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Community Relations Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Community Relations Director make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Community Relations Director in the United States is $184,373 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $89.

However, a Community Relations Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $212,491
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $160,715 to $199,091
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $139,176
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Community Relations Director Salaries

A Community Relations Director'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Community Relations Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Community Relations Director'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:

  • Community Relations Specialist V (7-10 years): $152,403
  • Community Relations Manager (10+ years): $108,350
  • Community Relations Senior Manager (10+ years): $156,455
  • Community Relations Director (10+ years): $184,373
  • VP of Community Relations (10+ years): $252,117
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Community Relations Specialist V7-10 years$152,403
Community Relations Manager10+ years$108,350
Community Relations Senior Manager10+ years$156,455
Community Relations Director10+ years$184,373
VP of Community Relations10+ years$252,117
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How Do Community Relations Directors 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 Community Relations Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $204,138.
  • California: $203,363.
  • Massachusetts: $200,653.

Top Paying Cities for Community Relations Director

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: $232,550
  • San Francisco: $230,003
  • Oakland: $225,156

Community Relations Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Community Relations Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $206,395. While startup companies pay approximate $174,605.

Community Relations Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $174,605
Growth Stage 51~500 $184,666
Established 501~5000 $199,311
Enterprise 5000+ $206,395

Community Relations Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Community Relations Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, Community Relations Director positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Community Relations Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Community Relations Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$224,935$108.022%
Internet$217,560$105.018%
Biotechnology$212,029$102.015%
Healthcare$212,029$102.015%
Insurance$206,498$99.012%

Community Relations Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Community Relations Director'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
$160,715
Average $184,373/year
$199,091
$13,393
Average $15,364/month
$16,591
$3,091
Average $3,546/week
$3,829
$77
Average $89/hour
$96
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $199,091 $16,591 $3,829 $96
Average $184,373 $15,364 $3,546 $89
25th Percentile $160,715 $13,393 $3,091 $77

Community Relations Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Community Relations Director

Next Role

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Community Relations Director, 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
VP of Community Relations $252,117 37%
VP of Public Relations $252,934 37%

Most common benefits for Community Relations Director

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

Common company salaries for Community Relations Director

Here are companies hiring for Community Relations Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Community Relations Director

1. Where can a Community Relations Director earn the most?

A Community Relations Director'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 Community Relations Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Community Relations Director is $232,550.

2. What is the highest pay for Community Relations Director?

The highest pay for Community Relations Director is $212,491.

3. What is the lowest pay for Community Relations Director?

The lowest pay for Community Relations Director is $139,176.

4. What are the responsibilities of Community Relations Director?

Directs the community relations strategy and programs designed to promote and represent the organization and brand as a socially responsible force in the community. Oversees the planning of outreach programs that engage, support, and partner with the community and produce a positive impact to address local issues. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop clear objectives and deliver meaningful and measurable results. Supports community relations programs' entire life cycle, including coordinating events, managing volunteers, and executing grant proposals. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Community Relations Director?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Community Relations Director roles, with salaries approximately 22% 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.

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