As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Program Specialist in the United States is $120,994 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Program Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Program Specialist'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Program Specialist'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 Specialist | $110,872 |
| Intermediate Level Program Specialist | $111,462 |
| Senior Level Program Specialist | $112,840 |
| Specialist Level Program Specialist | $116,547 |
| Expert Level Program Specialist | $119,565 |
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 Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 7.59% |
| Service Quality | 2.43% |
| First Aid | 1.68% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$134,303 |
11%
|
|
Program Management
|
$133,093 |
10%
|
|
Commitment
|
$129,464 |
7%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$128,254 |
6%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$125,834 |
4%
|
|
Case Management
|
$125,834 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Program Specialists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Program Specialist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $110,084 and $120,654).
Program Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 7.0% |
| Associates | 3.5% |
| Bachelors | 36.2% |
| Masters | 48.5% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how a Program Specialist'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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Program Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,853 in 2023 to around $101,103 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Program Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $101,853 |
| 2024 | $101,558 |
| 2025 | $101,103 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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