Athletic Directors

Salaries for college administrators vary widely among two- and four-year colleges and among public and private institutions, but they are generally comparable to those of college faculty. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in May 2023, the median salary for postsecondary education administrators (which include athletic directors) was $94,340. The lowest paid 10 percent of all administrators earned $62,970 or less per year, while the highest paid made $209,870 or more annually. Fifty percent of administrators earned between $79,700 and $137,230.

In June 2024, Salary.com reported the average salary for athletic directors was $132,541; the lowest paid 10 percent earned $102,923 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $178,685 or more.

Most athletics directors receive benefits packages that include health insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave.