As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for an Athletic Director in the United States is $119,855 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, an Athletic Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Athletic 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 an Athletic 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 Athletic Director | $109,960 |
| Intermediate Level Athletic Director | $111,020 |
| Senior Level Athletic Director | $114,555 |
| Specialist Level Athletic Director | $118,796 |
| Expert Level Athletic Director | $122,398 |
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 Athletic Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 14.21% |
| Programming | 2.28% |
| Hospitality Services | 0.65% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$124,649 |
4%
|
|
Programming
|
$124,649 |
4%
|
|
Strategic Planning
|
$124,649 |
4%
|
|
Time Management
|
$124,649 |
4%
|
|
Initiative
|
$124,649 |
4%
|
|
Accountability
|
$123,451 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Athletic 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 Athletic Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $118,260 and $136,765).
Athletic Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.4% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 2.4% |
| Bachelors | 47.6% |
| Masters | 41.7% |
| Doctorate | 6.0% |
Understanding how an Athletic 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 Athletic Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $150,330 in 2023 to around $142,110 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Athletic Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $150,330 |
| 2024 | $146,209 |
| 2025 | $142,110 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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