As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Program Manager in the United States is $143,868 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a Program Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Program Manager'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Program Manager'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Program Manager | $139,197 |
| Intermediate Level Program Manager | $139,755 |
| Senior Level Program Manager | $140,685 |
| Specialist Level Program Manager | $141,986 |
| Expert Level Program Manager | $143,846 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Program Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 9.53% |
| Scrum | 1.25% |
| Continuous Improvement | 1.01% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Software Development
|
$155,377 |
8%
|
|
Scrum
|
$153,939 |
7%
|
|
Product Development
|
$153,939 |
7%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$152,500 |
6%
|
|
Change Management
|
$151,061 |
5%
|
|
Supply Chain
|
$151,061 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Program Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Program Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $143,102 and $154,962).
Program Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 4.0% |
| Associates | 3.4% |
| Bachelors | 37.5% |
| Masters | 51.7% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how a Program Manager'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.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Program Manager, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Project Management Senior Manager | $152,115 | 6% |
| Engineering Program Management Senior Manager | $177,637 | 23% |
| Project Management Director | $171,148 | 19% |
| Project Controls Senior Manager | $178,118 | 24% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Program Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Program Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Program Manager's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Program Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Program Manager is $181,461.
The highest pay for Program Manager is $176,531.
The lowest pay for Program Manager is $120,039.
Coordinates and monitors the scheduling, pricing, and technical performance of company programs. Negotiates and prepares contracts by considering the financial conditions, resources, and contractual requirements. Develops new business and expands product line. Ensures adherence to master plans and schedules, develops solutions to program problems, and directs work of incumbents assigned to program from various departments. Ensures projects are completed on time and within budget. Acts as advisor to program team regarding projects, tasks, and operations. Prepares proposals to win new programs. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a department head. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs.True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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