As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Day Program Director in the United States is $109,495 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, a Day Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Day Program 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.
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 Day Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.12% |
| Menu Development | 2.04% |
| Food Handling | 1.58% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Expense Management
|
$113,875 |
4%
|
|
Listening
|
$113,875 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$113,875 |
4%
|
|
Merchandising
|
$113,875 |
4%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$113,875 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$113,875 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Day Program Directors enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Day Program Director with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $97,611 and $108,761).
Day Program Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 22.0% |
| Associates | 17.3% |
| Bachelors | 52.3% |
| Masters | 6.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Day Program 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 March 01, 2026Salaries for a Day Program Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $80,309 in 2023 to around $76,914 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Day Program Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $80,309 |
| 2024 | $78,151 |
| 2025 | $76,914 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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