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Student Activities Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Student Activities Manager make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Student Activities Manager in the United States is $54,012 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, a Student Activities Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $67,318
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,762 to $60,977
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,161
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Student Activities Manager Salaries

A Student Activities 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.

How Experience Level Affects Student Activities Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Student Activities 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:

  • Student Activities Coordinator (0-2 years): $49,071
  • Student Activities Manager (2-5 years): $54,012
  • Student Activities Director (5+ years): $73,102
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Student Activities Coordinator0-2 years$49,071
Student Activities Manager2-5 years$54,012
Student Activities Director5+ years$73,102
View as Graph

How Do Student Activities Manager 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 Student Activities Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $59,802.
  • California: $59,575.
  • Massachusetts: $58,781.

Top Paying Cities for Student Activities Managers

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: $68,125
  • San Francisco: $67,379
  • Oakland: $65,959

What Skills Can Increase a Student Activities Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 13.55% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Administrative Support (Mentioned in 2.39% Job Postings): Administrative support means technical assistance, studies, surveys, or securing volunteers to assist the department in fulfilling its administrative responsibilities.
  • Security Policy (Mentioned in 1.59% Job Postings): A security policy is a document that states in writing how a company plans to protect its physical and information technology (IT) assets.
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 13.55%
Administrative Support 2.39%
Security Policy 1.59%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Student Activities Manager's salary.

  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Security Policy: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Social Work: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Decision Making $60,493
12%
Security Policy $59,953
11%
Social Work $58,333
8%
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Student Activities Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Student Activities Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $55,763. While startup companies pay approximate $47,619.

Student Activities Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $47,619
Growth Stage 51~500 $50,252
Established 501~5000 $53,970
Enterprise 5000+ $55,763

How Education impacts a Student Activities Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Student Activities Manager enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Student Activities Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $53,824 and $58,083.

Student Activities Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Student Activities Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.0%
High School 10.0%
Associates 10.0%
Bachelors 35.0%
Masters 50.0%
Doctorate 0.0%
View as Graph

Student Activities Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Student Activities 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 September 01, 2026
$46,762
Average $54,012/year
$60,977
$3,897
Average $4,501/month
$5,081
$899
Average $1,039/week
$1,173
$22
Average $26/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $60,977 $5,081 $1,173 $29
Average $54,012 $4,501 $1,039 $26
25th Percentile $46,762 $3,897 $899 $22

Student Activities Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Student Activities Manager

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Student Activities Manager, 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
Student Activities Director $73,102 35%
International Student Affairs Director $64,107 19%
Campus Recreation Senior Manager $68,930 28%
VP of Student Affairs $150,096 178%

Most common benefits for Student Activities Manager

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

Common company salaries for Student Activities Manager

Here are companies hiring for Student Activities Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Student Activities Manager

1. Where can a Student Activities Manager earn the most?

A Student Activities 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 Student Activities Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Student Activities Manager is $68,125.

2. What is the highest pay for Student Activities Manager?

The highest pay for Student Activities Manager is $67,318.

3. What is the lowest pay for Student Activities Manager?

The lowest pay for Student Activities Manager is $40,161.

4. What are the responsibilities of Student Activities Manager?

Manages and oversees the extracurricular activities and events at a university/college. Plans, organizes, and supervises a wide range of events and programs designed to enhance student life and engagement. Collaborates with other departments and stakeholders, including student life staff, faculty advisors, and external vendors, to ensure the success of programs and events. 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.

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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