How Much Does a PROGRAM MANAGER make?

PROGRAM MANAGER made a median salary around $165,262 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $189,791 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $142,721. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $142,721 10% $122,200 90% $212,125 75% $189,791 $165,262 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for PROGRAM MANAGER

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the PROGRAM MANAGER profession are Sunnyside , Woodside , Long Island City , Astoria , New York .
Sunnyside, NY $181,075
Woodside, NY $181,075
Long Island City, NY $181,075
Astoria, NY $181,075
New York, NY $181,075

Best-Paying States for PROGRAM MANAGER

The states and districts that pay PROGRAM MANAGER the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $172,548) , California (around $170,998) , New Jersey (around $169,913) , Alaska (around $168,827) , and Massachusetts (around $168,672) .
District of Columbia $172,548
California $170,998
New Jersey $169,913
Alaska $168,827
Massachusetts $168,672

What is the Career Path of PROGRAM MANAGER?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For PROGRAM MANAGER, the first career path typically progresses to Manufacturing Project Management Senior Manager.

The second career path typically starts with an Engineering Program Management Senior Manager position , and then progresses to Engineering Program Management Director.

The third career path typically progresses to Project Management Director.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically progresses to Project Controls Senior Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions for PROGRAM MANAGER

Q: What is the salary range of PROGRAM MANAGER in New York?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid PROGRAM MANAGER in New York earned an average annual salary of $142,721 , while the highest-paid made $189,791.
Q: What is the salary for a PROGRAM MANAGER in California?
A: PROGRAM MANAGER employed in California earned an average salary of $170,998 in 2025.

Average PROGRAM MANAGER Pay vs. Other Jobs

PROGRAM MANAGER earned an average salary of $165,262 in 2025. Other jobs related to PROGRAM MANAGER earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Engineering Program Manager III made $118,821 , Engineering Program Manager V made $149,340 , Engineering Program Manager VI and Engineering Program Manager IV made $203,465 and $137,301 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of PROGRAM MANAGER

Engineering Program Manager III - Average Salary $118,821
Responsible for the development and management of an engineering program. Manages program resources and oversees the research, development, and testing of engineering design concepts, criteria, and specifications. Coordinates vendors, develops proposals, and evaluates vendor products or materials to support program activities and ensure customer specifications are met. Collects, analyzes, and monitors program metrics, progress, and performance to identify inefficiencies and implement new processes, workflows, or technology. Tracks and analyzes engineering program costs to ensure alignment with the budget and broader business objectives. Acts as the primary customer contact to discuss expectations or changes in program needs or requirements. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
Engineering Program Manager V - Average Salary $149,340
Responsible for the development and management of an engineering program. Manages program resources and oversees the research, development, and testing of engineering design concepts, criteria, and specifications. Coordinates vendors, develops proposals, and evaluates vendor products or materials to support program activities and ensure customer specifications are met. Collects, analyzes, and monitors program metrics, progress, and performance to identify inefficiencies and implement new processes, workflows, or technology. Tracks and analyzes engineering program costs to ensure alignment with the budget and broader business objectives. Acts as the primary customer contact to discuss expectations or changes in program needs or requirements. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
Engineering Program Manager VI - Average Salary $203,465
Responsible for the development and management of an engineering program. Manages program resources and oversees the research, development, and testing of engineering design concepts, criteria, and specifications. Coordinates vendors, develops proposals, and evaluates vendor products or materials to support program activities and ensure customer specifications are met. Collects, analyzes, and monitors program metrics, progress, and performance to identify inefficiencies and implement new processes, workflows, or technology. Tracks and analyzes engineering program costs to ensure alignment with the budget and broader business objectives. Acts as the primary customer contact to discuss expectations or changes in program needs or requirements. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.
Engineering Program Manager IV - Average Salary $137,301
Responsible for the development and management of an engineering program. Manages program resources and oversees the research, development, and testing of engineering design concepts, criteria, and specifications. Coordinates vendors, develops proposals, and evaluates vendor products or materials to support program activities and ensure customer specifications are met. Collects, analyzes, and monitors program metrics, progress, and performance to identify inefficiencies and implement new processes, workflows, or technology. Tracks and analyzes engineering program costs to ensure alignment with the budget and broader business objectives. Acts as the primary customer contact to discuss expectations or changes in program needs or requirements. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.
Engineering Program Management Manager - Average Salary $141,393
Plans, oversees, and manages a portfolio of engineering programs. Provides technical oversight to support the development and launch of engineering programs. Researches and promotes engineering methodologies and technology advancements to incorporate into programs and improve capabilities. Establishes protocols to train and develop program managers, define engineering standards, and drive program success. Implements standardized methods for project estimating, procurement, reporting, and other project-related processes. Tracks and monitors program costs to ensure alignment with the budget and broader business objectives. Responsible for creating and maintaining strong customer relationships. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.