How much does a Director of Business Development make?
A Director of Business Development plays a key role in growing a company. They focus on finding new business opportunities and partnerships. This important job often comes with a good salary. On average, a Director of Business Development earns about $121,439 a year. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the company.
The salary for this role can range from around $56,650 to over $225,000. Many Directors earn between $87,259 and $148,477. These figures show that experience and skill can lead to higher earnings. Directors with more years in the field and those who have helped their companies grow often see higher pay. Location also matters. Major cities and tech hubs often offer higher salaries to attract top talent.
What are the highest paying cities for a Director of Business Development?

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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $207,206
In Boulder, business development leaders work in a vibrant tech hub. Companies like Google and Salesforce offer opportunities. The city's innovative spirit drives growth and collaboration.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $155,376
In Washington, DC, business development roles focus on government and non-profit sectors. Major firms like Amazon and Lockheed Martin seek skilled leaders. The city's political landscape offers unique networking chances.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $146,924
Seattle is home to tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. Business development leaders here enjoy a dynamic work environment. The city's culture of innovation supports career growth.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $144,746
San Francisco offers a bustling tech scene with companies like Google and Uber. Business development leaders here thrive in a competitive market. The city's entrepreneurial spirit fuels new opportunities.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $142,948
San Diego's business development roles benefit from a strong biotech and tech sector. Companies like Qualcomm and Illumina provide diverse opportunities. The city's mild climate adds to a pleasant work-life balance.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $142,451
Huntsville, known as Rocket City, offers a unique blend of aerospace and tech industries. Companies like NASA and Microsoft have a presence here. Business development leaders enjoy a supportive community and innovative projects.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $139,189
Boston's rich history and education sector create a unique environment for business development. Companies like General Electric and Fidelity Investments offer diverse opportunities. The city's vibrant culture enhances professional growth.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $138,406
Portland's progressive culture and growing tech scene attract business development leaders. Companies like Nike and Intel provide dynamic work environments. The city's focus on sustainability adds to its appeal.
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Raleigh, NC
Average Salary: $136,890
Raleigh, known as the Research Triangle, offers a strong tech and biotech sector. Companies like IBM and Red Hat seek skilled leaders. The city's affordable cost of living enhances quality of life.
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Midland, TX
Average Salary: $134,100
Midland's energy sector provides a strong foundation for business development. Companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron offer stable opportunities. The city's close-knit community supports a balanced lifestyle.
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What are the best companies a Director of Business Development can work for?

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Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc.
Average Salary: $195,000
Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc. offers Director of Business Development roles with a focus on expanding their staffing services across the United States. They operate in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, providing a dynamic environment for growth.
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CDL Nuclear Technologies
Average Salary: $188,952
CDL Nuclear Technologies provides opportunities for Directors of Business Development to drive growth in the nuclear energy sector. They have offices in Washington, D.C., and Houston, Texas, offering a strategic role in a critical industry.
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Affiliated Engineers, Inc
Average Salary: $170,955
Affiliated Engineers, Inc. seeks Directors of Business Development to enhance their engineering services. They operate in several states, including California and Florida, providing a broad scope for business expansion.
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Aramark
Average Salary: $147,355
Aramark offers Director of Business Development positions with a focus on their food and facility services. They have a nationwide presence, with key operations in cities like Philadelphia and Los Angeles.
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Hendall Inc.
Average Salary: $143,583
Hendall Inc. provides opportunities for Directors of Business Development to lead their construction and engineering projects. They operate in several states, including Texas and Florida, offering a stable and growing market.
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Goodwin Recruiting
Average Salary: $143,091
Goodwin Recruiting offers Director of Business Development roles with a focus on expanding their recruitment services. They are based in Chicago, Illinois, and have a strong presence in the Midwest.
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ARCO a Family of Construction Companies
Average Salary: $138,493
ARCO provides Director of Business Development positions to drive growth in their construction projects. They operate in several states, including California and Arizona, offering a dynamic and growing industry.
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Genuine Foods
Average Salary: $137,982
Genuine Foods offers Director of Business Development roles to enhance their food distribution services. They operate in several states, including California and New York, providing a strong market presence.
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Hub International
Average Salary: $135,000
Hub International provides Director of Business Development positions to expand their insurance and risk management services. They have a nationwide presence, with key operations in cities like Chicago and San Francisco.
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Metz Culinary Management
Average Salary: $119,708
Metz Culinary Management offers Director of Business Development roles to lead their food service operations. They operate in several states, including California and Florida, providing a strong market presence.
How to earn more as a Director of Business Development?
A Director of Business Development can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining more experience and expertise in the industry can lead to higher-paying positions. Networking with other professionals and staying updated on industry trends can open doors to better opportunities. Second, developing strong leadership skills can make a Director more valuable to their company. This includes the ability to manage teams, motivate employees, and drive business growth. Finally, pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can also boost earning potential. These credentials can demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and commitment to the field.
Another important factor is the ability to demonstrate a strong track record of success. This includes achieving sales targets, expanding market share, and building long-term client relationships. Companies value Directors who can deliver results and show a clear impact on the business. Additionally, being proactive in seeking out new business opportunities and taking calculated risks can lead to higher earnings. This involves identifying new markets, developing innovative strategies, and seizing opportunities before competitors do. By focusing on these areas, a Director of Business Development can position themselves for higher earnings and career advancement.
Here are five factors that can help a Director of Business Development earn more:
- Experience and Expertise: Gaining more experience and knowledge in the industry can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Leadership Skills: Developing strong leadership skills can make a Director more valuable to their company.
- Advanced Degrees or Certifications: Pursuing advanced education can boost earning potential and demonstrate a higher level of knowledge.
- Track Record of Success: Demonstrating a strong history of achieving sales targets and expanding market share can lead to higher earnings.
- Proactivity and Risk-Taking: Being proactive in seeking out new business opportunities and taking calculated risks can lead to higher earnings.