Position
Salary

How much does a Director make?

The average salary for a Director is $89,029 per year in the US.

Directors play a key role in many businesses. They lead teams and make big decisions. On average, a Director earns about $89,029 per year. This number can vary based on the company and industry. Many Directors work in fields like healthcare, education, and technology.

Highly skilled Directors can earn even more. Some earn over $200,000 a year. These top earners usually have many years of experience and a strong track record. They may also work for large companies or in competitive industries. Directors who work in big cities often make more than those in smaller towns. It pays to have the right skills and experience.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Director?

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, stands out as a surprising contender for high director salaries, offering an average of $185,697. The tech-driven city of San Francisco, California, provides the next highest average salary at $154,067. College Station, Texas, offers a competitive $153,938 for directors. Director positions in these cities offer strong earning potential. Indianapolis, Indiana, and Tucson, Arizona, both provide average salaries above $130,000. San Diego, Dallas, Hartford, Boston, and Milwaukee also provide attractive salary ranges for directors.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Director jobs, highlighting Cedar Rapids, IA with the highest at $185,697 and Milwaukee, WI with the lowest at $125,404.
  1. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $185,697
    Working as a Director in Cedar Rapids means leading industries like manufacturing and healthcare. Key employers include Rockwell Collins and UnityPoint Health. This role offers growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
    Find Director jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $154,067
    In San Francisco, Directors oversee top firms in tech and finance. Companies like Google and JPMorgan Chase look for leaders who can drive innovation. The city's dynamic market provides a rich landscape for career advancement.
    Find Director jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. College Station, TX
    Average Salary: $153,938
    Leading a team as a Director in College Station involves managing businesses in education and research. Institutions such as Texas A&M University offer a unique setting. Directors here enjoy a blend of academic and corporate challenges.
    Find Director jobs in College Station, TX


  4. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $135,314
    Directors in Indianapolis manage a mix of automotive and tech companies. Organizations like Cummins and Salesforce seek strategic leaders. This city offers a balanced professional life with a strong community feel.
    Find Director jobs in Indianapolis, IN


  5. Tucson, AZ
    Average Salary: $134,562
    Leading a company in Tucson means overseeing businesses in defense and education. Major employers include Raytheon and the University of Arizona. Directors here benefit from a growing job market and a vibrant culture.
    Find Director jobs in Tucson, AZ


  6. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $132,357
    In San Diego, Directors work with leading companies in biotech and defense. With giants like Qualcomm and Scripps Health, the city's focus on innovation offers exciting career paths.
    Find Director jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $132,293
    Dallas Directors guide businesses across sectors like finance and energy. Companies such as JPMorgan Chase and ExxonMobil value strategic leaders. The city’s fast-paced business environment is ideal for growth.
    Find Director jobs in Dallas, TX


  8. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $130,647
    As a Director in Hartford, one manages insurance and healthcare firms. Key employers include Aetna and Hartford Financial Services. This role combines leadership with a strong community focus.
    Find Director jobs in Hartford, CT


  9. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $129,498
    Boston Directors oversee a mix of education and healthcare institutions. Leaders at Harvard and Mass General bring fresh ideas to this historic city. The educational environment fosters professional growth.
    Find Director jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $125,404
    In Milwaukee, Directors work with companies in manufacturing and finance. Institutions like Harley-Davidson and Fiserv look for experienced leaders. This city provides a supportive environment for career development.
    Find Director jobs in Milwaukee, WI

What are the best companies a Director can work for?

Job seekers looking for top-paying Director positions can start with Texas A&M University, offering an average salary of $233,185. Collins Aerospace and Raytheon follow closely, with average salaries of $224,222 and $223,721, respectively. Other companies like Gilead Sciences and RSM also provide competitive compensation packages for Director roles.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Director jobs, highlighting Texas A&M University with the highest at $233,185 and AbbVie with the lowest at $193,183.
  1. Texas A&M University
    Average Salary: $233,185
    Texas A&M University offers Director roles with a strong focus on academic leadership and research. The university operates across various locations, including College Station and multiple other campuses around Texas. Directors here play a pivotal role in shaping educational policies and managing large-scale projects.


  2. Collins Aerospace
    Average Salary: $224,222
    Collins Aerospace provides Director positions with an emphasis on aerospace innovation and technology. Based in major hubs like Charlotte, NC, and various other locations, the company seeks Directors who can lead cutting-edge projects and drive technological advancements in the aerospace industry.


  3. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $223,721
    Raytheon offers Director roles that focus on defense, security, and technology solutions. With offices across the United States, including in El Segundo, CA, and other strategic locations, Raytheon seeks Directors who can lead complex projects and innovative initiatives in the defense sector.


  4. Gilead Sciences
    Average Salary: $215,979
    Gilead Sciences offers Director positions that concentrate on biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Operating in cities like Foster City, CA, and other research-focused areas, Directors at Gilead Sciences play a key role in advancing medical research and developing groundbreaking therapies.


  5. Rsm
    Average Salary: $203,850
    Rsm provides Director roles with a focus on accounting and consulting services. With offices in major cities such as Chicago, IL, and other locations, Directors at Rsm lead teams in delivering comprehensive financial and business solutions to clients.


  6. Novartis
    Average Salary: $202,364
    Novartis offers Director roles in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on research and development. Based in East Hanover, NJ, and other research hubs, Directors at Novartis drive the development of new medicines and innovative healthcare solutions.


  7. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Average Salary: $201,700
    Takeda Pharmaceuticals provides Director roles centered on biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. With operations in areas like Cambridge, MA, and other locations, Directors at Takeda Pharmaceuticals lead teams in developing and bringing new therapies to market.


  8. CrossCountry Consulting
    Average Salary: $197,789
    CrossCountry Consulting offers Director positions that focus on management consulting services. With offices in cities like Boston, MA, and other key locations, Directors at CrossCountry Consulting lead projects and provide strategic advice to clients across various industries.


  9. Bristol Myers Squibb
    Average Salary: $195,557
    Bristol Myers Squibb offers Director roles that concentrate on biopharmaceutical research and development. Based in New York, NY, and other locations, Directors at Bristol Myers Squibb play a crucial role in advancing medical research and developing innovative treatments.


  10. AbbVie
    Average Salary: $193,183
    AbbVie provides Director roles in the biopharmaceutical industry, focusing on research and development. With a major presence in North Chicago, IL, and other research hubs, Directors at AbbVie drive the development of new therapies and medical solutions.

How to earn more as a Director?

Becoming a Director often means taking on greater responsibility and working longer hours. However, a Director can earn a significant salary. Here are some ways to ensure higher earnings at this level:

First, gaining experience in different areas of a business can open up more opportunities. Directors who understand various functions can become more valuable. A diverse background can lead to a higher salary. Second, specializing in a high-demand area can also boost earnings. Staying updated with industry trends and technologies matters. Directors who master these areas often earn more. Third, networking plays a crucial role. Building strong relationships with colleagues, industry leaders, and other professionals can lead to better job opportunities and salary increases. Fourth, seeking leadership roles in projects and initiatives can showcase skills. Directors who take on leadership roles often earn more. Finally, negotiating salary and benefits carefully matters. Understanding market rates and knowing what to ask for can lead to higher earnings.

To earn more as a Director, consider these steps:

  • Gain experience in various business areas.
  • Specialize in high-demand areas.
  • Build a strong professional network.
  • Take on leadership roles in projects.
  • Negotiate salary and benefits carefully.

Currently 1,185 Director job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Director does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Director today.
Position
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Director
1,185 Job Openings