How Much Does a Program Specialist I make?

Program Specialist I made a median salary around $100,732 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $112,783 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $88,761. 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% $88,761 10% $77,863 90% $123,755 75% $112,783 $100,732 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for Program Specialist I

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Program Specialist I profession are New Canaan , Norwalk , Old Greenwich , Riverside , Stamford .
New Canaan, CT $107,672
Norwalk, CT $107,672
Old Greenwich, CT $107,672
Riverside, CT $107,672
Stamford, CT $107,672

Best-Paying States for Program Specialist I

The states and districts that pay Program Specialist I the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $104,389) , California (around $103,451) , New Jersey (around $102,795) , Alaska (around $102,138) , and Massachusetts (around $102,045) .
District of Columbia $104,389
California $103,451
New Jersey $102,795
Alaska $102,138
Massachusetts $102,045

What is the Career Path of Program Specialist I?

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 Specialist I, the upper level is Staff Nurse Senior- RN - Occupational Health , and then progresses to Occupational Medicine Director

Frequently Asked Questions for Program Specialist I

Q: What is the salary range of Program Specialist I in Connecticut?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Program Specialist I in Connecticut earned an average annual salary of $88,761 , while the highest-paid made $112,783.
Q: What is the salary for a Program Specialist I in California?
A: Program Specialist I employed in California earned an average salary of $103,451 in 2025.

Average Program Specialist I Pay vs. Other Jobs

Program Specialist I earned an average salary of $100,732 in 2025. Other jobs related to Program Specialist I earned the following average salary in March, 2025. IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I made $77,373 , Training Specialist I made $66,210 , Wellness Program Administrator I and Program Assistant I made $65,942 and $58,207 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Program Specialist I

The IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I evaluates use cases and client needs to develop configurations that support business processes. Supports external clients with implementing technical systems, software, hardware, or solutions. Being an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I ensures that implementations are completed on time, within budget, and meet client expectations. Defines and executes delivery and implementation plans. In addition, IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I tests and troubleshoots final system setups. Provides training and end-user support during and after the implementation process. May be involved in pre-sales product demonstrations or assist in scoping projects or developing proposals. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of technical specialty. Typically reports to a manager. Being an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Working as an IT-Customer Project/Program Management, Specialist I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Training Specialist I - Average Salary $66,210
Training Specialist I delivers company training programs and workshops to employees and managers. Monitors the effectiveness of training on employees using individual or group performance results. Being a Training Specialist I collects feedback on sessions from attendees to use for future improvements to content and presentation. Contributes to new training program design and existing program enhancements. Additionally, Training Specialist I assists in the development and creation of lesson plans and training aids. May specialize in a particular subject, training program, or function of the company. Training programs may typically include topics such as supervisory/management training, work skills training, team building, and communications. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Training Specialist I works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. To be a Training Specialist I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Wellness Program Administrator I - Average Salary $65,942
Wellness Program Administrator I is responsible for the administration of wellness and work-life programs that enhance employee engagement, facilitate recruiting, and support productivity improvements. Records and tracks employee participation information, satisfaction surveys, and feedback sessions to assess the value of programs and resources. Being a Wellness Program Administrator I analyzes the effectiveness and utilization of wellness programs and recommends changes and additions that reflect the changing needs of employees. Creates employee communications that educate employees and encourage participation in wellness activities. Additionally, Wellness Program Administrator I may require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Wellness Program Administrator I work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. To be a Wellness Program Administrator I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Program Assistant I - Average Salary $58,207
There is currently no job description for Program Assistant I, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Program Assistant I.
Program Manager I - Average Salary $159,547
There is currently no job description for Program Manager I, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Program Manager I.