How much does a Program Specialist make?
A Program Specialist has a rewarding career path with varied salary prospects. This role often involves managing or coordinating programs, which can range from community services to corporate initiatives. With the right skills and experience, salary potential grows. The average yearly salary for a Program Specialist stands at around $57,615, reflecting a solid income.
Here’s a closer look at the salary distribution:
- About 11.87% earn up to $30,000 annually.
- Around 19.96% earn between $30,000 and $38,982.
- Close to 26.75% earn between $38,982 and $47,964.
- About 11.86% earn between $47,964 and $56,945.
- Approximately 9.22% earn between $56,945 and $65,927.
- Just under 6% earn between $65,927 and $74,909.
- About 3.67% earn between $74,909 and $83,891.
- Nearly 2% earn between $83,891 and $92,873.
- About 1.3% earn between $92,873 and $101,855.
- Just over 1% earn between $101,855 and $110,836.
- Around 1.15% earn between $110,836 and $119,818.
- A small percentage, around 1.43%, earn over $128,800 annually.
What are the highest paying cities for a Program Specialist?
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $92,540
In Washington, DC, professionals find work in both government and non-profit sectors. The city's political nature offers diverse roles and projects. Companies like the World Bank and USAID provide ample opportunities.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $91,012
Sacramento is known for its vibrant public sector. Specialists here engage in policy development and program management. The state government and local organizations like the California Highway Patrol offer various roles.
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Baton Rouge, LA
Average Salary: $89,133
Baton Rouge, with its strong focus on education and healthcare, provides a supportive environment for program specialists. Work often involves collaboration with state agencies. Institutions like LSU Health Sciences Center offer key opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $88,156
San Jose's tech-driven economy creates dynamic opportunities for program specialists. This tech hub brings roles in innovation and community projects. Companies such as Intel and Cisco are prominent employers.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $86,777
Huntsville, known for its aerospace industry, offers unique opportunities in program management. Specialists work on projects that impact national defense and space exploration. Key employers include NASA and the U.S. Army.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $82,403
Rochester combines a strong healthcare system with diverse industries. Program specialists work on initiatives that improve community health. Major employers include the University of Rochester and Rochester Regional Health.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $81,063
Los Angeles provides a diverse job market with roles in entertainment, government, and education. Specialists collaborate on city-wide initiatives. Companies like the City of Los Angeles and UCLA offer various positions.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $80,109
San Diego's mild climate and military presence create a unique environment for program specialists. Work often involves community development and defense projects. Key employers include the Navy and the San Diego County government.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $77,399
Seattle's tech and aerospace industries provide varied opportunities. Program specialists engage in innovative projects and community programs. Companies like Boeing and Amazon are major employers.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $74,261
Albany, the capital city, offers roles in government and education. Specialists work on policy development and public services. The New York State government and SUNY Albany are key employers.
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What are the best companies a Program Specialist can work for?
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Boeing
Average Salary: $164,971
Boeing offers rewarding Program Specialist roles. They operate worldwide, with key locations in Seattle, Washington, and St. Louis, Missouri. At Boeing, Program Specialists help manage projects, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency.
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Caterpillar Inc.
Average Salary: $151,394
Caterpillar Inc. provides excellent opportunities for Program Specialists. They have offices in Peoria, Illinois, and Geneva, Switzerland. Specialists here coordinate various projects, focusing on improving manufacturing and sales processes.
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Deloitte
Average Salary: $128,800
Deloitte offers competitive salaries for Program Specialists. They have offices in New York, New York, and London, UK. Here, Program Specialists work on complex projects, providing valuable insights and strategies to clients.
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L3Harris Technologies
Average Salary: $125,848
L3Harris Technologies is known for its innovative projects. Specialists work in Melbourne, Florida, and San Diego, California. They manage technical programs, ensuring projects meet deadlines and quality standards.
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General Dynamics Mission Systems
Average Salary: $116,057
General Dynamics Mission Systems offers solid compensation for Program Specialists. They have offices in Falls Church, Virginia, and Phoenix, Arizona. Specialists here focus on developing and managing mission-critical programs.
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City of Sacramento
Average Salary: $108,790
The City of Sacramento provides good opportunities for Program Specialists. They operate in Sacramento, California. Specialists work on community projects, helping to improve local services and infrastructure.
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Booz Allen Hamilton
Average Salary: $104,323
Booz Allen Hamilton offers diverse roles for Program Specialists. They have offices in McLean, Virginia, and Arlington, Virginia. Specialists here manage various projects, providing consulting services to government and commercial clients.
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Smithsonian Institution
Average Salary: $98,342
The Smithsonian Institution provides enriching Program Specialist roles. They operate in Washington, DC. Specialists here manage exhibitions and educational programs, contributing to the institution's mission of preserving history and culture.
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ICF
Average Salary: $94,298
ICF offers competitive roles for Program Specialists. They have offices in Falls Church, Virginia, and San Francisco, California. Specialists work on a variety of projects, focusing on delivering results for clients across different sectors.
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Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
Average Salary: $89,503
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services provides important roles for Program Specialists. They operate in Rockville, Maryland. Specialists here work on community health programs, ensuring services meet the needs of the community.
How to earn more as a Program Specialist?
Becoming a Program Specialist involves more than just managing projects. It offers opportunities for career growth and salary increases. Taking steps to improve your skills and qualifications can lead to higher earnings. Pursuing certifications in project management or specialized training in your field can boost your value. Gaining experience in different types of programs can also open doors to higher-paying positions.
Networking plays a big role in career advancement. Building relationships with colleagues and industry professionals can lead to new job opportunities. Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and participating in online forums can help. These connections can sometimes lead to higher-paying roles or even tips on how to negotiate a better salary. Employers often look for candidates with a strong professional network.
Seeking promotions and lateral moves can also increase earnings. Regularly reviewing your performance and discussing career goals with your manager can help. Taking on more responsibility or leading projects can demonstrate your readiness for higher pay. Researching salary trends in your area and industry can also guide your negotiations.
Consider these factors to increase your earnings as a Program Specialist:
- Get certifications and specialized training.
- Build and maintain a professional network.
- Seek promotions and take on more responsibility.
- Negotiate salary based on market rates.
- Gain experience in various program areas.
