As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Emergency Services Director in the United States is $150,088 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, an Emergency Services Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Emergency Services 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Emergency Services 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Emergency Services Director | $139,832 |
| Intermediate Level Emergency Services Director | $141,333 |
| Senior Level Emergency Services Director | $143,334 |
| Specialist Level Emergency Services Director | $145,835 |
| Expert Level Emergency Services Director | $148,337 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Emergency Services Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 10.4% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.98% |
| Illustration | 1.49% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Influencing
|
$169,599 |
13%
|
|
Organizational Communications
|
$163,596 |
9%
|
|
Innovation
|
$162,095 |
8%
|
|
Clinical Care
|
$159,093 |
6%
|
|
Coaching
|
$157,592 |
5%
|
|
Strategic Planning
|
$157,592 |
5%
|
Emergency Services Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $159,405. While startup companies pay approximate $135,769.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $135,769 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $143,337 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $154,201 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $159,405 |
For Emergency Services Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Emergency Services Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Emergency Services Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $180,106 | $87.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Emergency Services Directors enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 Emergency Services Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $155,926 and $166,837).
Emergency Services Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 6.0% |
| Associates | 11.2% |
| Bachelors | 32.1% |
| Masters | 43.3% |
| Doctorate | 6.7% |
Understanding how an Emergency Services 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an Emergency Services Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $153,480 in 2023 to around $151,922 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Emergency Services Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $153,480 |
| 2024 | $154,226 |
| 2025 | $151,922 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Emergency Services 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, an Emergency Services Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Emergency Services Director is $189,306.
The highest pay for Emergency Services Director is $183,532.
The lowest pay for Emergency Services Director is $118,069.
Directs the staff and programs of the emergency services unit. Develops and introduces approved standards and guidelines for emergency service programs. Ensures quality care for patients. Role does not require M.D. 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.
The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Emergency Services Director roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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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