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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head Start Director in California is $87,971 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
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 | $98,895 | $8,241 | $1,902 | $48 |
| Average | $87,971 | $7,331 | $1,692 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,394 | $6,616 | $1,527 | $38 |
AKA Head Start - La Mesa, CA
AKA Head Start - San Diego, CA
Confidential - Oakland, CA
SANTA CRUZ COMMUNITY - Santa Cruz, CA
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 | $81,943 |
| Intermediate Level Head Start Director | $82,707 |
| Senior Level Head Start Director | $83,982 |
| Specialist Level Head Start Director | $85,256 |
| Expert Level Head Start Director | $87,489 |
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 | $114,362 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $96,768 | $47.0 | 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 | $98,895 | $8,241 | $1,902 | $48 |
| Average | $87,971 | $7,331 | $1,692 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,394 | $6,616 | $1,527 | $38 |
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.
Crystal Stairs
Los Angeles, CA
Crystal Stairs | Los Angeles, CA
Head Start - Maintenance Worker. We are seeking a Maintenance Worker to support our Head Start Program. This position is responsible for ensuring clean, sa... more
3 Days Ago
Crystal Stairs
Los Angeles, CA
Crystal Stairs | Los Angeles, CA
Crystal Stairs, Inc.Improving the Lives of Families throughChild Care Services, Research, and AdvocacyCrystal Stairs is committed to building and sustainin... more
7 Days Ago
St Anne's Family Services
Los Angeles, CA
St Anne's Family Services | Los Angeles, CA
Making a Difference in Families' Lives About Us:St.Anne's Family Services is dedicated to transforming lives and communities.We're committed to providing u... more
3 Days Ago
Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency
Jackson, CA
Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency | Jackson, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Apply Here. https://secure.onehcm.com/ta/ATCAA.jobs. ShowJob=704806155. &. TrackId=ZipRecruiter. ASSOCIATE TEACHER. Defin... more
3 Days Ago
Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency
Sonora, CA
Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency | Sonora, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Apply Here. https://secure.onehcm.com/ta/ATCAA.jobs. ShowJob=704806153. &. TrackId=ZipRecruiter. ASSOCIATE TEACHER. Defin... more
3 Days Ago
Cape Inc Community Association for Pre-School
Pleasanton, CA
Cape Inc Community Association for Pre-School | Pleasanton, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. CAPE, Inc. has a wonderful opportunity for a Full Time Head Start (HS) Teacher. Eligible for Hiring Bonus. P... more
4 Days Ago
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