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Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager in the United States is $134,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $157,443
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $125,000 to $146,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $115,987
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager Salaries

A Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager'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:

  • Lean Six Sigma Process Supervisor (12+ years): $69,534
  • Lean Six Sigma Process Senior Supervisor (12+ years): $107,270
  • Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager (12+ years): $134,858
  • Lean Six Sigma Programs Senior Manager (12+ years): $173,253
  • Lean Six Sigma Process Director (12+ years): $199,372
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Lean Six Sigma Process Supervisor12+ years$69,534
Lean Six Sigma Process Senior Supervisor12+ years$107,270
Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager12+ years$134,858
Lean Six Sigma Programs Senior Manager12+ years$173,253
Lean Six Sigma Process Director12+ years$199,372
View as Graph

How Do Lean/Six Sigma 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 Lean/Six Sigma Programs Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $149,400.
  • California: $148,800.
  • Massachusetts: $146,800.

Top Paying Cities for Lean/Six Sigma 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: $170,100
  • San Francisco: $168,300
  • Oakland: $164,700

What Skills Can Increase a Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Quality Management (Mentioned in 8.41% Job Postings): Quality management ensures that an organization, product or service is consistent. It has four main components: quality planning, quality assurance, quality control and quality improvement. Quality management is focused not only on product and service quality, but also on the means to achieve it. Quality management, therefore, uses quality assurance and control of processes as well as products to achieve more consistent quality. What a customer wants and is willing to pay for it determines quality. It is written or unwritten commitment to a known or unknown consumer in the market . Thus, quality can be defined as fitness for intended use or, in other words, how well the product performs its intended function
  • Product Quality (Mentioned in 2.73% Job Postings): Product quality refers to how well a product satisfies customer needs, serves its purpose and meets industry standards. When evaluating product quality, businesses consider several key factors, including whether a product solves a problem, works efficiently or suits customers' purposes.
  • Lean (Mentioned in 1.48% Job Postings): Lean manufacturing, or lean production, is a system of techniques and activities for running a manufacturing or service operation.
Skills Demand Percentage
Quality Management 8.41%
Product Quality 2.73%
Lean 1.48%
See More Skills

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 Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager's salary.

  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Innovation $141,645
5%
Collaboration $140,296
4%
Decision Making $138,947
3%
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Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $150,756. While startup companies pay approximate $127,525.

Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $127,525
Growth Stage 51~500 $134,870
Established 501~5000 $145,575
Enterprise 5000+ $150,756

Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 21% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 9% above the average. In contrast, Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$147,041$71.09%
Aerospace & Defense$145,692$70.08%
Transportation$144,343$69.07%
Energy & Utilities$141,645$68.05%
Software & Networking$141,645$68.05%

How Education impacts a Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lean/Six Sigma Programs Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $131,615 and $140,461).

Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.2%
High School 4.6%
Associates 5.8%
Bachelors 47.4%
Masters 39.3%
Doctorate 1.7%
View as Graph

Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Lean/Six Sigma 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 September 01, 2026
$125,000
Average $134,900/year
$146,700
$10,417
Average $11,242/month
$12,225
$2,404
Average $2,594/week
$2,821
$60
Average $65/hour
$71
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $146,700 $12,225 $2,821 $71
Average $134,900 $11,242 $2,594 $65
25th Percentile $125,000 $10,417 $2,404 $60

Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Lean Six Sigma Programs Senior Manager $173,300 28%
Six Sigma Master Black Belt $180,400 34%
Product Quality Assurance Senior Manager $153,000 13%

Most common benefits for Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager

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

Common company salaries for Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager

Here are companies hiring for Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager roles, with salaries approximately 9% above the market median.

2. Do project managers make 200k?

The best Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager positions can pay up to $156,700 per year. While some project managers may earn close to $200,000, the typical salary range for Lean/Six Sigma Programs Managers is between $126,500 and $156,700, depending on experience and location.

3. Is Six Sigma worth it for IT professionals?

Getting Six Sigma certification offers several compelling benefits for IT professionals. It enhances your career prospects by demonstrating expertise in improving processes and reducing defects. With salaries ranging from $126,500 to $156,700 for Lean/Six Sigma Programs Managers, this certification can significantly increase your value in various industries, including IT.

4. Is Lean Six Sigma in high demand?

Lean Six Sigma experts are in high demand for optimizing processes, enhancing quality assurance, and minimizing defects in various industries. With salaries ranging from $126,500 to $156,700, organizations are investing in these professionals to drive efficiency and improve outcomes. This trend highlights the growing importance of Lean Six Sigma methodologies in today's competitive landscape.

5. What is the highest salary in Six Sigma?

The highest salary for a Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager is $156,700 per year. The salary range typically starts at $126,500, with a mid-point of $140,600, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibility within the role.

6. How much do Six Sigma project managers make?

Six Sigma Programs Managers typically earn between $126,500 and $156,700 annually, with a mid-salary of around $140,600. Compensation may also include bonuses and excellent benefits, reflecting the value of their expertise in process improvement and operational efficiency.

7. Who is getting the highest salary in managers?

The highest salary among managers is typically found in specialized roles like Lean/Six Sigma Programs Manager, with a salary range from $126,500 to $156,700. This position often commands a mid-salary of $140,600, reflecting its importance in driving efficiency and quality improvements within organizations.

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.

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