As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Financial Aid Manager in the United States is $65,425 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a Financial Aid Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Financial Aid Manager'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 Financial Aid Manager'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 Financial Aid Manager | $60,991 |
| Intermediate Level Financial Aid Manager | $61,523 |
| Senior Level Financial Aid Manager | $65,425 |
| Specialist Level Financial Aid Manager | $67,919 |
| Expert Level Financial Aid Manager | $68,259 |
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 Financial Aid Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Financial Aid Managers 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 a Financial Aid Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $65,146 and $71,556).
Financial Aid Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.2% |
| High School | 3.2% |
| Associates | 2.2% |
| Bachelors | 40.9% |
| Masters | 51.6% |
| Doctorate | 2.2% |
Understanding how a Financial Aid Manager'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 January 01, 2026For a Financial Aid Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Financial Aid Director - Higher Ed. role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $96,971 - a projected growth of 48% over your current level.
Salaries for a Financial Aid Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $64,476 in 2023 to around $64,494 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Financial Aid Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $64,476 |
| 2024 | $64,806 |
| 2025 | $64,494 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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A Financial Aid Manager'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 Financial Aid Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Financial Aid Manager is $82,521.
The highest pay for Financial Aid Manager is $79,937.
The lowest pay for Financial Aid Manager is $42,723.
Manages the operations of the student financial aid program. Monitors the counseling of students and parents on the financial aid process. Maintains records of scholarships, grants, and other monetary assistance. Has knowledge of available private, state, and federal financial aid programs. 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.
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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