Position
Salary

How much does a Program Director make?

The average salary for a Program Director is $74,151 per year in the US.

A Program Director plays an important role in overseeing projects and ensuring they meet their goals. This job often comes with a good salary. On average, Program Directors make around $74,151 per year. This average helps job seekers understand what they might earn in this role.

When looking at salary data, it's useful to see how much people make at different experience levels. Program Directors with less experience may start at around $32,000. Those with more experience can earn over $200,000. Here are some typical salaries:

  • $32,000 for beginners
  • $49,273 for mid-career
  • $66,545 for experienced
  • $83,818 for senior-level
  • $101,091 for top earners

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What are the highest paying cities for a Program Director?

Program Director positions offer high salaries, and cities like Huntsville, AL, top the list with an average pay of over $153,000. San Francisco, CA, and Santa Maria, CA, follow closely, with salaries averaging around $127,000 and $121,000, respectively. Other top cities include San Diego, CA, and Stamford, CT, with competitive pay packages. Job seekers looking for Program Director roles should consider these cities for better earning potential. They provide not only high salaries but also promising career growth opportunities. An ideal setting for professionals aiming to advance their careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Program Director jobs, highlighting Huntsville, AL with the highest at $153,985 and Dallas, TX with the lowest at $106,473.
  1. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $153,985
    Huntsville offers a thriving tech sector with companies like NASA and Airbus. Managing programs here means leading innovative projects with a strong community focus.
    Find Program Director jobs in Huntsville, AL


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $127,142
    San Francisco’s booming tech industry is home to giants like Google and Salesforce. Leading programs in this city means working on cutting-edge tech projects with a creative team.
    Find Program Director jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $121,011
    Santa Maria boasts a smaller community vibe with companies such as Tyson Foods. Managing programs here combines the charm of a close-knit area with solid corporate support.
    Find Program Director jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $117,353
    San Diego features a diverse economy with companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms. Program leadership here involves innovative work with a beautiful coastal backdrop.
    Find Program Director jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $117,098
    Stamford has a strong financial sector with major players like Blackstone. Managing programs in this city offers stability and growth opportunities in finance.
    Find Program Director jobs in Stamford, CT


  6. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $115,194
    Omaha combines a business-friendly environment with companies such as Berkshire Hathaway. Leading programs here means working in a supportive community with strong corporate backing.
    Find Program Director jobs in Omaha, NE


  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $114,563
    Washington, DC’s dynamic political and corporate scene includes firms like Amazon and Google. Managing programs in the nation’s capital means navigating a unique mix of politics and innovation.
    Find Program Director jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $111,045
    Atlanta’s growing tech scene and companies like Coca-Cola and Delta offer a vibrant environment. Program leadership here balances tradition with modern growth.
    Find Program Director jobs in Atlanta, GA


  9. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $110,614
    San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, is home to tech leaders like Apple and Intel. Managing programs here means being at the forefront of tech innovation with a dynamic team.
    Find Program Director jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $106,473
    Dallas features a robust economy with companies such as ExxonMobil and AT&T. Program leadership here involves managing projects in a growing business hub with a strong community spirit.
    Find Program Director jobs in Dallas, TX

What are the best companies a Program Director can work for?

Looking to land a Program Director role with a top salary? Companies like PwC and CommonSpirit Health offer some of the best compensation. PwC pays an average of $313,500, while CommonSpirit Health provides $311,985 annually. Both companies show their commitment to rewarding program directors well. Another excellent option is Northrop Grumman, with an average salary of $268,372 for program directors. This number highlights the value companies place on experienced program leaders. Companies such as AECOM and Raytheon also offer competitive salaries, making them attractive choices for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Program Director jobs, highlighting PwC with the highest at $313,500 and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) with the lowest at $202,270.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $313,500
    PwC offers exciting Program Director roles across various sectors, including consulting and technology. Locations include major cities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world. As a Program Director, you will lead multiple projects, ensuring they meet client needs and company goals.


  2. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $311,985
    CommonSpirit Health provides rewarding opportunities for Program Directors in healthcare settings. With facilities in many U.S. states, you will manage large-scale programs to improve patient care and operational efficiency. Your role will involve coordinating between different departments and ensuring the highest quality of service.


  3. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $268,372
    At Northrop Grumman, Program Directors manage critical defense and aerospace projects. The company operates in the United States and several international locations. You will lead teams to develop innovative solutions and technologies that support national security and defense initiatives.


  4. AECOM
    Average Salary: $258,206
    AECOM offers dynamic Program Director positions in infrastructure and consulting. Operating in over 150 countries, you will oversee large projects aimed at improving infrastructure and sustainability. Your work will directly impact community development and global progress.


  5. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $247,882
    Raytheon provides opportunities for Program Directors to lead defense and security programs. Based in the United States and other key locations, you will manage projects to develop cutting-edge technologies for military and government use. Your role will be essential in enhancing national security.


  6. Salesforce
    Average Salary: $235,950
    Salesforce offers exciting Program Director roles in technology and software development. Operating globally, you will lead initiatives to enhance customer relationship management solutions. Your work will focus on delivering innovative software products that drive business success.


  7. Medtronic
    Average Salary: $226,083
    Medtronic provides rewarding Program Director positions in the medical technology sector. With operations worldwide, you will manage programs to develop life-saving medical devices. Your role will be pivotal in advancing healthcare solutions and improving patient outcomes.


  8. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $219,392
    BAE Systems USA offers Program Director roles in defense and aerospace. Based in the United States and several international locations, you will lead projects to develop advanced defense systems. Your efforts will contribute to national security and technological innovation.


  9. Parsons
    Average Salary: $215,530
    Parsons provides exciting Program Director positions in defense and infrastructure. With operations in many countries, you will oversee programs to enhance national security and infrastructure. Your role will involve leading complex projects that require strategic planning and execution.


  10. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
    Average Salary: $202,270
    TCS offers Program Director roles in technology and consulting services. Operating in over 46 countries, you will manage large-scale IT projects aimed at driving business transformation. Your work will focus on delivering innovative solutions that support client success.

How to earn more as a Program Director?

A Program Director can increase their earnings by focusing on certain key areas. The right skills, experience, and strategies can make a significant difference. Working on these areas can open up higher-paying opportunities.

Program Directors who excel in their roles often have a strong foundation in management and leadership. They know how to manage teams, set goals, and measure results. This experience can lead to higher salaries. Here are some factors that can help increase earnings:

  1. Education: Higher degrees or certifications can boost a Program Director's salary. Advanced degrees in business, management, or related fields can be very helpful.
  2. Experience: More years of experience often mean higher pay. Directors with proven success in previous roles will attract better offers.
  3. Skills: Strong skills in project management, strategic planning, and team leadership are very valuable. Directors with these skills often earn more.
  4. Industry: Working in high-demand industries, such as technology or healthcare, can lead to higher pay. These industries often offer better salaries for top talent.
  5. Location: Salaries can vary based on where a Program Director works. Directors in major cities or tech hubs usually earn more.

Currently 2,296 Program Director job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Program Director in the US?

Learn what a Program Director does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Program Director today.
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Program Director
2,296 Job Openings