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ESG Program Director Salary in the United States

How much does an ESG Program Director make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an ESG Program Director in the United States is $169,998 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.

However, an ESG Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $215,157
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $136,614 to $193,636
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $106,220
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence ESG Program Director Salaries

An ESG Program 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 ESG Program Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an ESG Program 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:

  • ESG Program Manager (10+ years): $112,956
  • ESG Program Senior Manager (10+ years): $141,422
  • ESG Program Director (10+ years): $169,998
  • VP of ESG Program (10+ years): $177,291
  • SVP of ESG Program (10+ years): $232,781
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
ESG Program Manager10+ years$112,956
ESG Program Senior Manager10+ years$141,422
ESG Program Director10+ years$169,998
VP of ESG Program10+ years$177,291
SVP of ESG Program10+ years$232,781
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How Do ESG Program 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 ESG Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $188,222.
  • California: $187,508.
  • Massachusetts: $185,009.

Top Paying Cities for ESG Program 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: $214,418
  • San Francisco: $212,071
  • Oakland: $207,602

ESG Program Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

ESG Program Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $190,303. While startup companies pay approximate $160,992.

ESG Program Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $160,992
Growth Stage 51~500 $170,268
Established 501~5000 $183,771
Enterprise 5000+ $190,303

ESG Program Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For ESG Program Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, ESG Program Director positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view ESG Program Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an ESG Program Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$186,998$90.010%

ESG Program Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an ESG Program 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
$136,614
Average $169,998/year
$193,636
$11,385
Average $14,167/month
$16,136
$2,627
Average $3,269/week
$3,724
$66
Average $82/hour
$93
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $193,636 $16,136 $3,724 $93
Average $169,998 $14,167 $3,269 $82
25th Percentile $136,614 $11,385 $2,627 $66

ESG Program Director Salary Growth & Career Path

ESG Program Director

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an ESG Program 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
Corporate Secretary $218,693 29%
VP of ESG Program $177,291 4%

Most common benefits for ESG Program Director

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

Common company salaries for ESG Program Director

Here are companies hiring for ESG Program Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about ESG Program Director

1. Where can an ESG Program Director earn the most?

An ESG Program 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 ESG Program Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an ESG Program Director is $214,418.

2. What is the highest pay for ESG Program Director?

The highest pay for ESG Program Director is $215,157.

3. What is the lowest pay for ESG Program Director?

The lowest pay for ESG Program Director is $106,220.

4. What are the responsibilities of ESG Program Director?

Directs the ESG function and establishes the strategic vision and governance framework to advance sustainability and ethical business performance. Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of ESG policies, procedures, and SOPs to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations, global standards, and corporate priorities. Directs ESG data strategy, reporting, and assurance processes to provide insights and recommendations to drive accountability and transparency. Partners with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders to embed responsible practices across organizations. Identifies emerging risks and opportunities, monitors performance metrics, and champions ESG programs to strengthen long-term value and reputation. Requires a bachelor's 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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for ESG Program Director?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for ESG Program Director roles, with salaries approximately 10% 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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