As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Program Specialist I in the United States is $67,181 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Program Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Program 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.
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 Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Accountability | 5.18% |
| Nursing Practice | 2.97% |
| Pediatric | 1.94% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Staff Development
|
$73,899 |
10%
|
|
Critical Care
|
$72,555 |
8%
|
|
Community Health
|
$71,884 |
7%
|
|
CPR
|
$67,853 |
1%
|
|
Leadership
|
$67,853 |
1%
|
|
Nursing Care
|
$67,853 |
1%
|
For Program Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Program Specialist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Program Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $94,053 | $45.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $87,335 | $42.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $83,976 | $40.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $80,617 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $77,258 | $37.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Program 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Program Specialist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,541 in 2023 to around $64,059 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Program Specialist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $64,541 |
| 2024 | $64,621 |
| 2025 | $64,059 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Program Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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