What are the main factors that influence an Executive Director's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for Executive Director?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Executive Director roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

How does experience change An Executive Director's salary?

An Executive Director's salary grows with experience: an Outpatient Services Supervisor (0-3 years)earns $70,307, an Outpatient Services Manager (3-5 years)earns $101,085, an Executive Director (5+ years)earns $162,713,

What are the highest paying states for an Executive Director?

Executive Director salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Executive Director roles are District of Columbia $161,842, California $161,228, Massachusetts $159,079. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Executive Director roles make?

Salaries for Executive Director level roles vary by specialization: Executive Director of Operations: $311,853; Executive Director of Treasury: $260,293; Insurance Agency Executive Director: $252,819; Executive Director of Facilities: $237,790; Director, Account Executive: $207,400.

Executive Director Salary in District of Columbia

How much does an Executive Director make in District of Columbia?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Executive Director in District of Columbia is $161,842 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.

However, an Executive Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $198,328
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $149,295 to $180,940
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $137,872

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Executive Director Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$180,940	$15,078	$3,480	$87
Average	$161,842	$13,487	$3,112	$78
25th Percentile	$149,295	$12,441	$2,871	$72

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Key Factors That Influence Executive Director Salaries

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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Executive Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:

District of Columbia: $161,842.
California: $161,228.
Massachusetts: $159,079.

District of Columbia $161,842 California $161,228 Massachusetts $159,079 Washington $158,494 New Jersey $158,436 Alaska $158,231 Connecticut $156,214 New York $155,395

Hawaii $152,779 Rhode Island $151,551 Maryland $150,718 Minnesota $149,578 Colorado $149,139 Illinois $148,993 Oregon $148,438 Delaware $148,028

New Hampshire $147,771 Virginia $147,195 Pennsylvania $145,514 Nevada $144,666 North Dakota $144,389 Michigan $143,950 Wisconsin $143,789 Vermont $143,468

Texas $142,576 Maine $142,518 Arizona $142,430 Ohio $142,328 Georgia $140,983 Indiana $140,311 Wyoming $140,179 Utah $139,974

Iowa $139,887 Kansas $139,185 Louisiana $138,980 North Carolina $138,907 Missouri $138,878 Florida $138,308 Montana $138,001 Nebraska $137,709

Kentucky $137,548 South Carolina $136,963 Tennessee $136,598 Idaho $136,452 New Mexico $135,385 Oklahoma $135,151 Alabama $134,288 South Dakota $132,841

Arkansas $132,052 West Virginia $131,628 Mississippi $130,356

Top Paying Cities for Executive Directors

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Parcel Return Service: $160,963
Washington: $160,965
Naval Anacost Annex: $160,957

Parcel Return Service, DC $160,963 Washington, DC $160,965 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $160,957 Washington Navy Yard, DC $160,963

Executive Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Executive Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Executive Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Executive Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Executive Director

Industry Sector	Average Annual Salary	Average Hourly Rate	Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare	$194,210	$93.0	20%

Executive Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 July 01, 2026

$149,295

Average $161,842/year

$180,940

$12,441

Average $13,487/month

$15,078

$2,871

Average $3,112/week

$3,480

$72

Average $78/hour

$87

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$180,940	$15,078	$3,480	$87
Average	$161,842	$13,487	$3,112	$78
25th Percentile	$149,295	$12,441	$2,871	$72

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