As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. in the United States is $95,468 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed.'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $111,378 | $9,282 | $2,142 | $54 |
| Average | $95,468 | $7,956 | $1,836 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,431 | $6,786 | $1,566 | $39 |
A Corporate Relations Manager - 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Corporate Relations Manager - 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. | $90,230 |
| Intermediate Level Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. | $90,859 |
| Senior Level Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. | $92,954 |
| Specialist Level Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. | $95,468 |
| Expert Level Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. | $99,505 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Emotional Intelligence | 10% |
| Community Relations | 10% |
| Fundraising | 10% |
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 Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed.'s salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | $100,241 | |
| Initiative | $98,332 | |
| Leadership | $98,332 |
Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $98,523. While startup companies pay approximate $84,185.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $84,185 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $88,822 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $95,377 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $98,523 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. 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 Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. with a Bachelor's Degree is between $94,557 and $105,601.
| Typical Education for Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 43.4% |
| Associates | 1.3% |
| Bachelors | 43.4% |
| Masters | 50.0% |
| Doctorate | 5.3% |
Understanding how a Corporate Relations Manager - 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $111,378 | $9,282 | $2,142 | $54 |
| Average | $95,468 | $7,956 | $1,836 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,431 | $6,786 | $1,566 | $39 |
For a Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed., the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Development - Higher Ed. role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $168,391 - a projected growth of 76% over your current level.
Salaries for a Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $85,116 in 2023 to around $82,778 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $85,116 |
| 2024 | $85,045 |
| 2025 | $82,778 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed.'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 Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. is $120,414.
The highest pay for Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. is $125,863.
The lowest pay for Corporate Relations Manager - Higher Ed. is $68,651.
Plans and executes the institution's public relations and fundraising programs. Identifies and solicits corporations and private foundations. Builds and sustains long-term partnerships and relationships to obtain corporate and foundation monetary support. Develops compelling proposals for new prospects and oversees the solicitation of gifts and grants. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
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