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Head of Government Affairs Salary in New York

How much does a Head of Government Affairs make in New York? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head of Government Affairs in New York is $352,560 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $170.

However, a Head of Government Affairs's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $463,457
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $314,543 to $410,607
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $279,930
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Head of Government Affairs Job Openings in New York

Key Factors That Influence Head of Government Affairs Salaries

A Head of Government Affairs'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 Head of Government Affairs Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Head of Government Affairs'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): $156,618
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $203,330
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $222,185
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $276,214
  • Expert (over 8 years): $340,467
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Government Affairs Manager less than 1 year $156,618
Government Affairs Senior Manager 1-2 years $203,330
Government Affairs Director 2-4 years $222,185
VP of Government Affairs 5-8 years $276,214
Head of Government Affairs over 8 years $340,467

How Do Head of Government Affairs 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 Head of Government Affairs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $367,185.
  • California: $365,792.
  • Massachusetts: $360,917.

Top Paying Cities for Head of Government Affairs

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:

  • Holtsville: $363,872
  • Brentwood: $363,262
  • Brightwaters: $360,025

Head of Government Affairs Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Head of Government Affairs roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 75% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Head of Government Affairs positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Head of Government Affairs as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Head of Government Affairs

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $458,328 $220.0 30%
Pharmaceuticals $440,700 $212.0 25%
Chemicals $423,072 $203.0 20%
Financial Services $405,444 $195.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $387,816 $186.0 10%

Head of Government Affairs Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Head of Government Affairs'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
$314,543
Average $352,560/year
$410,607
$26,212
Average $29,380/month
$34,217
$6,049
Average $6,780/week
$7,896
$151
Average $170/hour
$197
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $410,607 $34,217 $7,896 $197
Average $352,560 $29,380 $6,780 $170
25th Percentile $314,543 $26,212 $6,049 $151

Find Your Next Head of Government Affairs Job

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

  • Spotify | New York, NY

    State and Local Government Affairs Manager

    Spotify | New York, NY

    Job Description. Job Description. We are looking for a strategic public policy professional to join Spotify’s Global Government Affairs team in New York Ci... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Eleven Labs | New York City, NY

    Executive Assistant General Counsel&amp Head of Global Affairs

    Eleven Labs | New York City, NY

    About ElevenLabsElevenLabs is an AI research and product company transforming how we interact with technology.We launched in January 2023 with the first hu... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Confidential | New York City, NY

    Vice President Government&amp Legal Affairs

    Confidential | New York City, NY

    Vice President, Government & Legal Affairs. About the Company. Leading provider of cloud data management & recovery solutions. Industry. Computer Software.... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Indium Corporation | Clinton, NY

    Co

    Indium Corporation | Clinton, NY

    Job Description. Job Description. JOB SUMMARY. The Co-op Student - Government Affairs & Program Development is responsible for performing project work unde... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Coakley & Williams Construction Inc. | BETHESDA, MD

    Senior Project Manager Government Construction

    Coakley & Williams Construction Inc. | BETHESDA, MD

    Senior Project Manager, Government Construction Coakley & Williams Construction is seeking a Senior Construction Project Manager to lead Government and Pub... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Lundbeck | MOUNT RAINIER, MD

    Associate Director Government Affairs

    Lundbeck | MOUNT RAINIER, MD

    Lundbeck seeks an Associate Director Government Affairs to advance neuroscience policy priorities at federal and state levels. This role develops and execu... more

    2 Days Ago

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