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Hourly Wage for University Development Officer Salary in the United States

How much does an University Development Officer make hourly?

As of October 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an University Development Officer in the United States is $81, which translates to an annual salary of about $168,490.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $107 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66 to $95 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53 per hour
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence University Development Officer Salaries

An University Development Officer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do University Development Officer 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 University Development Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $186,590.
  • California: $185,790.
  • Massachusetts: $183,390.

Top Paying Cities for University Development Officers

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: $212,490
  • San Francisco: $210,190
  • Oakland: $205,790

What Skills Can Increase an University Development Officer'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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 12.36%
Corporate Development 1.12%
Event Management 1.12%
See More Skills

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 an University Development Officer'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 $245,995
46%
Multimedia $220,722
31%
Crisis Response $200,503
19%
Get Latest Data

University Development Officer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

University Development Officer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $173,919. While startup companies pay approximate $148,644.

University Development Officer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $148,644
Growth Stage 51~500 $156,833
Established 501~5000 $168,323
Enterprise 5000+ $173,919

University Development Officer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For University Development Officer 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, University Development Officer positions in Government typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view University Development Officer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an University Development Officer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Education$185,339$89.010%

How Education impacts an University Development Officer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many University Development Officers 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 an University Development Officer with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $158,400 and $179,627).

University Development Officer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for University Development Officer
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%
View as Graph

University Development Officer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an University Development Officer'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 October 01, 2026
$137,890
Average $168,490/year
$196,590
$11,491
Average $14,041/month
$16,383
$2,652
Average $3,240/week
$3,781
$66
Average $81/hour
$95
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $196,590 $16,383 $3,781 $95
Average $168,490 $14,041 $3,240 $81
25th Percentile $137,890 $11,491 $2,652 $66

Most common benefits for University Development Officer

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

Common company salaries for University Development Officer

Here are companies hiring for University Development Officer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about University Development Officer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for University Development Officer?

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

2. How much does a development officer make at Duke University?

The estimated total pay range for a University Development Officer is between $115,690 and $195,690 per year, with a mid-salary of $154,890. This range reflects the base salary and potential additional compensation.

3. What is the highest paying job?

The University Development Officer role offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $115,690, a mid-range salary of $154,890, and a maximum of $195,690. This position ranks among the higher-paying jobs, reflecting the importance of fundraising and alumni relations in higher education.

4. How much should a development officer raise?

While timelines vary and every nonprofit's situation is unique, a general rule of thumb suggests it might be reasonable to expect a development officer to raise their salary by around year two, and then aim for two to three times their salary by around year three. Given the salary data, this could mean starting from a minimum of $115,690 to potentially over $467,760 by year three.

5. What is the role of a development officer?

The Development Officer is responsible for developing and executing fundraising initiatives to support the organization's mission and goals. This role includes researching, prospecting, cultivating, and managing donor relationships, as well as coordinating fundraising activities. The salary for this position ranges from $115,690 to $195,690, with a midpoint of $154,890.

6. How much does a development officer II make?

A University Development Officer typically earns between $115,690 and $195,690 annually, with a mid-salary of $154,890. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities associated with the role.

7. What is a university development officer?

A University Development Officer is responsible for coordinating fundraising and alumni programs under the general supervision of the College President. The role typically offers a salary range from $115,690 to $195,690, with a midpoint of $154,890, reflecting the importance of their contributions to the college's financial growth and community engagement.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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