How much does a Business Director make?
A Business Director's role comes with a range of responsibilities and often, a rewarding salary. The average yearly salary for a Business Director is about $142,036. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the industry. Directors in larger companies or urban areas might earn higher salaries.
Here’s a look at the salary distribution:
- The lowest-paid 10% earn around $37,000.
- The next 10% make approximately $59,318.
- The next group, making up 20%, earns between $81,636 and $126,273.
- Around 30% of directors earn between $126,273 and $170,909.
- The highest-paid 10% earn more than $215,545 a year.
This data provides a clear picture of the earning potential for Business Directors, showing that with experience and expertise, there is significant growth in salary.
What are the highest paying cities for a Business Director?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $196,660
Leading companies in San Francisco offer dynamic environments for professionals. Tech giants and startups thrive here, providing diverse opportunities. The city's innovation culture supports growth and new ventures.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $190,737
San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, welcomes tech leaders. The city buzzes with innovation, offering roles in major tech firms. Being in San Jose means access to cutting-edge projects and a vibrant business scene.
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Fort Collins, CO
Average Salary: $186,350
Fort Collins offers a balanced lifestyle with career growth. The city is home to innovative businesses and startups. Professionals enjoy a supportive community and access to outdoor activities, enhancing work-life balance.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $172,947
Boston provides a rich history and modern business opportunities. The city's strong educational institutions support the local economy. Professionals can find roles in finance, healthcare, and technology.
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Madison, WI
Average Salary: $171,000
Madison offers a mix of tradition and innovation. The city’s economy thrives on education and technology. Companies here value creativity and forward-thinking, offering fulfilling career paths.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $170,932
Atlanta is a gateway for business growth in the Southeast. The city's diverse economy includes tech, finance, and logistics. Professionals here enjoy a vibrant business climate and numerous opportunities.
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Des Moines, IA
Average Salary: $170,179
Des Moines is a hub for insurance and finance in the Midwest. The city offers a stable business environment with opportunities for growth. Companies here value innovation and teamwork, providing a solid career foundation.
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Tallahassee, FL
Average Salary: $169,523
Tallahassee offers a blend of tradition and growth in the South. The city’s economy is driven by education and government. Professionals find opportunities in various sectors, with a supportive community atmosphere.
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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $165,492
Hartford is a center for insurance and finance in New England. The city offers a mix of historic charm and modern business opportunities. Professionals can find roles in banking, healthcare, and technology.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $164,811
Dallas provides a vibrant business environment in Texas. The city’s economy is diverse, with strong sectors in energy, finance, and technology. Professionals here enjoy a fast-paced and rewarding career path.
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What are the best companies a Business Director can work for?

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PwC
Average Salary: $282,500
PwC offers Business Director jobs with opportunities in many cities across the U.S. At PwC, directors develop strategic plans to meet business goals. Locations include New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
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Novartis
Average Salary: $257,786
Novartis provides Business Director roles in life sciences. Directors here work globally to advance healthcare. Novartis operates in cities like Basel, Switzerland, and East Hanover, New Jersey.
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KPMG
Average Salary: $256,009
KPMG offers Business Director positions with a focus on risk and compliance. Directors play a key role in strategic planning and operations. KPMG has offices in major U.S. cities including San Francisco and Atlanta.
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Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $240,945
Wells Fargo provides opportunities for Business Directors to shape financial services. Directors focus on strategy and execution in locations such as San Francisco and Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Riveron
Average Salary: $226,023
Riveron offers dynamic Business Director roles with a focus on leadership and consulting. Directors help clients with strategic growth. Riveron operates in cities including Boston and Austin.
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Adobe
Average Salary: $218,883
Adobe provides Business Director positions in creative and digital marketing. Directors drive innovation and strategy. Adobe has offices in San Jose and New York City.
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Woodward, Inc.
Average Salary: $216,000
Woodward, Inc. offers Business Director roles in the aerospace and defense sectors. Directors lead strategic projects. The company operates in cities like Fort Collins, Colorado, and Melbourne, Florida.
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Microsoft
Average Salary: $212,062
Microsoft provides Business Director roles focused on technology and innovation. Directors work on product strategy and development. Microsoft operates in cities such as Redmond, Washington, and Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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Charles Schwab
Average Salary: $203,835
Charles Schwab offers Business Director positions in financial services. Directors develop and implement business strategies. The company operates in major U.S. cities including Dallas and Westlake, Texas.
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Syneos Health Commercial Solutions
Average Salary: $199,706
Syneos Health Commercial Solutions offers Business Director roles in healthcare. Directors focus on commercial strategy and growth. The company operates in cities such as Morrisville, North Carolina, and Boston.
How to earn more as a Business Director?
A Business Director has many responsibilities. They must lead teams, make important decisions, and ensure a company reaches its goals. To earn more in this role, certain actions can help. Focusing on these can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities.
First, gaining experience helps a lot. Directors with more years in the field usually earn more. They have seen different situations and know how to handle them. Companies value this knowledge. Second, having advanced degrees or certifications can boost earnings. An MBA or a certification in a business field can set a director apart. These show dedication to the career and a deeper understanding of business.
Improving skills also makes a difference. Attending workshops and training sessions helps directors stay updated on the latest business trends. This makes them more valuable to employers. Networking with other professionals can lead to new job opportunities. Building a strong professional network can open doors to higher-paying positions. Finally, leading a team to success can earn bonuses and promotions. Achieving company goals and increasing profits shows a director's effectiveness.
Focusing on these areas can help a Business Director earn more. With experience, education, skill improvement, networking, and successful leadership, higher earnings are possible.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Business Director:
- Gain more experience in the field.
- Get advanced degrees or certifications.
- Improve skills through training and workshops.
- Build and maintain a professional network.
- Lead your team to achieve and exceed company goals.



