As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Activity Director in the United States is $107,875 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Certified Activity Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Certified Activity 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Activity 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Activity Director | $103,054 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Activity Director | $104,166 |
| Senior Level Certified Activity Director | $105,650 |
| Specialist Level Certified Activity Director | $107,875 |
| Expert Level Certified Activity Director | $110,656 |
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 Certified Activity Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 12.21% |
| Programming | 1.97% |
| CPR | 1.29% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$124,056 |
15%
|
|
Program Management
|
$122,978 |
14%
|
|
Financial Management
|
$121,899 |
13%
|
|
Service Quality
|
$119,741 |
11%
|
|
Presentation
|
$118,663 |
10%
|
|
Regulatory Compliance
|
$117,584 |
9%
|
For Certified Activity Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Certified Activity Director positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Certified Activity Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $118,663 | $57.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Certified Activity 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Certified Activity Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $127,551 in 2023 to around $123,792 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Certified Activity Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $127,551 |
| 2024 | $124,928 |
| 2025 | $123,792 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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