As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Public Works Director in the United States is $166,426 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.
However, a Public Works Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Public Works 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 Public Works 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 |
|---|---|
| Public Re... Level Public Works Director | $97,189 |
| Public Re... Level Public Works Director | $121,138 |
| Public Re... Level Public Works Director | $136,776 |
| Public Wo... Level Public Works Director | $165,175 |
| VP of Pub... Level Public Works Director | $259,485 |
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 Public Works Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 9.18% |
| Marketing Communications | 1.75% |
| Business Development | 1.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Government Relations
|
$186,397 |
12%
|
|
Strategic Thinking
|
$183,069 |
10%
|
|
Client Service
|
$183,069 |
10%
|
|
Internal Communications
|
$181,404 |
9%
|
|
Strategic Communication
|
$181,404 |
9%
|
|
Building Relationships
|
$179,740 |
8%
|
For Public Works Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Public Works Director positions in Software & Networking or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Public Works Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $232,996 | $112.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $216,354 | $104.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $208,032 | $100.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $199,711 | $96.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $191,390 | $92.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Public Works 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 a Public Works Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $155,442 and $165,729).
Public Works Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 2.2% |
| Associates | 1.8% |
| Bachelors | 64.9% |
| Masters | 29.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.3% |
Understanding how a Public Works 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Public Works Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $176,182 in 2023 to around $164,411 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Public Works Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $176,182 |
| 2024 | $170,502 |
| 2025 | $164,411 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Public Works Director roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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