MediaOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Communications Director Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$121,555/yr
Typical range: $117,093 – $143,109
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Communications Director salary by experience level in Washington DC
Communications Director Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $121,555 | $10,130 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $150,156 | $12,513 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $169,223 | $14,102 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $193,058 | $16,088 | +59% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $250,260 | $20,855 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $304,602 | $25,384 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $318,187 | $26,516 | +162% |
Current Salary
$121,555
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $58/hr
Next Level Target
$150,156
Junior · 2
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Communications Director salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Communications Directors in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $122K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Communications Director make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $122K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $58/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Communications Director in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Communications Director in Washington DC, DC earns $223K–$273K/yr.