Highest-Paying Director Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of directors that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of directors:

• Corporate Director is the highest-paid type of director with an average salary of $154,906 and an average hourly rate of $74.47.

• The second highest-paying type of director is senior director, with an average salary of $152,047.

• The average director salary is $113,489 per year, and the average hourly pay is $54.56.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a director, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of directors are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of directors:

1. Corporate Director

   Average Salary: $154,906

   A corporate director is a business individual who is an elected or appointed member of the board of directors that directs or manages a corporation. Corporate directors are responsible for making decisions regarding the supervision of the entire enterprise as well as their products and services. They are in control of others’ property and are liable to both their individual and joint actions. Corporate directors are also bound by the duty to act within the scope of their authority and must exercise due care in the performance of their corporate tasks.

2. Senior Director

   Average Salary: $152,047

   Senior directors are the top management who manage the overall corporate structure of a brand. These executives take responsibility for the planning, operations, and profitability of the company. They direct and control all the functions of businesses. Their jobs cover the advertising, marketing, sales, and promotions of products and services. They are the people behind the tactical and strategic management of every asset of the enterprise through different programs.

3. Group Director

   Average Salary: $149,193

   A group director is responsible for monitoring the operations of a specific team in an organization, ensuring that the group meets daily targets, providing the highest customer satisfaction for the company’s services. Group directors work with senior management to identify business opportunities that would bring more revenues and increase the company’s profitability. They also handle the department’s budgets, allocating adequate resources for every team to support project deliverables. A group director must have excellent communication and leadership skills, analyzing business functions, and developing strategic ways to increase productivity.

4. Director, Special Projects

   Average Salary: $129,916

   The primary responsibility of a director of special projects is to ensure the successful conclusion of construction-related projects. Special project directors lead, organize, and perform corporate projects outside their duties. They utilize project management, business process management, and change management disciplines for timely and cost-effective initiatives delivery. It is part of their responsibilities to collaborate with business leaders and entrepreneurs to perform corporate programs and initiatives. They also manage process enhancements and various special programs.

5. Managing Director

   Average Salary: $129,690

   A Managing Director oversees workflow and progress, making sure that all operations align within the company or organization’s mission or set of goals. They are responsible for crafting strategies, devising effective business plans, and executing guidelines that would nurture a company’s growth, and as well as to be the driving force that would direct employees to the company’s objectives. Furthermore, a Managing Director must coordinate with those in a higher position, such as the members of the board.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various director that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Directors

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for directors.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Director Jobs FAQs

1. 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 is $ 74.47 hourly.

   A corporate director is a business individual who is an elected or appointed member of the board of directors that directs or manages a corporation. Corporate directors are responsible for making decisions regarding the supervision of the entire enterprise as well as their products and services. They are in control of others’ property and are liable to both their individual and joint actions. Corporate directors are also bound by the duty to act within the scope of their authority and must exercise due care in the performance of their corporate tasks.

2. What is a good salary for a director?

   A good salary for a director is $113,489 or more. The average director salary is $113,489, so those making at least $113,489 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average director salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a director, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $113,489 average, as this includes all directors of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Director jobs pay well?

   Yes, director jobs pay well. As in any industry, some director jobs pay better than others, but the average director salary of $113,489 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many director jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of directors earning $0 a year on average.

   Directors’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a director. Do your research on the going rate for a director in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do directors get paid the most?

   Directors get paid the most in New York. In New York, directors earn an average annual salary of $135,344 and an average hourly wage of $65.07.

   Following NY, the states with the highest-paid directors are California, Connecticut, and New Jersey, with average annual salaries of $131,748, $122,159, and $109,188 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid director salaries are:

   1. New York, NY – $139,575

   2. Los Angeles, CA – $136,707

   3. Stamford, CT – $125,420

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.