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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Executive Director in Virginia is $147,231 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.
However, an Executive Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Executive Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $164,367 | $13,697 | $3,161 | $79 |
| Average | $147,231 | $12,269 | $2,831 | $71 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,748 | $11,312 | $2,611 | $65 |
Confidential - Abingdon, VA
Summit Federal Services, LLC - Norfolk, VA
Bickford of Suffolk - Suffolk, VA
Morningside House of Leesburg - Leesburg, VA
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.
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:
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:
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $176,678 | $85.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $164,367 | $13,697 | $3,161 | $79 |
| Average | $147,231 | $12,269 | $2,831 | $71 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,748 | $11,312 | $2,611 | $65 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Executive Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Confidential
Norfolk, VA
Confidential | Norfolk, VA
the client is seeking an Executive Director to provide executive leadership for an arts-focused organization, ensuring effective operations and alignment w... more
2 Days Ago
Confidential
Washington County, VA
Confidential | Washington County, VA
the client is seeking a successor to serve as Executive Director, building on the legacy of a deeply respected leadership team and a strong, committed staf... more
2 Days Ago
The Arbor Company
Woodbridge, VA
The Arbor Company | Woodbridge, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Executive Director – Arbor Terrace Prince William Commons. Arbor Terrace Prince William Commons. is an award-winning seni... more
3 Days Ago
Godfrey Miller Center
Winchester, VA
Godfrey Miller Center | Winchester, VA
Job Description. Job Description. The Godfrey Miller Historic Home and Fellowship Center. Executive Director Job Description. (part-time position). The mis... more
3 Days Ago
Confidential
Alexandria, VA
Confidential | Alexandria, VA
Executive Director. About the Company. Nationally recognized organization advocating for timely & effective treatment of severe mental illness. Industry. N... more
4 Days Ago
Confidential
Alexandria, VA
Confidential | Alexandria, VA
Executive Director. About the Company. Esteemed public research university committed to student success. Industry. Higher Education. Type. Educational Inst... more
4 Days Ago
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