upper level job

IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I Salary in the United States

How much does an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I in the United States is $80,663 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

However, an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $93,597
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,823 to $87,433
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $65,685

Key Factors That Influence IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I Salaries

An IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I (0-2 years): $80,646
  • Client Project Implementation Consultant II (2-4 years): $92,580
  • Client Project Implementation Consultant III (4-7 years): $114,696
  • Client Project Implementation Consultant IV (7+ years): $143,256
  • Client Project Implementation Consultant V (7-10 years): $161,743
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I0-2 years$80,646
Client Project Implementation Consultant II2-4 years$92,580
Client Project Implementation Consultant III4-7 years$114,696
Client Project Implementation Consultant IV7+ years$143,256
Client Project Implementation Consultant V7-10 years$161,743

Top Paying Cities for IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist Is

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: $101,733
  • San Francisco: $100,623
  • Oakland: $98,503

What Skills Can Increase an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Project Management (Mentioned in 8.04% Job Postings): Project management is the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters. Project management has final deliverables that are constrained to a finite timescale and budget.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 1.74% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Business Requirements (Mentioned in 1.44% Job Postings): Also known as stakeholder requirements specifications , describe the characteristics of a proposed system from the viewpoint of the system's end user. Often discussed in the context of developing or procuring software or other systems.
Skills Demand Percentage
Project Management 8.04%
Computer Science 1.74%
Business Requirements 1.44%

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 an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I's salary.

  • JavaScript: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Products and Services: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
JavaScript $89,536
11%
Interpersonal Communication $86,309
7%
Products and Services $86,309
7%

IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $90,144. While startup companies pay approximate $76,253.

IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $76,253
Growth Stage 51~500 $80,645
Established 501~5000 $87,046
Enterprise 5000+ $90,144

IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$112,928$54.040%
Software & Networking$108,895$52.035%
Biotechnology$104,862$50.030%
Internet$104,862$50.030%
Energy & Utilities$100,829$48.025%

IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I'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 September 01, 2026
$72,823
Average $80,663/year
$87,433
$6,069
Average $6,722/month
$7,286
$1,400
Average $1,551/week
$1,681
$35
Average $39/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $87,433 $7,286 $1,681 $42
Average $80,663 $6,722 $1,551 $39
25th Percentile $72,823 $6,069 $1,400 $35

IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I Salary Growth & Career Path

For an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Client Project Implementation Consultant II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $92,600 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

Most common benefits for IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I

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

Common company salaries for IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I

Here are companies hiring for IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. Do project managers make 200k?

Project managers in IT-Customer Project/Program Management typically earn between $63,143 and $81,363 annually, with a median salary of $71,653. While some high-level positions may approach $200,000, the majority of roles in this field fall within the specified salary range.

3. Is IT specialist a stressful job?

Working as an IT Customer Project/Program Management Specialist can be stressful due to the need to manage urgent technical issues and ensure project success. With a salary range from $63,143 to $81,363, the role demands strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure, making it both challenging and rewarding.

4. What is the difference between a project specialist and a project manager?

A Project Specialist typically supports project managers by handling specific tasks and responsibilities, including resource allocation, budgeting, and timeline management. In contrast, Project Managers oversee the entire project, coordinating activities like scheduling and risk management. Salaries for these roles range from $63,143 to $81,363, with a midpoint of $71,653.

5. What is a customer project manager?

A Customer Project Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing projects aimed at improving customer experience with a company or brand. In the IT sector, salaries for this role typically range from $63,143 to $81,363, with a median salary of $71,653, reflecting the importance of effective project management in enhancing customer satisfaction.

6. How many hours do project managers work a week?

Project management specialists typically work full-time, often exceeding 40 hours per week, especially when managing critical projects. Their salaries range from $63,143 to $81,363, with a median salary of $71,653, reflecting the demanding nature of their roles and the importance of effective project delivery.

7. What is the highest paid program manager?

The highest paid program manager in IT-Customer Project/Program Management can earn up to $81,363 annually. The salary range for this role typically starts at $63,143, with a mid-level salary around $71,653. This reflects the competitive nature of the industry and the expertise required for effective project management.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst