As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Executive Director, Development in the United States is $108,461 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, an Executive Director, Development's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Executive Director, Development'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 an Executive Director, Development'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 |
|---|---|
| Developme... Level Executive Director, Development | $76,802 |
| Developme... Level Executive Director, Development | $94,756 |
| Executive... Level Executive Director, Development | $107,216 |
| Developme... Level Executive Director, Development | $140,221 |
| VP of Dev... Level Executive Director, Development | $273,562 |
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 Executive Director, Developments. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 8.09% |
| Fund Development | 1.77% |
| Economics | 0.99% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$111,715 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$111,715 |
3%
|
|
Business Development
|
$110,630 |
2%
|
|
Commitment
|
$110,630 |
2%
|
|
Salesforce
|
$110,630 |
2%
|
|
Presentation
|
$110,630 |
2%
|
For Executive Director, Development 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, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Executive Director, Development positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Executive Director, Development as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $119,307 | $57.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Executive Director, Developments 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 an Executive Director, Development with a Bachelor's Degree is between $124,811 and $142,592).
Executive Director, Development Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 3.1% |
| Associates | 2.7% |
| Bachelors | 49.7% |
| Masters | 39.8% |
| Doctorate | 4.6% |
Understanding how an Executive Director, Development'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 an Executive Director, Development can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $99,390 in 2023 to around $99,271 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Executive Director, Development salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $99,390 |
| 2024 | $99,738 |
| 2025 | $99,271 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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