Salary AI Book a Demo

Dean of Graduate Programs Salary in the United States

How much does a Dean of Graduate Programs make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Dean of Graduate Programs in the United States is $165,087 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.

However, a Dean of Graduate Programs's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $193,001
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $145,431 to $179,698
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $127,535
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Dean of Graduate Programs Salaries

A Dean of Graduate Programs'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 Dean of Graduate Programs Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Dean of Graduate Programs'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $153,059
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $154,819
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $157,753
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $160,686
  • Expert (over 8 years): $165,523
Levels Salary
Entry Level Dean of Graduate Programs$153,059
Intermediate Level Dean of Graduate Programs$154,819
Senior Level Dean of Graduate Programs$157,753
Specialist Level Dean of Graduate Programs$160,686
Expert Level Dean of Graduate Programs$165,523
View as Graph

How Do Dean of Graduate Programs 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 Dean of Graduate Programs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $182,784.
  • California: $182,091.
  • Massachusetts: $179,664.

Top Paying Cities for Dean of Graduate Programs

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: $208,224
  • San Francisco: $205,944
  • Oakland: $201,604

Dean of Graduate Programs Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Dean of Graduate Programs salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $170,370. While startup companies pay approximate $145,577.

Dean of Graduate Programs Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $145,577
Growth Stage 51~500 $153,594
Established 501~5000 $164,930
Enterprise 5000+ $170,370

Dean of Graduate Programs Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Dean of Graduate Programs roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation -5% above the average. Conversely, Dean of Graduate Programs positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Dean of Graduate Programs as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Dean of Graduate Programs

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg

How Education impacts an Dean of Graduate Programs's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Dean of Graduate Programs 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 Dean of Graduate Programs with a Bachelor's Degree is between $157,065 and $175,068.

Dean of Graduate Programs Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Dean of Graduate Programs
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 16.7%
High School 83.3%
Associates 0.0%
Bachelors 0.0%
Masters 16.7%
Doctorate 83.3%
View as Graph

Dean of Graduate Programs Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Dean of Graduate Programs'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
$145,431
Average $165,087/year
$179,698
$12,119
Average $13,757/month
$14,975
$2,797
Average $3,175/week
$3,456
$70
Average $79/hour
$86
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $179,698 $14,975 $3,456 $86
Average $165,087 $13,757 $3,175 $79
25th Percentile $145,431 $12,119 $2,797 $70

Most common benefits for Dean of Graduate Programs

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

Common company salaries for Dean of Graduate Programs

Here are companies hiring for Dean of Graduate Programs and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Dean of Graduate Programs Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Dean of Graduate Programs 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 Dean of Graduate Programs

1. Where can a Dean of Graduate Programs earn the most?

A Dean of Graduate Programs'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 Dean of Graduate Programs earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Dean of Graduate Programs is $208,224.

2. What is the highest pay for Dean of Graduate Programs?

The highest pay for Dean of Graduate Programs is $193,001.

3. What is the lowest pay for Dean of Graduate Programs?

The lowest pay for Dean of Graduate Programs is $127,535.

4. What are the responsibilities of Dean of Graduate Programs?

Manages the administrative and operational functions of graduate programs. Develops strategic initiatives and participates in long-term planning and policy setting. Provides senior level leadership in areas of curriculum development, institutional assessment, and faculty development. Ensures academic standards are met and align with institutional goals. Requires an advanced degree. Typically reports to senior 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.

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