Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

VP of Business Development Salary in the United States

How much does a VP of Business Development make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a VP of Business Development in the United States is $271,011 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $130.

However, a VP of Business Development's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $303,370
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $251,730 to $287,949
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $234,176
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence VP of Business Development Salaries

A VP of Business Development'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 VP of Business Development Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a VP of Business Development'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:

  • Business Development Manager, Sr. (5+ years): $174,054
  • Business Development Director (5+ years): $210,767
  • VP of Business Development (5+ years): $271,011
  • SVP of Business Development (5+ years): $321,041
  • Chief Business Development Officer (5+ years): $430,555
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Business Development Manager, Sr.5+ years$174,054
Business Development Director5+ years$210,767
VP of Business Development5+ years$271,011
SVP of Business Development5+ years$321,041
Chief Business Development Officer5+ years$430,555
View as Graph

How Do VP of Business Developments 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 VP of Business Developments. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $300,063.
  • California: $298,925.
  • Massachusetts: $294,941.

Top Paying Cities for VP of Business Development

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: $341,826
  • San Francisco: $338,084
  • Oakland: $330,959

VP of Business Development Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

VP of Business Development salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $303,381. While startup companies pay approximate $256,653.

VP of Business Development Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $256,653
Growth Stage 51~500 $271,441
Established 501~5000 $292,968
Enterprise 5000+ $303,381

VP of Business Development Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For VP of Business Development roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, VP of Business Development positions in Hospitality & Leisure or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view VP of Business Development as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a VP of Business Development

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$325,213$156.020%
Aerospace & Defense$311,663$150.015%
Pharmaceuticals$311,663$150.015%
Biotechnology$298,112$143.010%
Energy & Utilities$298,112$143.010%

How Education impacts an VP of Business Development's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many VP of Business Development enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an VP of Business Development with a Bachelor's Degree is between $246,009 and $260,905.

VP of Business Development Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for VP of Business Development
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 8.6%
High School 8.6%
Associates 0.9%
Bachelors 31.0%
Masters 49.1%
Doctorate 10.3%
View as Graph

VP of Business Development Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a VP of Business Development'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 August 01, 2026
$251,730
Average $271,011/year
$287,949
$20,978
Average $22,584/month
$23,996
$4,841
Average $5,212/week
$5,537
$121
Average $130/hour
$138
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $287,949 $23,996 $5,537 $138
Average $271,011 $22,584 $5,212 $130
25th Percentile $251,730 $20,978 $4,841 $121

VP of Business Development Salary Growth & Career Path

VP of Business Development

Next Role

Advancement

For a VP of Business Development, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the SVP of Business Development role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $321,041 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Most common benefits for VP of Business Development

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

Common company salaries for VP of Business Development

Here are companies hiring for VP of Business Development and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next VP of Business Development Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current VP of Business Development job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about VP of Business Development

1. Where can a VP of Business Development earn the most?

A VP of Business Development's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a VP of Business Development earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a VP of Business Development is $341,826.

2. What is the highest pay for VP of Business Development?

The highest pay for VP of Business Development is $303,370.

3. What is the lowest pay for VP of Business Development?

The lowest pay for VP of Business Development is $234,176.

4. What are the responsibilities of VP of Business Development?

Directs the development and execution of the business development vision, strategy, plans, and processes that will drive sales, increase revenue, expand markets, and accomplish financial objectives. Identifies and evaluates new markets, partners, channels, and customers. Develops a wide network of contacts to keep informed about current and future industry and market actions. Researches and analyzes the business environment, competitors, and customers to develop ideas for new products and services, pricing, and business models. Directs financial feasibility studies, proposal development, and negotiations for new business opportunities. Collaborates with marketing, sales, product development, and other stakeholders to support business development plans. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for VP of Business Development?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for VP of Business Development roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job