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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head Start Director in Alabama is $73,272 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Head Start Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Head Start Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $82,371 | $6,864 | $1,584 | $40 |
| Average | $73,272 | $6,106 | $1,409 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,128 | $5,511 | $1,272 | $32 |
Lyons HR, LLC - Wilcox, AL
East Coast Migrant Head Start Project - Loxley, AL
Alabama State Department of Education - Fairfield, AL
Community Action Partnership of North Alabama - Athens, AL
A Head Start 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Head Start 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 Director | $68,251 |
| Intermediate Level Head Start Director | $68,888 |
| Senior Level Head Start Director | $69,949 |
| Specialist Level Head Start Director | $71,011 |
| Expert Level Head Start Director | $72,871 |
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 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 Head Start Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Head Start Director positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Head Start Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $95,254 | $46.0 | 30% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $80,599 | $39.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Head Start 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 | $82,371 | $6,864 | $1,584 | $40 |
| Average | $73,272 | $6,106 | $1,409 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,128 | $5,511 | $1,272 | $32 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Head Start Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Community Action Partnership of North Alabama
Moulton, AL
Community Action Partnership of North Alabama | Moulton, AL
Job Description. Job Description. JOB TITLE: Family Engagement Specialist STATUS: Non-Exempt. REPORTS TO: Center Director JOB CLOSES: August 24th, 2026. GR... more
4 Days Ago
Community Action Partnership of North Alabama
Decatur, AL
Community Action Partnership of North Alabama | Decatur, AL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Description. JOB TITLE. Teacher. STATUS. Non-Exempt. REPORTS TO. Center Director. Bi-Weekly RATE. AA. $994.06-$1054.3... more
5 Days Ago
Preferred Electric
BLOOMINGDALE, IL
Preferred Electric | BLOOMINGDALE, IL
About Us. Preferred Electric is a leading commercial electrical contractor specializing in innovative and reliable electrical solutions for diverse industr... more
10 Months Ago
UAB Medicine
BIRMINGHAM, AL
Paladin Inc
PINES, IN
Paladin Inc | PINES, IN
Support the teachers to provide a classroom environment that supports health and safety for the Head Start children. Primary Responsibilities are to ensure... more
4 Days Ago
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
CASS, WV
National Radio Astronomy Observatory | CASS, WV
National Radio Astronomy Observatory Title: Head of Software Engineering Location: 5651 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA• NRAO Headquarters,... more
3 Days Ago
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