6-figure diversity-executive jobs are in high demand. This is what to ask yourself before applying, according to 4 diversity leaders in finance, biotech, and more.

Job listings for diversity and inclusion executives have spiked since summer 2020.mentatdgt/Shutterstock

• Jobs in the diversity and inclusion industry have exploded since the racial reckoning of 2020.
• The sector can be lucrative, with executive salaries ranging from $181,464 to $259,647.
• Senior executives advise aspiring professionals to ask themselves a few key questions.

In the aftermath of 2020's racial reckoning, people are holding CEOs accountable to the racial-justice promises they made. To help them carry out this important work, business leaders are hiring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultants at record rates.

There's been a 71% increase worldwide in all DEI job listings over the past five years, with the role of "head of diversity" growing by more than 107%, according to LinkedIn data. In August 2020, US searches for jobs in DEI were up 35% year on year. Likewise in the UK, searches were up 19%, according to Glassdoor's research on the diversity and inclusion industry.

And the job can be lucrative. Median pay for DEI executives normally ranges from $181,464 and $259,647, according to Salary.com. While there is a special risk of burnout in the field, DEI consultants told Insider it could also be especially rewarding.

If you're considering pursuing a DEI executive position, here are key questions to ask yourself, according to professionals in the field.