How much does a Program Manager make?
Program Managers play a key role in overseeing projects and ensuring they meet their goals. They work in many industries, from tech to finance. Their job is to coordinate teams, manage budgets, and keep projects on track. This role is important and comes with a good salary. The average yearly salary for a Program Manager is around $99,954. This means they earn a solid income for their hard work.
The salary for Program Managers can vary based on experience and location. Those with more experience and in larger cities often earn more. Here are some average salaries at different experience levels:
- Entry-level: $42,000
- Mid-level: $71,636
- Senior-level: $145,727
- Director-level: $190,182
What are the highest paying cities for a Program Manager?

-
Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $140,828
In Huntsville, AL, you can find rewarding work in a city known for its aerospace and defense industries. Companies like NASA and various tech firms offer exciting opportunities. The community is supportive and values innovation.
Find Program Manager jobs in Huntsville, AL
-
Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $128,568
Modesto, CA, provides a vibrant environment for professionals in agriculture and technology. With companies like Cisco and various startups, there's a strong focus on growth and development. The cost of living is reasonable, making it an attractive option.
Find Program Manager jobs in Modesto, CA
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $124,714
San Diego, CA, offers a dynamic job market with a mix of biotech, defense, and tech companies. The city's beautiful weather and quality of life make it a great place to work. Major employers include Qualcomm and biotech firms.
Find Program Manager jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $124,626
Colorado Springs, CO, is a hub for defense and aerospace jobs. The city's strong community and outdoor activities make it appealing. Companies like Lockheed Martin and various tech firms are prominent here.
Find Program Manager jobs in Colorado Springs, CO
-
Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $122,614
Stamford, CT, is a key location for finance and insurance jobs. The city offers a mix of corporate opportunities and a high quality of life. Major employers include insurance giants and financial institutions.
Find Program Manager jobs in Stamford, CT
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $122,564
Washington, DC, is a center for government and tech jobs. The city offers a unique blend of professional opportunities and cultural experiences. Companies like Amazon and government agencies are major employers.
Find Program Manager jobs in Washington, DC
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $119,542
San Francisco, CA, is a tech powerhouse with many opportunities in Silicon Valley. The city is home to tech giants like Google and Facebook. The vibrant culture and high cost of living are notable.
Find Program Manager jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $114,761
San Jose, CA, is the heart of Silicon Valley, offering numerous tech jobs. The city is known for its innovation and startups. Companies like Apple and various tech firms provide exciting opportunities.
Find Program Manager jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $112,363
Seattle, WA, is a tech hub with a strong focus on innovation. The city offers a mix of tech jobs and a high quality of life. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft are major employers.
Find Program Manager jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Fort Collins, CO
Average Salary: $111,566
Fort Collins, CO, offers a mix of tech and outdoor jobs. The city's strong community and lower cost of living make it attractive. Companies like Lockheed Martin and tech startups are prominent here.
Find Program Manager jobs in Fort Collins, CO
What are the best companies a Program Manager can work for?

-
HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $273,731
HNTB Corporation offers Program Manager jobs with a focus on infrastructure projects. They operate in various locations across the United States, including major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Their projects often involve transportation, environment, and technology.
-
Netflix
Average Salary: $264,722
At Netflix, Program Managers work on exciting projects that drive the company's global streaming services. They are based in Los Gatos, California, and other locations worldwide. Netflix values innovation and creativity, making it a great place for Program Managers.
-
Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
Average Salary: $235,940
Intuitive Surgical offers Program Manager roles focused on medical technology. They operate in Sunnyvale, California, and other key locations. Program Managers here work on projects that improve patient care through advanced surgical systems.
-
SAP
Average Salary: $227,952
SAP provides Program Manager jobs in software development and enterprise solutions. They have offices in Walldorf, Germany, and many other locations worldwide. Program Managers at SAP collaborate on projects that help businesses run more efficiently.
-
OpenAI
Average Salary: $222,324
OpenAI offers Program Manager positions in artificial intelligence research. They are based in San Francisco, California, and other locations. Program Managers here work on cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of AI technology.
-
PwC
Average Salary: $219,419
PwC provides Program Manager roles in consulting and advisory services. They operate in many cities worldwide, including New York, London, and Sydney. Program Managers at PwC work on projects that help businesses solve complex challenges.
-
NVIDIA
Average Salary: $208,606
NVIDIA offers Program Manager jobs in graphics and computing technology. They are based in Santa Clara, California, and other locations. Program Managers here work on projects that drive innovation in gaming, AI, and data centers.
-
Waymo
Average Salary: $206,895
Waymo offers Program Manager roles in autonomous vehicle technology. They operate in Mountain View, California, and other locations. Program Managers at Waymo work on projects that aim to make self-driving cars a reality.
-
Atlassian
Average Salary: $205,304
Atlassian provides Program Manager jobs in software development and collaboration tools. They are based in Sydney, Australia, and other locations worldwide. Program Managers here work on projects that enhance productivity and teamwork.
-
Expedia Group
Average Salary: $205,208
Expedia Group offers Program Manager roles in travel technology. They operate in Seattle, Washington, and other locations. Program Managers at Expedia Group work on projects that improve the travel booking experience for users worldwide.
How to earn more as a Program Manager?
A Program Manager can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. First, gaining experience in different industries can open up new opportunities. Each industry has unique challenges and skills that can make a Program Manager more versatile. Second, obtaining advanced certifications can enhance a Program Manager's qualifications. Certifications in project management or related fields can demonstrate a higher level of expertise. Third, developing strong leadership skills can lead to higher-paying roles. Effective leaders can manage teams and projects more efficiently, which is valuable to employers. Fourth, networking with other professionals can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Building a strong professional network can help a Program Manager learn about higher-paying positions. Finally, continuously learning and adapting to new technologies can make a Program Manager more valuable. Staying updated with the latest tools and methods can improve performance and open up new career paths.
Program Managers who focus on these areas can see significant increases in their earnings. By gaining experience, obtaining certifications, developing leadership skills, networking, and staying updated, Program Managers can position themselves for higher-paying roles. These efforts not only lead to better pay but also enhance career growth and job satisfaction.
Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Program Manager:
- Gain experience in different industries.
- Obtain advanced certifications.
- Develop strong leadership skills.
- Network with other professionals.
- Stay updated with new technologies.