As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a First Assistant Director in the United States is $57,297 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a First Assistant Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A First Assistant 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a First Assistant 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 First Assistant Director | $54,257 |
| Intermediate Level First Assistant Director | $54,536 |
| Senior Level First Assistant Director | $55,929 |
| Specialist Level First Assistant Director | $59,020 |
| Expert Level First Assistant Director | $60,168 |
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 First Assistant Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many First Assistant Directors 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 First Assistant Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $60,261 and $66,909).
First Assistant Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 40.0% |
| High School | 40.0% |
| Associates | 20.0% |
| Bachelors | 40.0% |
| Masters | 40.0% |
| Doctorate | 20.0% |
Understanding how a First Assistant 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a First Assistant Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $55,162 in 2023 to around $55,633 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of First Assistant Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $55,162 |
| 2024 | $55,912 |
| 2025 | $55,633 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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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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