As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Communications Program Manager in the United States is $120,011 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Communications Program Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Communications Program 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Communications Program 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Communica... Level Communications Program Manager | $116,390 |
| Communica... Level Communications Program Manager | $151,780 |
| Communica... Level Communications Program Manager | $120,902 |
| Communica... Level Communications Program Manager | $178,679 |
| VP of Com... Level Communications Program Manager | $240,338 |
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 Communications Program Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 7.72% |
| Strategic Communication | 3.02% |
| Executive Communications | 1.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting
|
$130,812 |
9%
|
|
Executive Communications
|
$126,012 |
5%
|
|
Employee Engagement
|
$124,811 |
4%
|
|
Insight
|
$124,811 |
4%
|
|
Change Management
|
$124,811 |
4%
|
|
Alignment
|
$124,811 |
4%
|
For Communications Program Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 113% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 80% above the average. In contrast, Communications Program Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Communications Program Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $216,020 | $104.0 | 80% |
| Internet | $192,018 | $92.0 | 60% |
| Financial Services | $168,015 | $81.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $156,014 | $75.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $150,014 | $72.0 | 25% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Communications Program Managers 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 Communications Program Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $121,712 and $129,458).
Communications Program Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 1.9% |
| Bachelors | 59.8% |
| Masters | 34.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.9% |
Understanding how a Communications Program 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Communications Program Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,675 in 2023 to around $107,448 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Communications Program Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $109,675 |
| 2024 | $108,741 |
| 2025 | $107,448 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Communications Program Manager roles, with salaries approximately 80% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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