Highest-Paying Director Jobs in 2026
Research Summary: In 2026, the job market continues to evolve, and understanding salary trends is crucial for career planning. The Zippia data team has analyzed a combination of public government data, company reports, and thousands of job postings to provide updated average salary estimates for director roles across the United States. This analysis highlights the highest-paying director positions based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of directors:
-
Corporate Director: The highest-paid director, earning an average salary of $154,906, with an hourly rate of $74.47.
-
Senior Director: The second highest-paid director, with an average salary of $152,047.
-
The average salary for all director positions is $113,489 per year, translating to an average hourly wage of $54.56.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the sole factor. If you’re aspiring to become a director, knowing the highest-paid roles can help you navigate your career trajectory effectively.
Here are the top salaries for different types of directors:
-
Corporate Director
Average Salary: $154,906
A corporate director is a key member of a corporation’s board, responsible for overseeing the enterprise’s direction and management. They make critical decisions regarding the corporation’s operations, products, and services while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
-
Senior Director
Average Salary: $152,047
Senior directors manage the overall structure and strategy of a brand. They oversee planning, operations, and profitability, directing key functions such as marketing and sales.
-
Group Director
Average Salary: $149,193
A group director oversees a specific team within the organization, ensuring targets are met and customer satisfaction is prioritized. They collaborate with senior management to identify revenue opportunities and manage departmental budgets.
-
Director, Special Projects
Average Salary: $129,916
The director of special projects is responsible for leading and managing unique corporate initiatives, ensuring they align with strategic objectives while applying project management principles.
-
Managing Director
Average Salary: $129,690
A Managing Director is tasked with overseeing operations, aligning them with the company’s goals, and coordinating with board members to foster growth.
Below is a comprehensive table showcasing the average pay for various director roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Directors
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corporate Director | |
| 2 | Senior Director | |
| 3 | Group Director | |
| 4 | Director, Special Projects | |
| 5 | Managing Director | |
| 6 | Executive Director | |
| 7 | Division Director | |
| 8 | Director Of Operations And Finance | |
| 9 | National Director | |
| 10 | Regional Director Of Operations | |
| 11 | Service Director | |
| 12 | Associate Director | |
| 13 | Center Director | |
| 14 | Interim Director | |
| 15 | Operations Director | |
| 16 | Deputy Director | |
| 17 | Department Director | |
| 18 | Program Director | |
| 19 | Regional Director | |
| 20 | Assistant Director |
Methodology
Zippia utilizes data from various government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to formulate accurate salary estimates.
Our data science team also reviews job postings and company resources for the latest salary information for directors. After compiling this data, they calculate a weighted average salary for each job title. For additional details, please refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Director Jobs FAQs
-
What is the highest-paid director job?
The highest-paid director job is a corporate director. Corporate Directors earn an average salary of $154,906, which translates to $74.47 per hour.
Corporate directors are elected or appointed members of a corporation’s board, tasked with overseeing the entire organization and making critical decisions regarding its operations and products.
-
What is a good salary for a director?
A good salary for a director is $113,489 or more. This average indicates that those earning at least this amount are above the average pay scale for directors.
It’s essential to consider that average salaries vary by location, reflecting the cost of living. Research local salary standards for your expertise and experience level to better assess your compensation.
-
Do Director jobs pay well?
Yes, director jobs generally pay well. The average salary of $113,489 significantly exceeds the national average salary of approximately $44,225 per year.
Many director positions offer high earning potential, particularly in specialized industries. Be sure to research market rates for your experience level and negotiate your salary accordingly.
-
Where do directors get paid the most?
Directors earn the highest salaries in New York. In New York, the average annual salary for directors is $135,344, or $65.07 hourly.
The following states also offer high salaries for directors: California, Connecticut, and New Jersey, with average annual salaries of $131,748, $122,159, and $109,188, respectively.
The cities with the highest director salaries include:
- New York, NY – $139,575
- Los Angeles, CA – $136,707
- Stamford, CT – $125,420
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.
