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Programming Manager Salary in California

How much does a Programming Manager make in California?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Programming Manager in California is $171,965 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.

However, a Programming Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $195,552
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $161,095 to $184,311
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $151,199
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Programming Manager Salaries

A Programming 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.

How Experience Level Affects Programming Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Programming 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $186,076
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $149,490
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $171,057
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $199,995
  • Expert (over 8 years): $219,588
Levels Salary
Applicati... Level Programming Manager$186,076
Applicati... Level Programming Manager$149,490
Programmi... Level Programming Manager$171,057
Applicati... Level Programming Manager$199,995
Applicati... Level Programming Manager$219,588
View as Graph

How Do Programming Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Programming Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $172,620.
  • California: $171,965.
  • Massachusetts: $169,674.

Top Paying Cities for Programming Managers

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:

  • Los Angeles: $172,262
  • West Hollywood: $172,137
  • Dodgertown: $172,260

Programming Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Programming Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 38% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Programming Manager positions in Internet or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Programming Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Programming Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$202,919$98.018%
Energy & Utilities$197,760$95.015%
Financial Services$197,760$95.015%
Construction$192,601$93.012%
Insurance$189,162$91.010%

Programming Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Programming 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.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$161,095
Average $171,965/year
$184,311
$13,425
Average $14,330/month
$15,359
$3,098
Average $3,307/week
$3,544
$77
Average $83/hour
$89
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $184,311 $15,359 $3,544 $89
Average $171,965 $14,330 $3,307 $83
25th Percentile $161,095 $13,425 $3,098 $77

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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