As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Program Director in Costa Mesa, CA is $183,873 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $88.
However, an Assistant Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Assistant Program Director'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Program Director'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 |
|---|---|
| Program M... Level Assistant Program Director | $152,881 |
| Program M... Level Assistant Program Director | $148,442 |
| Assistant... Level Assistant Program Director | $184,953 |
| Program M... Level Assistant Program Director | $201,027 |
| VP of Pro... Level Assistant Program Director | $261,781 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 12.5% |
| Project Management Office | 2.32% |
| Scrum | 1.66% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Program Management
|
$191,228 |
4%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$191,228 |
4%
|
|
Agile
|
$189,389 |
3%
|
|
Facilitation
|
$189,389 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$189,389 |
3%
|
|
Coaching
|
$189,389 |
3%
|
For Assistant Program Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 33% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Program Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Program Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $216,970 | $104.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $211,454 | $102.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $202,260 | $97.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $198,583 | $95.0 | 8% |
| Telecom | $196,744 | $95.0 | 7% |
Understanding how an Assistant Program Director'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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Program Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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