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Government Affairs Director Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Government Affairs Director make in District of Columbia?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Government Affairs Director in District of Columbia is $236,475 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $114.

However, a Government Affairs Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $287,387
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $209,865 to $263,124
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $185,639
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Government Affairs Director Salaries

A Government Affairs 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 Government Affairs Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Government Affairs 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:

  • Government Affairs Manager (10+ years): $166,691
  • Government Affairs Senior Manager (10+ years): $216,404
  • Government Affairs Director (10+ years): $236,475
  • Government Affairs Senior Director (10+ years): $293,966
  • SVP of Government Affairs (10+ years): $362,318
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Government Affairs Manager10+ years$166,691
Government Affairs Senior Manager10+ years$216,404
Government Affairs Director10+ years$236,475
Government Affairs Senior Director10+ years$293,966
SVP of Government Affairs10+ years$362,318
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How Do Government Affairs 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 Government Affairs Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $236,475.
  • California: $235,578.
  • Massachusetts: $232,438.

Top Paying Cities for Government Affairs 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:

  • Parcel Return Service: $235,191
  • Washington: $235,193
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $235,183

Government Affairs Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Government Affairs Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $264,720. While startup companies pay approximate $223,947.

Government Affairs Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $223,947
Growth Stage 51~500 $236,850
Established 501~5000 $255,634
Enterprise 5000+ $264,720

Government Affairs Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Government Affairs Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Government Affairs Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Government Affairs Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Government Affairs Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$277,653$133.030%
Financial Services$266,974$128.025%
Healthcare$256,295$123.020%
Pharmaceuticals$245,616$118.015%
Biotechnology$234,937$113.010%

Government Affairs Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Government Affairs 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
$209,865
Average $236,475/year
$263,124
$17,489
Average $19,706/month
$21,927
$4,036
Average $4,548/week
$5,060
$101
Average $114/hour
$127
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $263,124 $21,927 $5,060 $127
Average $236,475 $19,706 $4,548 $114
25th Percentile $209,865 $17,489 $4,036 $101

Government Affairs Director Salary Growth & Career Path

Government Affairs Director

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Advancement

For a Government Affairs Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the VP of Government Affairs role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $293,966 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.

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Cost of Living In District of Columbia

Cost of Living in District of Columbia is
10.7% Higher
than the National Average

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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