As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for an ESG Program Director in the United States is $169,690 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| ESG Program Manager | 10+ years | $112,900 |
| ESG Program Senior Manager | 10+ years | $141,489 |
| ESG Program Director | 10+ years | $169,690 |
| VP of ESG Program | 10+ years | $177,418 |
| SVP of ESG Program | 10+ years | $232,816 |
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 ESG Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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 March 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $218,631 | 29% |
| VP of ESG Program | $177,418 | 5% |
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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 $214,030.
The highest pay for ESG Program Director is $211,162.
The lowest pay for ESG Program Director is $124,300.
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.
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.)
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