How Much Does a Programs Manager make?

Programs Manager made a median salary around $144,643 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $166,112 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $124,915. 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% $124,915 10% $106,953 90% $185,659 75% $166,112 $144,643 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for Programs Manager

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Programs Manager profession are Lewiston , Cottonwood , Fenn , Grangeville , Post Falls .
Lewiston, ID $160,766
Cottonwood, ID $160,766
Fenn, ID $159,991
Grangeville, ID $159,991
Post Falls, ID $157,200

Best-Paying States for Programs Manager

The states and districts that pay Programs 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 Programs 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 Programs 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.

Besides, Programs Manager can also turn to other related jobs, including Manager, Programs , Sponsored Programs Manager , Provider Programs Manager and Volunteer Programs Manager .

Frequently Asked Questions for Programs Manager

Q: What is the salary range of Programs Manager in Idaho?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Programs Manager in Idaho earned an average annual salary of $124,915 , while the highest-paid made $166,112.
Q: What is the salary for a Programs Manager in California?
A: Programs Manager employed in California earned an average salary of $170,998 in 2025.

Average Programs Manager Pay vs. Other Jobs

Programs Manager earned an average salary of $144,643 in 2025. Other jobs related to Programs Manager earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Manager, Programs made $144,643 , Sponsored Programs Manager made $112,128 , Provider Programs Manager and Volunteer Programs Manager made $110,330 and $90,100 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Programs Manager

Manager, Programs - Average Salary $144,643
There is currently no job description for Manager, Programs, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Manager, Programs.
Sponsored Programs Manager - Average Salary $112,128
Sponsored Programs Manager manages and oversees externally funded programs for a college or university. Responsible for managing the administrative activities of the program including identifying funding sources, acquiring funding, setting program policies and objectives, and allocating resources. Being a Sponsored Programs Manager establishes grant administration policies and procedures consistent with laws and institutional regulations. Monitors goals, progress, and compliance of all grant and contract agreements. Additionally, Sponsored Programs Manager requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. The Sponsored Programs Manager 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. To be a Sponsored Programs Manager 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.
Provider Programs Manager - Average Salary $110,330
Provider Programs Manager manages the provider network administration function of an organization. Collects and analyzes data on program utilization, claims, and costs. Being a Provider Programs Manager reviews existing and future reimbursement policies, regulations, and guidelines. Develops and deploys cost-effective programs that provide effective services, control costs, and align with organizational objectives and competitive position. Additionally, Provider Programs Manager tracks, measures, and reports on cost-controlling activities resulting from program initiatives. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. The Provider Programs Manager 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. To be a Provider Programs Manager 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.
Volunteer Programs Manager - Average Salary $90,100
The Volunteer Programs Manager oversees the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of volunteer workers. Manages a volunteer program to attract, inspire, train, and deploy volunteers. Being a Volunteer Programs Manager manages the scheduling of volunteer workers to ensure adequate assistance for projects or objectives. Provides training resources and guidance to a team of supervisors to assist with educating volunteers. In addition, Volunteer Programs Manager requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. The Volunteer Programs Manager 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. Working as a Volunteer Programs Manager 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.
Grants Programs Manager - Average Salary $112,130
The Grants Programs Manager is responsible for managing the administrative activities of the program including identifying funding sources, acquiring funding, setting program policies and objectives, and allocating resources. Manages and oversees externally funded programs for a college or university. Being a Grants Programs Manager monitors goals, progress, and compliance of all grant and contract agreements. Establishes grant administration policies and procedures consistent with laws and institutional regulations. In addition, Grants Programs Manager requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. The Grants Programs Manager 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. Working as a Grants Programs Manager 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.