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As of 2026, Communications Directors continue to play a vital role in organizations across the United States. This position is not limited to specific regions; rather, opportunities abound for communications directors in diverse states throughout the country.
With this in mind, our team at Zippia analyzed the job market to identify the states offering the most favorable conditions for communications directors. We focused on states with ample job openings and competitive salaries that reflect the value of this role throughout various stages of a career.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list featuring the ten best states for communications directors based on job availability and compensation:
This ranking underscores Minnesota as the premier state for communications directors, offering exceptional opportunities and competitive compensation.
Curious about how we arrived at these rankings? Below, we elaborate on our methodology for determining the best states for communications directors and provide further insights into the top ten states.
Methodology for Ranking the Best States for Communications Directors
At Zippia, we engage with a broad spectrum of job seekers, and our research has identified two primary factors that individuals prioritize in their career choices:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To determine the top states for communications directors, we analyzed where job openings are plentiful and how compensation aligns with industry standards. Our analysis utilized data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics, focusing on the following criteria:
- Location quotient: Indicates the prevalence of a particular job in a state.
- Average annual salary.
- Entry-level salary averages.
- Average salary for experienced professionals.
We adjusted salary data to reflect the cost of living across states, ensuring an equitable comparison. For instance, while California may have a higher average salary of $146,630 for communications directors, the salary in states like Illinois may stretch further due to lower living costs.
Each state was ranked from 1 to 50 based on the criteria, and we averaged these rankings to create an overall Job Score, with the lowest score indicating the best state for communications directors.
Let’s delve into what makes each of these states so advantageous for communications directors.
1. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 1,220
Average Annual Salary: $123,810
Average Entry Level Salary: $71,720
Average Experienced Salary: $186,910
Location Quotient: 1.93
2. Georgia
Total Jobs: 1,050
Average Annual Salary: $121,660
Average Entry Level Salary: $69,640
Average Experienced Salary: $181,070
Location Quotient: 1.13
3. Virginia
Total Jobs: 1,010
Average Annual Salary: $122,100
Average Entry Level Salary: $71,470
Average Experienced Salary: $184,830
Location Quotient: 1.2
4. Iowa
Total Jobs: 8,060
Average Annual Salary: $108,180
Average Entry Level Salary: $54,310
Average Experienced Salary: $177,590
Location Quotient: 1.37
5. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 700
Average Annual Salary: $122,770
Average Entry Level Salary: $72,450
Average Experienced Salary: $185,330
Location Quotient: 0.75
6. Michigan
Total Jobs: 13,460
Average Annual Salary: $114,870
Average Entry Level Salary: $59,780
Average Experienced Salary: $185,980
Location Quotient: 0.84
7. Washington
Total Jobs: 2,110
Average Annual Salary: $106,160
Average Entry Level Salary: $64,060
Average Experienced Salary: $162,510
Location Quotient: 1.62
8. Connecticut
Total Jobs: 850
Average Annual Salary: $120,700
Average Entry Level Salary: $81,750
Average Experienced Salary: $175,190
Location Quotient: 2.26
9. Tennessee
Total Jobs: 1,390
Average Annual Salary: $113,350
Average Entry Level Salary: $58,990
Average Experienced Salary: $181,230
Location Quotient: 0.77
Conclusion
If you’re embarking on a career as a communications director, consider focusing your job search on the states listed above. They provide excellent salaries, plentiful job opportunities, and significant potential for career progression.
Additionally, if you’re interested in understanding the less favorable states for communications directors, here’s a brief overview:
Detailed List of the Best States for Communications Directors
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | $123,810 |
| 2 | Georgia | $121,660 |
| 3 | Virginia | $122,100 |
| 4 | Iowa | $108,180 |
| 5 | North Carolina | $122,770 |
| 6 | Michigan | $114,870 |
| 7 | Washington | $106,160 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $120,700 |
| 9 | Georgia | $113,350 |
| 10 | Tennessee | $90,000 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
