Organizational Development Specialist Salary Guide

An Organizational Development Specialist designs and implements programs that improve organizational effectiveness, change readiness, team performance, leadership capability and culture. They use diagnostics, data, training, coaching and change frameworks to align people, processes and strategy.

What is the average Organizational Development Specialist salary?

Entry Level

$60,000 - $75,000

Mid Level

$75,000 - $95,000

Senior Level

$95,000 - $140,000

How does Organizational Development Specialist salary grow with experience?

$55,000 - $70,000
0
$70,000 - $90,000
3
$90,000 - $115,000
6
$110,000 - $140,000++
10+
Base (min)
Top of range (max)
Max: $140k

Organizational Development Specialist salary by location

San Francisco, CA$95,000 - $140,000
New York, NY$90,000 - $135,000
Seattle, WA$85,000 - $130,000
Austin, TX$75,000 - $115,000
Remote / National Average$70,000 - $120,000
Base (min)
Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Organizational Development Specialist's salary?

  • Geographic location and cost of living
  • Industry (tech, finance, healthcare often pay more)
  • Specialized skills (change management, talent analytics, organizational design)
  • Level of responsibility (scope, direct reports, enterprise-wide programs)
  • Certifications and education (advanced degrees, SHRM/OD certifications)

Frequently Asked Questions About Organizational Development Specialist Salaries

What is the typical salary for an Organizational Development Specialist?

Typical salaries vary by experience: entry-level $60k–$75k, mid-level $75k–$95k, and senior $95k–$140k; location, industry, and skills can shift these ranges.

How does location affect Organizational Development Specialist pay?

Pay is higher in major tech and finance hubs (e.g., San Francisco, NYC, Seattle) where cost of living and demand are greater; remote roles may offer geographic adjustments or market-based pay.

Which skills or credentials increase OD Specialist compensation?

Advanced change management, talent analytics, certification (e.g., SHRM, OD-specific), experience leading large transformations, and expertise in learning design or organizational design typically raise pay.

Is there career progression for Organizational Development Specialists?

Yes—typical progression goes from OD Specialist to Senior OD Specialist, OD Manager/Lead, and into senior HR/People roles such as Director of Organizational Development or VP of People.

Earn what you're worth as a Organizational Development Specialist

A strong resume gets you to the negotiation table. Build one tailored to your role and level.

Build Your Resume Now

Explore Related Salary Guides

See how salaries compare across similar roles in the same field.