As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Student Activities Manager in the United States is $53,992 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Student Activities Coordinator | 0-2 years | $49,066 |
| Student Activities Manager | 2-5 years | $53,992 |
| Student Activities Director | 5+ years | $61,355 |
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 Student Activities Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 13.55% |
| Administrative Support | 2.39% |
| Security Policy | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Decision Making
|
$60,471 |
12%
|
|
Security Policy
|
$59,931 |
11%
|
|
Social Work
|
$58,311 |
8%
|
|
Accountability
|
$57,232 |
6%
|
|
Workday
|
$57,232 |
6%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$57,232 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Student Activities 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 Student Activities Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $53,824 and $58,083).
Student Activities Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
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 April 01, 2026Promotions 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 | $61,355 | 14% |
| International Student Affairs Director | $64,102 | 19% |
| Campus Recreation Senior Manager | $68,880 | 28% |
| VP of Student Affairs | $149,975 | 178% |
Salaries for a Student Activities Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,185 in 2023 to around $53,119 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Student Activities Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,185 |
| 2024 | $53,763 |
| 2025 | $53,119 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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 $68,100.
The highest pay for Student Activities Manager is $67,266.
The lowest pay for Student Activities Manager is $40,027.
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.
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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