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How much does a Program Manager make?

The average salary for a Program Manager is $104,157 per year in the US.

Program Managers play a key role in organizing and guiding projects within a company. They ensure that all parts of a project work together smoothly. The average yearly salary for Program Managers is $104,157. This means many Program Managers earn a good income. The salary can range widely, depending on experience and industry. Here are some key points about Program Manager salaries:


Most Program Managers earn between $73,055 and $150,691 each year. This range shows how much salary can vary. Some Program Managers start at lower salaries and move up as they gain more experience. Others start with higher salaries in industries that pay more, like technology or finance. Here is a look at some typical salaries:

  • 25% earn $73,055 or less
  • 50% earn $88,582 or less
  • 75% earn $135,164 or less
  • 100% earn $212,800 or less

Program Managers who work in big cities or high-demand industries often earn more. Companies that value project management well also tend to pay higher salaries. This career path offers good earning potential for those who are skilled and dedicated.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Program Manager?

Program Managers can find some of the best-paying opportunities in cities like Huntsville, AL, and San Diego, CA. These locations offer strong demand for program managers, which drives up average salaries. Consider these cities when looking for high-paying roles in program management. Additionally, cities such as San Francisco, CA, and Colorado Springs, CO, also provide competitive pay for those in the field. These areas are known for their robust economies and tech industries, which create a strong demand for skilled program managers. This demand often results in higher salaries to attract top talent.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Program Manager jobs, highlighting Huntsville, AL with the highest at $151,551 and Tucson, AZ with the lowest at $118,003.
  1. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $151,551
    Huntsville offers a great environment for those in leadership roles. The aerospace industry is strong here, with many opportunities in technology and defense sectors. Companies like Dynetics and Aerojet Rocketdyne need skilled leaders.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Huntsville, AL


  2. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $136,596
    In San Diego, program managers thrive in a vibrant tech scene. The city is home to major companies like Qualcomm and General Atomics. Working here means engaging with cutting-edge projects and a talented workforce.
    Find Program Manager jobs in San Diego, CA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $134,220
    San Francisco is known for its booming tech industry. Program managers here lead projects for companies like Salesforce and Slack. The city's dynamic environment offers constant opportunities for growth and innovation.
    Find Program Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $134,091
    Colorado Springs is a hub for defense and aerospace projects. Program managers in this city work with significant companies such as Lockheed Martin. The focus here is on national security and advanced technology.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $130,116
    In Washington, DC, program managers are at the center of government and defense projects. Major employers include contractors like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon. The city’s political environment offers unique opportunities for impactful work.
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  6. Modesto, CA
    Average Salary: $128,666
    Modesto provides a more relaxed atmosphere for program managers. The agricultural sector is prominent, with companies like C.H. Robinson needing skilled leaders. It’s a good place for those who prefer a quieter work environment.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Modesto, CA


  7. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $126,555
    Stamford offers a blend of financial and tech opportunities for program managers. Major employers include companies like Charter Communications and Alexion Pharmaceuticals. The area provides a mix of stability and innovation.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Stamford, CT


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $123,426
    Seattle's tech industry is thriving, with giants like Amazon and Microsoft needing strong leaders. Program managers here enjoy a collaborative environment with many opportunities for professional development.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $122,381
    San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, offering endless opportunities for program managers. Companies like Apple and Tesla require experienced leaders. The fast-paced tech environment is ideal for innovation and growth.
    Find Program Manager jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Tucson, AZ
    Average Salary: $118,003
    Tucson has a strong presence in defense and aerospace, with companies like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Program managers here lead critical projects with significant impact. The city’s supportive community makes it a great place to work.
    Find Program Manager jobs in Tucson, AZ

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

Program managers who work for Netflix enjoy some of the highest salaries, averaging nearly $280,000 a year. Companies like Burns & McDonnell, PlayStation, and Intuitive Surgical also pay well, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually. These top-paying firms value program managers for their ability to oversee projects, coordinate teams, and ensure goals are met.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Program Manager jobs, highlighting Netflix with the highest at $279,955 and Atlassian with the lowest at $197,977.
  1. Netflix
    Average Salary: $279,955
    At Netflix, Program Managers play a crucial role in driving the company's growth and innovation. They work on projects that range from content acquisition to user experience. Netflix operates globally, with major hubs in Los Angeles, California, and offices worldwide.


  2. Burns & McDonnell
    Average Salary: $258,636
    Burns & McDonnell offers Program Managers the chance to lead large-scale projects in engineering and construction. This company is known for its work in infrastructure, aviation, and defense. They operate across the United States and internationally.


  3. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $223,397
    OpenAI seeks Program Managers to oversee the development of artificial intelligence. Their work focuses on ensuring the safe and ethical use of AI. The company is based in San Francisco, California, with a growing presence globally.


  4. PlayStation
    Average Salary: $223,308
    Program Managers at PlayStation manage game development projects from inception to release. This Sony-owned company is renowned for its gaming consoles and has offices in San Mateo, California, and Japan.


  5. NVIDIA
    Average Salary: $223,180
    NVIDIA offers Program Managers opportunities to work on cutting-edge graphics and computing projects. They focus on technologies like AI, autonomous vehicles, and data centers. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with offices worldwide.


  6. Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
    Average Salary: $212,291
    Program Managers at Intuitive work on medical technology projects, particularly in the field of robotic surgery. The company is based in Sunnyvale, California, and operates globally.


  7. Mariner Health Care
    Average Salary: $208,000
    Mariner Health Care provides opportunities for Program Managers to oversee healthcare projects. Their focus is on improving patient care and operational efficiency. The company operates primarily in the United States.


  8. Pine Ridge Care Center
    Average Salary: $208,000
    At Pine Ridge Care Center, Program Managers manage initiatives to enhance the quality of care for residents. This company focuses on long-term and post-acute care. They operate in several states across the United States.


  9. PwC
    Average Salary: $199,853
    PwC offers Program Managers roles in strategic projects across various industries. They focus on consulting, assurance, and tax services. PwC operates in over 150 countries with numerous offices worldwide.


  10. Atlassian
    Average Salary: $197,977
    Atlassian provides Program Managers with opportunities to lead projects in software development. They are best known for products like Jira and Confluence. The company is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with offices globally.

How to earn more as a Program Manager?

A Program Manager can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Attention to these factors can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. One important aspect is gaining relevant experience. Job seekers should aim to work on diverse projects that build a strong portfolio. This demonstrates a wide skill set and adaptability, which are highly valued by employers.

Another way to earn more is by obtaining advanced certifications. Certifications in project management, like PMP or PRINCE2, can show a commitment to professional development. These certifications often lead to better-paying positions. Networking also plays a crucial role. Building relationships with industry professionals can open doors to higher-paying jobs and opportunities for advancement. Attending conferences and joining professional groups can enhance a Program Manager's visibility and credibility in the field.

Experienced Program Managers should consider moving to industries with higher salaries. Tech, finance, and healthcare often offer better pay. Transferable skills from other sectors can be valuable here. Lastly, negotiating salary effectively can lead to higher earnings. Job seekers should research market rates and be prepared to discuss their value confidently.

Here are five factors to consider:

  1. Gain relevant experience on diverse projects.
  2. Obtain advanced certifications in project management.
  3. Network with industry professionals.
  4. Move to higher-paying industries with transferable skills.
  5. Negotiate salary effectively, knowing market rates.

Currently 3,106 Program Manager job openings, nationwide.

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

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Program Manager
3,106 Job Openings