As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Youth Development Professional in the United States is $50,115 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Youth Development Professional's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Youth Development Professional'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 Youth Development Professional'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 Youth Development Professional | $49,292 |
| Intermediate Level Youth Development Professional | $49,527 |
| Senior Level Youth Development Professional | $52,368 |
| Specialist Level Youth Development Professional | $55,107 |
| Expert Level Youth Development Professional | $55,303 |
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 Youth Development Professionals. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.64% |
| CPR | 5.18% |
| Tutoring | 3.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Conflict Resolution
|
$53,623 |
7%
|
|
Project Management
|
$52,621 |
5%
|
|
Coordination
|
$52,621 |
5%
|
|
Budgeting
|
$52,621 |
5%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$52,621 |
5%
|
|
Analysis
|
$52,120 |
4%
|
For Youth Development Professional roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Youth Development Professional positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Youth Development Professional as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $65,150 | $31.0 | 30% |
| Healthcare | $55,127 | $27.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $55,127 | $27.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Youth Development Professionals 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 Youth Development Professional with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,398 and $60,944).
Youth Development Professional Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 7.3% |
| Associates | 7.3% |
| Bachelors | 37.9% |
| Masters | 43.5% |
| Doctorate | 2.4% |
Understanding how a Youth Development Professional'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 Youth Development Professional can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,342 in 2023 to around $52,167 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Youth Development Professional salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,342 |
| 2024 | $52,590 |
| 2025 | $52,167 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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