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Program Specialist (Non-Profit) Salary in the United States

How much does a Program Specialist (Non-Profit) make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Program Specialist (Non-Profit) in the United States is $67,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, a Program Specialist (Non-Profit)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $84,899
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $60,400 to $76,650
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,854
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Program Specialist (Non-Profit) Salaries

A Program Specialist (Non-Profit)'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 Program Specialist (Non-Profit) Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Program Specialist (Non-Profit)'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:

  • Non-Profit Program Associate (0-2 years): $49,351
  • Program Specialist (Non-Profit) (2-4 years): $67,587
  • Program Senior Specialist (Non-Profit) (4-7 years): $80,140
  • Non-Profit Program Administration Manager I (7+ years): $85,594
  • Non-Profit Program Administration Manager II (7+ years): $95,984
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Non-Profit Program Associate0-2 years$49,351
Program Specialist (Non-Profit)2-4 years$67,587
Program Senior Specialist (Non-Profit)4-7 years$80,140
Non-Profit Program Administration Manager I7+ years$85,594
Non-Profit Program Administration Manager II7+ years$95,984
View as Graph

How Do Program Specialist (Non-Profit) 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 Program Specialist (Non-Profit)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $74,840.
  • California: $74,550.
  • Massachusetts: $73,560.

Top Paying Cities for Program Specialist (Non-Profit)s

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: $85,250
  • San Francisco: $84,320
  • Oakland: $82,540

What Skills Can Increase a Program Specialist (Non-Profit)'s Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Coordination (Mentioned in 7.12% Job Postings): Ability to plan, execute, and adjust job duties to achieve business goals.
  • Administrative Support (Mentioned in 2.12% Job Postings): Administrative support means technical assistance, studies, surveys, or securing volunteers to assist the department in fulfilling its administrative responsibilities.
  • PowerPoint (Mentioned in 1.66% 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
Coordination 7.12%
Administrative Support 2.12%
PowerPoint 1.66%
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 Program Specialist (Non-Profit)'s salary.

  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Program Management: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Project Management $72,321
7%
Program Management $71,645
6%
Collaboration $70,294
4%
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Program Specialist (Non-Profit) Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Program Specialist (Non-Profit) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $74,016. While startup companies pay approximate $62,685.

Program Specialist (Non-Profit) Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $62,685
Growth Stage 51~500 $66,280
Established 501~5000 $71,490
Enterprise 5000+ $74,016

Program Specialist (Non-Profit) Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Program Specialist (Non-Profit) roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Program Specialist (Non-Profit) positions in MFG Nondurable or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Program Specialist (Non-Profit) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Program Specialist (Non-Profit)

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$94,626$45.040%
Insurance$87,867$42.030%
Energy & Utilities$81,108$39.020%
Business Services$74,349$36.010%

Program Specialist (Non-Profit) Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Program Specialist (Non-Profit)'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
$60,400
Average $67,590/year
$76,650
$5,033
Average $5,633/month
$6,388
$1,162
Average $1,300/week
$1,474
$29
Average $32/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $76,650 $6,388 $1,474 $37
Average $67,590 $5,633 $1,300 $32
25th Percentile $60,400 $5,033 $1,162 $29

Program Specialist (Non-Profit) Salary Growth & Career Path

Program Specialist (Non-Profit)

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Program Specialist (Non-Profit), 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
Foundation Fundraising Officer $190,390 182%
Community Housing Program Manager $50,000 -26%
Volunteer Programs Supervisor $71,500 6%
Program Senior Specialist (Non-Profit) $80,140 19%

Most common benefits for Program Specialist (Non-Profit)

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

Common company salaries for Program Specialist (Non-Profit)

Here are companies hiring for Program Specialist (Non-Profit) and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Program Specialist (Non-Profit)

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Program Specialist (Non-Profit)?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Program Specialist (Non-Profit) roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. Do specialists make more money?

Specialists typically earn higher salaries compared to general roles. For instance, a Program Specialist in the non-profit sector has a salary range from $60,710 to $80,540, with a mid-salary of $69,450. This reflects the trend where specialized positions often command better compensation due to their expertise and responsibilities.

3. What is a non-profit CEO called?

The board governs a nonprofit, while the executive director, often referred to as the CEO, manages daily operations. This role is crucial as the executive director represents the organization's values and commitment. In terms of compensation, a Program Specialist in a non-profit typically earns between $60,710 and $80,540, with a mid-salary of $69,450.

4. How much does a project specialist make in the US?

A Program Specialist in the non-profit sector typically earns between $60,710 and $80,540 annually. The average salary is around $69,450 per year. These figures reflect the range of salaries based on industry data and provide a clear picture of compensation for this role.

5. How much does a program specialist make at Duke University?

A Program Specialist at Duke University typically earns between $60,710 and $80,540 annually, with a mid-range salary of about $69,450. This reflects the competitive compensation for such roles in the non-profit sector, aligning with industry standards.

6. What is the highest paying non profit?

The highest paying non-profit is Lutheran Services in America, which generated $23 billion in 2022. As one of only three nonprofits earning over $10 billion annually, it offers competitive salaries for positions like Program Specialist, with a salary range from $60,710 to $80,540, and a mid-salary of $69,450.

7. What nonprofits make the most money?

The salary range for a Program Specialist in the non-profit sector typically falls between $60,710 and $80,540, with a mid-salary of $69,450. While many non-profits are profitable, organizations like Goodwill Industries, Catholic Charities, and The Nature Conservancy are known for their effective spending and financial 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.)

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