As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Division Chief in the United States is $840,450 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $404.
However, a Division Chief's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Division Chief'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 Division Chief'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 Division Chief | $777,331 |
| Intermediate Level Division Chief | $785,445 |
| Senior Level Division Chief | $796,263 |
| Specialist Level Division Chief | $812,489 |
| Expert Level Division Chief | $832,773 |
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 Division Chieves. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 16.74% |
| Patient Care | 1.2% |
| PowerPoint | 1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Business Administration
|
$958,113 |
14%
|
|
Change Management
|
$949,709 |
13%
|
|
Innovation
|
$932,900 |
11%
|
|
Alignment
|
$924,495 |
10%
|
|
Integrity
|
$924,495 |
10%
|
|
Acute Care
|
$916,091 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Division Chieves enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Division Chief with a No Diploma is between $729,841 and $857,736).
Division Chief Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 6.8% |
| Associates | 4.6% |
| Bachelors | 36.9% |
| Masters | 40.3% |
| Doctorate | 10.0% |
Understanding how a Division Chief'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 Division Chief can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $279,152 in 2023 to around $269,552 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Division Chief salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $279,152 |
| 2024 | $275,812 |
| 2025 | $269,552 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Division Chief and their salaries, click below for more details.
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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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