As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for an Executive Director in the United States is $146,126 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $70.
However, an Executive Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Executive 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 Executive Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 8.79% |
| Support Services | 2.85% |
| AIM | 2.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Budgeting
|
$166,584 |
14%
|
|
Impact and Influence
|
$157,816 |
8%
|
|
Presentation
|
$157,816 |
8%
|
|
Group Therapy
|
$156,355 |
7%
|
|
AIM
|
$156,355 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$156,355 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Executive 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 an Executive Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $135,278 and $146,585).
Executive Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.4% |
| High School | 4.4% |
| Associates | 2.9% |
| Bachelors | 17.6% |
| Masters | 66.2% |
| Doctorate | 8.8% |
Understanding how an Executive 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 June 01, 2026Salaries for an Executive Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $109,469 in 2023 to around $110,325 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Executive Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $109,469 |
| 2024 | $110,754 |
| 2025 | $110,325 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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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