As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Program Manager in California is $158,781 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.
However, a Program Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Program Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $177,679 | $14,807 | $3,417 | $85 |
| Average | $158,781 | $13,232 | $3,053 | $76 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,104 | $12,092 | $2,790 | $70 |
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A Program 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Program 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Program Manager | $153,678 |
| Intermediate Level Program Manager | $154,290 |
| Senior Level Program Manager | $155,311 |
| Specialist Level Program Manager | $156,740 |
| Expert Level Program Manager | $158,781 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Program Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $177,596. While startup companies pay approximate $150,193.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $150,193 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $158,852 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $171,502 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $177,596 |
For Program Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 68% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Program Manager positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Program Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $206,416 | $99.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $198,477 | $95.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $190,538 | $92.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $184,186 | $89.0 | 16% |
| Biotechnology | $182,598 | $88.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Program 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $177,679 | $14,807 | $3,417 | $85 |
| Average | $158,781 | $13,232 | $3,053 | $76 |
| 25th Percentile | $145,104 | $12,092 | $2,790 | $70 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Program 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Project Management Senior Manager | $167,721 | 6% |
| Engineering Program Management Senior Manager | $196,162 | 24% |
| Project Management Manager, Sr. | $188,947 | 19% |
| Project Controls Senior Manager | $196,695 | 24% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Program Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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