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Grants Programs Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Grants Programs Manager make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Grants Programs Manager in the United States is $110,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

However, a Grants Programs Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $146,067
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $94,510 to $129,260
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $79,679

Key Factors That Influence Grants Programs Manager Salaries

A Grants Programs Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Grants Programs Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Grants Programs Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $122,680.
  • California: $122,220.
  • Massachusetts: $120,590.

Top Paying Cities for Grants Programs Managers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $139,750
  • San Francisco: $138,220
  • Oakland: $135,310

What Skills Can Increase a Grants Programs Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.76% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Account Management (Mentioned in 1.35% Job Postings): An Account Manager has the role of managing sales and relationships with particular customers. An Account Manager maintains existing relationships with clients so that the business they work for is continously successful.
  • PowerPoint (Mentioned in 1.35% Job Postings): A computer software created by Microsoft which allows the user to create slides with recordings, narrations, transitions and other features in order to present information.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.76%
Account Management 1.35%
PowerPoint 1.35%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Grants Programs Manager's salary.

  • Marketing Research: Can increase your salary by up to 29%.
  • B2B: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Questioning: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Marketing Research $142,932
29%
B2B $131,852
19%
Questioning $124,096
12%

Grants Programs Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Grants Programs Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $114,370. While startup companies pay approximate $97,749.

Grants Programs Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $97,749
Growth Stage 51~500 $103,134
Established 501~5000 $110,690
Enterprise 5000+ $114,370

Grants Programs Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Grants Programs 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 October 01, 2026
$94,510
Average $110,800/year
$129,260
$7,876
Average $9,233/month
$10,772
$1,818
Average $2,131/week
$2,486
$45
Average $53/hour
$62
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $129,260 $10,772 $2,486 $62
Average $110,800 $9,233 $2,131 $53
25th Percentile $94,510 $7,876 $1,818 $45

Grants Programs Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Grants Programs Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the College Development Officer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $168,500 - a projected growth of 52% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Grants Programs Manager

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Grants Programs Manager

Here are companies hiring for Grants Programs Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Grants Programs Manager

1. What is the highest salary for a grant writer?

The highest salary for a Grants Programs Manager can reach up to $134,780 annually. The salary range typically starts at $105,920, with a median salary of $119,560. This reflects a more competitive compensation structure compared to the general grant writer salaries, which peak at around $86,500.

2. What is the difference between a grant manager and a project manager?

A grant manager oversees the use of grant funds to meet specific goals outlined in a proposal, while a project manager handles all aspects of a project, including both grant-funded and non-grant-funded elements. The salary for a Grants Programs Manager typically ranges from $105,920 to $134,780, with a midpoint of $119,560.

3. What is the highest salary for a program manager?

The highest salary for a Grants Programs Manager is $134,780. The average salary is $119,560, while the minimum salary starts at $105,920. This reflects the competitive compensation for this role within the industry.

4. What is the title of a grant manager?

The title of a grant manager can vary, with some common alternative job titles including Grants Programs Manager, Grants Management Specialist, and Grants Administrator. The salary for a Grants Programs Manager typically ranges from $105,920 to $134,780, with a midpoint of $119,560.

5. How much does a grant administrator make compared to a grant manager?

Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a grant manager and a grants administrator. A Grants Programs Manager has a salary range from $105,920 to $134,780, with a midpoint of $119,560, which is significantly higher than the average salary of a grants administrator.

6. Is it hard to become a program manager?

Becoming a Grants Programs Manager can be challenging, as it requires a strong educational background and relevant experience, often starting in a project management role. The salary range for this position typically falls between $105,920 and $134,780, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved in managing grant programs effectively.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

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