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Activity Program Director Salary in California

How much does an Activity Program Director make in California? As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for an Activity Program Director in California is $78,119 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, an Activity Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $92,997
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $74,010 to $85,906
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $70,270
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Activity Program Director Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Activity Program Director Salaries

An Activity Program Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Activity Program Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Activity Program Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $74,416
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $74,720
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $75,228
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $75,735
  • Expert (over 8 years): $76,712
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Activity Program Director less than 1 year $74,416
Early Career Level Activity Program Director 1-2 years $74,720
Mid-Level Level Activity Program Director 2-4 years $75,228
Senior-Level Level Activity Program Director 5-8 years $75,735
Expert Level Activity Program Director over 8 years $76,712

How Do Activity Program Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Activity Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $78,416.
  • California: $78,119.
  • Massachusetts: $77,077.

Top Paying Cities for Activity Program Director

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $78,253
  • West Hollywood: $78,196
  • Dodgertown: $78,252

Activity Program Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Activity Program Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Activity Program Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Activity Program Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Activity Program Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $93,742 $45.0 20%

Activity Program Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Activity Program Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on November 01, 2026
$74,010
Average $78,119/year
$85,906
$6,168
Average $6,510/month
$7,159
$1,423
Average $1,502/week
$1,652
$36
Average $38/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,906 $7,159 $1,652 $41
Average $78,119 $6,510 $1,502 $38
25th Percentile $74,010 $6,168 $1,423 $36

Find Your Next Activity Program Director Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Activity Program Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • SpaceXSI | Palo Alto, CA

    Program Manager Harmful Activity

    SpaceXSI | Palo Alto, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more excitin... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Rancho Seco Care Center | Galt, CA

    Activity Director Certified

    Rancho Seco Care Center | Galt, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. The Activities Program must be directed by a qualified professional who is a qualified therapeutic recreation specialist ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Ceres PostAcute Care | Ceres, CA

    Social Services Activity Director

    Ceres PostAcute Care | Ceres, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. POSITION SUMMARY.     The Activity Director/Social Service Director supports the facility by planning, implementing and e... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Palm Springs Healthcare Center | Palm Springs, CA

    ACTIVITY DIRECTOR WITH SNF EXPERIENCE

    Palm Springs Healthcare Center | Palm Springs, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. SUMMARY. Provides an ongoing program of activities designed to meet the interests and physical, mental, and psychosocial ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Victorville, CA

    Activity Director Jobs Immediately

    MyJobsCorner | Victorville, CA

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $20 - $37/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Acti... more

    11 Days Ago

  • MyJobsCorner | Santa Rosa, CA

    Activity Director Jobs Immediately

    MyJobsCorner | Santa Rosa, CA

    Find your next job here. Will train the right candidate. Average salaries from $20 - $37/Hr, full time and part time shifts available now. Hiring for: Acti... more

    12 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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