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Director of Programs Salary

The Director of Programs position in nonprofit organizations encompasses program leadership positions overseeing mission-driven services and program delivery. This benchmark data reflects compensation trends from IRS Form 990 filings, providing transparent and verifiable salary information for this critical role.

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Director of Programs

All U.S. nonprofits

Median Salary

$177,908

Range: $101,124 - $349,932 (10th - 90th percentile)

Strong benchmark (19,072 records, 6,775 orgs)

Based on 6,775 organizations (19,072 positions)

Compensation Distribution

Salary Distribution
P10$101,124
P25$144,935
Median$177,908
P75$235,418
P90$349,932

Understanding Director of Programs Compensation

The Director of Programs role is a critical position within nonprofit organizations. Compensation for this position varies significantly based on factors including:

  • Geographic Location: Salaries in major metropolitan areas tend to be higher than in rural regions due to cost of living differences.
  • Organization Size: Larger nonprofits with bigger budgets typically offer higher compensation packages.
  • Sector: Different nonprofit sectors (health, education, social services, etc.) have varying compensation norms.
  • Experience Level: Years of experience and track record significantly impact salary expectations.

About This Data

This benchmark data is sourced from IRS Form 990 filings, which nonprofits are required to submit annually. Form 990 reports compensation for officers, directors, trustees, key employees earning over $150,000, and the five highest-compensated employees earning over $100,000. For general staff positions not covered by Form 990, we supplement with Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data.

Related Job Titles

This position may also be known as: Program Director, Programs Director, Dir of Programs, Dir. of Programs, Director Programs, Director, Programs, Director of Program Services.

Related Roles

These positions are in the same peer group and may have similar compensation profiles:

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