upper level job

Grant Administrator I Salary in the United States

How much does a Grant Administrator I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Grant Administrator I in the United States is $57,629 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a Grant Administrator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $64,917
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,586 to $61,444
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,084

Key Factors That Influence Grant Administrator I Salaries

A Grant Administrator I'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 Grant Administrator I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Grant Administrator I'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:

  • Grant Administrator I (0-2 years): $57,629
  • Grant Administrator II (2-4 years): $76,833
  • Grant Administrator III (4-7 years): $84,501
  • Grant Administrator IV (7+ years): $103,684
  • Grant Administration Supervisor (7+ years): $81,816
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Grant Administrator I0-2 years$57,629
Grant Administrator II2-4 years$76,833
Grant Administrator III4-7 years$84,501
Grant Administrator IV7+ years$103,684
Grant Administration Supervisor7+ years$81,816

How Do Grant Administrator Is 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 Grant Administrator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $63,807.
  • California: $63,565.
  • Massachusetts: $62,718.

Top Paying Cities for Grant Administrator I

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: $72,687
  • San Francisco: $71,892
  • Oakland: $70,377

Grant Administrator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Grant Administrator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $63,049. While startup companies pay approximate $53,506.

Grant Administrator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $53,506
Growth Stage 51~500 $56,543
Established 501~5000 $60,928
Enterprise 5000+ $63,049

Grant Administrator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Grant Administrator I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Grant Administrator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Grant Administrator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Grant Administrator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$74,918$36.030%
Healthcare$69,155$33.020%

Grant Administrator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Grant Administrator I'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
$51,586
Average $57,629/year
$61,444
$4,299
Average $4,802/month
$5,120
$992
Average $1,108/week
$1,182
$25
Average $28/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,444 $5,120 $1,182 $30
Average $57,629 $4,802 $1,108 $28
25th Percentile $51,586 $4,299 $992 $25

Grant Administrator I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Grant Administrator I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Grant Administrator II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $76,833 - a projected growth of 33% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Grant Administrator I

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

Common company salaries for Grant Administrator I

Here are companies hiring for Grant Administrator I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Grant Administrator I

1. Where can a Grant Administrator I earn the most?

A Grant Administrator I'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 Grant Administrator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Grant Administrator I is $72,687.

2. What is the highest pay for Grant Administrator I?

The highest pay for Grant Administrator I is $64,917.

3. What is the lowest pay for Grant Administrator I?

The lowest pay for Grant Administrator I is $46,084.

4. What are the responsibilities of Grant Administrator I?

Administers the financial control processes of grant activity throughout the grant lifecycle for awarded or received grants to ensure compliance with grant provisions, regulations, standards, timelines, and reporting requirements. Monitors grantee management and disbursement of funds and reviews grantee programs for compliance with the terms of grants. Prepares and submits financial reporting and performs accounting tasks related to managing grant funding received. Tracks and reconciles grant account budgets and expenses. Submits any additional information or documentation required by the grant funder. Follows grant accounting best practices and complies with legal regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Grant Administrator I?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Grant Administrator I roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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