As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head Start Program Director in the United States is $85,031 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Head Start Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Head Start 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Head Start Program 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 Head Start Program Director | $82,995 |
| Intermediate Level Head Start Program Director | $83,234 |
| Senior Level Head Start Program Director | $84,192 |
| Specialist Level Head Start Program Director | $85,629 |
| Expert Level Head Start Program Director | $87,529 |
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 Head Start Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Collaboration | 5.52% |
| Direct Patient Care | 3.55% |
| Environmental Safety | 3.16% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Technical Support
|
$102,037 |
20%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$96,085 |
13%
|
|
Coaching
|
$95,234 |
12%
|
|
Accountability
|
$95,234 |
12%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$95,234 |
12%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$91,833 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Head Start Program Directors enter the field with a Associate'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 Head Start Program Director with a Associate's Degree is between $91,714 and $100,689).
Head Start Program Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 33.3% |
| High School | 33.3% |
| Associates | 8.3% |
| Bachelors | 33.3% |
| Masters | 25.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Head Start 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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Head Start Program Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,642 in 2023 to around $83,581 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Head Start Program Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $83,642 |
| 2024 | $84,135 |
| 2025 | $83,581 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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