranges from $61,370 to $78,520, with a median salary of $69,540.

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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