How much does an Area Executive Director make in Illinois? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Area Executive Director in Illinois is $152,595 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $185,524
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $133,594 to $169,832
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $116,293

Key Factors That Influence Area Executive Director Salaries

An Area Executive 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 Area Executive Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Area Executive 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): $136,110
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $137,997
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $140,513
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $144,287
  • Expert (over 8 years): $149,005
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Area Executive Director less than 1 year $136,110
Early Career Level Area Executive Director 1-2 years $137,997
Mid-Level Level Area Executive Director 2-4 years $140,513
Senior-Level Level Area Executive Director 5-8 years $144,287
Expert Level Area Executive Director over 8 years $149,005

Top Paying Cities for Area Executive 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:

  • Effingham: $140,662
  • Saint Peter: $140,469
  • Salem: $141,004

Area Executive Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Area Executive 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, Area Executive Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Area Executive Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Area Executive Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $183,114 $88.0 20%

Area Executive Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Area Executive 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 September 01, 2026
$133,594
Average $152,595/year
$169,832
$11,133
Average $12,716/month
$14,153
$2,569
Average $2,935/week
$3,266
$64
Average $73/hour
$82
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $169,832 $14,153 $3,266 $82
Average $152,595 $12,716 $2,935 $73
25th Percentile $133,594 $11,133 $2,569 $64

Find Your Next Area Executive Director Job

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

  • Gentiva | Buffalo Prairie, IL

    Gentiva | Buffalo Prairie, IL

    Gentiva seeks an Area Director of Operations to lead regional home-based care services across multiple locations. This executive leader will oversee clinic... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Gentiva | Chicago, IL

    Gentiva | Chicago, IL

    Area Director Of Business Development. Drive growth. Lead teams. Make a difference. Are you a healthcare sales leader with a proven track record of driving... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Ardelyx, Inc. | Naperville, IL

    Ardelyx, Inc. | Naperville, IL

    Area Business Director (Gastroenterology). Ardelyx is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on redefining treatment approaches for patients ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Confidential | Raymond, IL

    Confidential | Raymond, IL

    Executive Director. About the Company. Rapid-growing network of behavioral health facilities. Industry. Medical Practice. Type. Privately Held. Employees. ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Confidential | Evanston, IL

    Confidential | Evanston, IL

    Executive Director. About the Company. Well-established organization providing childcare resources & early education opportunities. Industry. Non-Profit Or... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Lake Forest Place LLC | Lake Forest, IL

    Lake Forest Place LLC | Lake Forest, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. $187,000.00 to $281,000.00 Annually (Based on years of experience) . Lake Forest Place | Full Time | Administration Depar... more

    5 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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