Position
Salary

How much does a Athletic Director make?

The average salary for a Athletic Director is $68,083 per year in the US.

An Athletic Director plays a key role in managing a school or college's sports programs. This important job often comes with a good salary. The average yearly salary for an Athletic Director stands at $68,083. This average is a blend of various salaries across different levels of experience and location.

Let's look at the salary distribution to understand how earnings can vary. The majority of Athletic Directors earn between $57,847 and $73,376 each year. This range covers the 50th percentile of earners. A smaller group, around 18%, earns between $65,612 and $81,141. At the higher end, those with more experience or in larger institutions can earn above $88,905. These figures show a clear trend of increasing salaries with more experience and responsibility.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Athletic Director?

Athletic Directors earn top salaries in some major cities across the country. Los Angeles, CA, offers the highest average salary for this role at $115,141. Other cities like Fort Collins, CO, Syracuse, NY, and Charlotte, NC, also provide competitive salaries for Athletic Directors. These cities provide promising opportunities for professionals seeking high-paying roles in sports management.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Athletic Director jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $115,141 and Memphis, TN with the lowest at $63,969.
  1. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $115,141
    In Los Angeles, you will lead programs that engage students in sports and activities. The city has prominent schools and universities, offering many opportunities. Work with both public and private institutions.
    Find Athletic Director jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  2. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $100,614
    Fort Collins provides a vibrant community for sports and education. As a director, you will manage multiple teams and work with local high schools. The city values outdoor activities and community spirit.
    Find Athletic Director jobs in Fort Collins, CO


  3. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $84,634
    Syracuse offers a mix of traditional and modern educational environments. You will oversee athletic programs that promote student well-being. The university has a strong sports culture, providing many resources.
    Find Athletic Director jobs in Syracuse, NY


  4. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $73,290
    Charlotte has a growing sports scene with many schools and colleges. As a director, you will enhance athletic programs and community involvement. The city supports a variety of sports and extracurricular activities.
    Find Athletic Director jobs in Charlotte, NC


  5. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $66,606
    Houston's diverse culture provides rich opportunities in sports management. You will lead programs that cater to a wide range of interests. The city’s universities offer many athletic facilities and resources.
    Find Athletic Director jobs in Houston, TX


  6. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $63,969
    Memphis has a strong tradition in sports and education. As a director, you will oversee programs that support student athletes. The city has notable schools and colleges that value athletic achievement.
    Find Athletic Director jobs in Memphis, TN

What are the best companies a Athletic Director can work for?

Oakland University stands out as a top choice for athletic directors seeking a lucrative career. With an average salary of $82,269, it offers excellent compensation. Similarly, the University of Memphis provides a competitive average salary of $64,875 for athletic directors. Both institutions value their athletic programs and recognize the importance of strong leadership. These salaries reflect the institutions' commitment to attracting top talent.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Athletic Director jobs, highlighting Oakland University with the highest at $82,269 and University of Memphis with the lowest at $64,875.
  1. Oakland University
    Average Salary: $82,269
    Oakland University offers a dynamic environment for Athletic Director positions. This company operates in Michigan, providing a range of opportunities for athletic management. At Oakland University, Athletic Directors oversee multiple sports programs, ensuring they meet high standards. Locations include the main campus in Rochester and other satellite locations.


  2. University of Memphis
    Average Salary: $64,875
    The University of Memphis is a prominent institution known for its competitive athletics. As an Athletic Director here, you will manage various sports teams in the state of Tennessee. The university's focus on athletic excellence makes it an exciting place to work. It operates mainly in Memphis, offering a vibrant community for sports management.

How to earn more as a Athletic Director?

Becoming an Athletic Director offers many opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. This role involves managing sports programs and can lead to a rewarding career. To earn more in this field, consider the following factors:

  • Education: Gaining advanced degrees in sports management, education, or a related field can boost earning potential. These qualifications demonstrate expertise and commitment to the profession.
  • Experience: Building a strong resume with various roles in athletic administration can lead to higher-paying positions. Experience in coaching, sports management, or other related fields adds value.
  • Networking: Building relationships with other professionals in the industry can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with peers on LinkedIn.
  • Skills: Developing key skills such as leadership, financial management, and event planning can make an Athletic Director more attractive to employers. These skills can lead to promotions and higher salaries.
  • Location: Working in areas with higher demand for Athletic Directors can lead to better pay. Research different regions and understand the market to find the best opportunities.

By focusing on these factors, an Athletic Director can work towards increasing their salary. Education, experience, networking, skills, and location all play important roles in achieving higher earnings.

Currently 46 Athletic Director job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Athletic Director in the US?

Learn what a Athletic Director does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Athletic Director today.
Position
Overview
Athletic Director
46 Job Openings