Director of Communications Salary & Hourly Rate in 2025
Understanding director of communications salary trends is essential for those pursuing this career or aiming to stay competitive in the industry. As of March 2025, the national average communications director salary in the United States is $190,640 per year, with opportunities for growth depending on various factors.
Director of communications salaries can vary significantly based on experience, industry, and location. This salary guide tackles these factors, provides insights into salary trends, job title, and examines the job outlook for the coming years.
An Overview of Director of Communications Salaries
So, how much does a director of communications make? In the United States, the average director of communications salary, as of March 2025, is $190,640 per year or $92 per hour. And the typical director of communications salary ranges from $149,432 to $237,465.
| Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $149,432 |
| 25th Percentile | $169,070 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $190,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $215,150 |
| 90th Percentile | $237,465 |
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also reports that salaries for top executives including the director of communications vary depending on which industries they work in. For instance, director of communications working for management of companies and enterprises can earn up to $239,200 or more, while those working government can only earn about $136,870.
- Management of companies and enterprises: $239,200 or more
- Professional, scientific, and technical services: $228,590
- Healthcare and social assistance: $194,280
- Government: $136,870
Director of Communications Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
The salary can be broken down into hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly amounts. According to Salary.com report, the average pay rate for this role in the United States is $92 per hour, $3,666 per week, or $15,887 per month.
- Average salary per hour: $92
- Average salary per week: $3,666
- Average salary per month: $15,887
- Average salary per year: $190,640
As mentioned earlier, director of communications salaries in the United States vary based on location, experience, and education. The following sections will explore these factors in detail.
How Experience Impacts Director of Communications Salaries
Experience significantly impacts the salary of director of communications in the United States. As shown below, salary differences between experience levels are notable.
Salary.com salary data indicates that an entry-level director of communications earns approximately $175,196 less than an expert-level director of communications. A director of communications with the most experience earns an average of $186,005 per year.
- Entry Level Director of Communications: $175,196
- Intermediate Level Director of Communications: $177,103
- Senior Level Director of Communications: $179,646
- Specialist Level Director of Communications: $182,826
- Expert Level Director of Communications: $186,005
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for Director of Communications
Each state or territory also has different average salaries for directors of communications due to the cost of living and demand. Based on the data, the District of Columbia has the highest average annual salary for director of communications in the United States, at $212,180 per year.
While the state of California secured the second spot with an average yearly salary of $210,280, Mississippi has the lowest pay at $170,050 per year.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $212,180 |
| California | $210,280 |
| New Jersey | $208,940 |
| Massachusetts | $207,420 |
| Washington | $205,510 |
| Connecticut | $204,750 |
| New York | $203,220 |
| Alaska | $207,610 |
| Rhode Island | $199,030 |
| Hawaii | $199,220 |
| Illinois | $195,030 |
| Colorado | $194,450 |
| Oregon | $193,690 |
| New Hampshire | $193,880 |
| Delaware | $193,500 |
| Virginia | $191,210 |
| Nevada | $191,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $190,260 |
| North Dakota | $188,740 |
| Wisconsin | $188,350 |
| Michigan | $188,160 |
| North Carolina | $183,020 |
| Arizona | $185,690 |
| Maine | $185,490 |
| Georgia | $184,350 |
| Indiana | $184,920 |
| Ohio | $186,450 |
| Texas | $186,640 |
| Vermont | $187,020 |
| Minnesota | $195,030 |
| Florida | $181,110 |
| Kansas | $181,490 |
| Utah | $181,300 |
| Missouri | $181,680 |
| Louisiana | $181,300 |
| South Carolina | $179,970 |
| Nebraska | $179,580 |
| Kentucky | $179,390 |
| South Dakota | $171,390 |
| West Virginia | $171,580 |
| Alabama | $175,200 |
| Oklahoma | $176,340 |
| Tennessee | $176,530 |
| Montana | $178,060 |
| New Mexico | $175,770 |
| Arkansas | $173,680 |
| Mississippi | $170,050 |
Director of Communications Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed
According to Salary.com data, the highest-paying cities for director of communications in the United States are San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, all located in California.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $239,250 |
| San Francisco, CA | $238,300 |
| Oakland, CA | $232,580 |
| New York, NY | $222,670 |
| Queens Village, NY | $221,140 |
| Paramus, NJ | $219,620 |
Explore Director of Communications Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
In addition to their basic pay, directors of communications often receive benefits and rewards. According to the Salary.com data, the average total compensation of director of communications is $297,289 per year, which includes benefits like healthcare and time off.
- Social Security: $14,134
- 401K/403B: $9,315
- Disability: $4,436
- Healthcare: $8,352
- Pension: $11,976
- Time Off: $27,296
Director of Communications Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
A director of communications is responsible for shaping and managing how an organization communicates both internally and externally. This position is key for developing and implementing strategies that promote a positive public image and ensure that all stakeholders are informed and engaged.
Apart from these responsibilities, other key duties include:
- Manages media relations and handles press inquiries to maintain a positive public image.
- Develops communication strategies to align with organizational goals and ensures consistency in messaging.
- Oversees a communication team, ensuring effective content creation and execution of strategies.
- Tracks and analyzes communication metrics to evaluate the success and impact of strategies.
- Maintains the organization's website and digital marketing channels, including social media.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as a Director of Communications?
If you believe you're deserving of a raise as a director of communications, here's a guide on when and how to make your request effectively:
- Demonstrate Your Value: Showcase your communication strategies, leadership skills, and contributions to the organization. Highlight successes like increasing media coverage, enhancing internal communication processes, or driving successful public relations campaigns. Take credit for your efforts in managing communication during a crisis or improving brand visibility.
- Pick the Right Timing: Request a salary review when the company is thriving financially or after successfully leading a major communication initiative, such as a high-profile campaign or event. A good time to ask is during your annual performance review when compensation discussions are more common, or after achieving specific communication goals.
- Arrange a Formal Discussion: Schedule a dedicated meeting with your manager or HR to discuss your compensation. Avoid casual conversations during busy times. A structured, formal discussion will convey professionalism and ensure your request receives proper consideration.
- Support your request with data: Research industry salary benchmarks for director of communications in your region and compare them with your current pay. For instance, Salary.com reports indicate that as of 2025, the average base salary for a director of communications is $190,640 per year or $92 per hour. Highlight your expertise, specialized skills, and achievements to justify your request for a raise.
Why Does a Director of Communications Make So Much?
A director of communications commands a high salary due to their critical role in shaping a company's public image, managing crises, and aligning messaging with business goals. Their leadership, extensive experience, and expertise in strategic communications, often backed by advanced education, make them essential to an organization's success, especially in high-demand industries and competitive locations.
Also, some directors of communications have in-demand skills that can make them eligible for higher earning potential. According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data report, director of communications with corporate communications can earn 14.29% more than those without this skill. Likewise, proficiency in employee engagement can lead to a 11.27% salary increase.
Other high-paying skills include:
- Corporate Communications: 14.29%
- Employee Engagement: 11.27%
- Crisis Communications: 6.93%
- Executive Communications: 6.71%
- Media Relations: 6.40%
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): 6.28%
The Future of Director of Communications: Job Outlook and Career Trends
The BLS projects that employment for top executives, including director of communications, will grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033. Around 343,800 executive openings are expected each year, mainly due to retirements and career transitions.
The demand for top executives, including directors of communications, will increase as companies expand in response to technological advancements and globalization. The rise of industries like technology, healthcare, and green energy will create new opportunities for executives in leadership roles. Additionally, the growing trend of remote work and digital transformation will require executives to adapt to managing hybrid teams and complex business landscapes.
However, factors such as economic fluctuations, changes in regulatory environments, and shifts in consumer preferences may influence the long-term demand for top executives in various industries.
