Development Director Jobs in Syracuse, NY

Syracuse, New York$86,450 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Development Director Salary in Syracuse

Entry Level
$54,145
Median
$86,450
Senior Level
$125,580

Development Director salaries in Syracuse are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Syracuse is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Development StrategyMajor GiftsBoard RelationsTeam LeadershipFundraising

Development Director Job Market in Syracuse

Syracuse, NY is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Development Director professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Syracuse offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Education leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Development Director roles across various sectors. The market for Development Director positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Development Directors in Syracuse

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Development Directors in Syracuse include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Development Directors in Syracuse

Living in Syracuse as a Development Director means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Development Director salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

91
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Development Director in Syracuse

Syracuse Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Development Directors in Syracuse: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Development Director professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in New York

New York has relatively high state income taxes. A Development Director earning $86,450 might pay approximately $6,916 in state income tax. However, New York's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Development Directors

The job outlook for Development Directors in Syracuse is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Syracuse offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Development Strategy, Major Gifts, Board Relations, Team Leadership.

Relocating to Syracuse

Syracuse's affordable cost of living means your Development Director salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. New York has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Development Director salary in Syracuse, NY?

The average Development Director salary in Syracuse, NY is $86,450 per year. Entry-level Development Directors typically start around $54,145, while experienced professionals can earn $125,580 or more. The national average for Development Director roles is $95,000.

How many Development Director jobs are available in Syracuse?

Syracuse has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Development Director professionals. Major employers hiring Development Directors include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Education and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Syracuse a good city for Development Directors?

Syracuse is an solid choice for Development Directors. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's education industry creates strong demand for nonprofit professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Development Directors in Syracuse?

Top skills for Development Directors in Syracuse include Development Strategy, Major Gifts, Board Relations, Team Leadership, Fundraising. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Development Directors in Syracuse?

Syracuse's cost of living is near the national average (91% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Syracuse is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Development Directors in Syracuse?

Syracuse Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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