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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Program Administrator in California is $73,175 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Program Administrator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Program Administrator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $85,425 | $7,119 | $1,643 | $41 |
| Average | $73,175 | $6,098 | $1,407 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,917 | $5,493 | $1,268 | $32 |
Year Up United - Pleasant Hill, CA
UFW Foundation - Oxnard, CA
PALS, Inc. - Downey, CA
UFW Foundation - Salinas, CA
A Program Administrator'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Program Administrator'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 |
|---|---|
| Office Se... Level Program Administrator | $58,516 |
| Program A... Level Program Administrator | $72,274 |
| Office Se... Level Program Administrator | $86,999 |
| Office Se... Level Program Administrator | $111,645 |
| Office Su... Level Program Administrator | $83,225 |
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 Administrators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Program Administrator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 23% above the average. In contrast, Program Administrator positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Program Administrator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $90,005 | $43.0 | 23% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $85,614 | $41.0 | 17% |
| Financial Services | $84,883 | $41.0 | 16% |
| Biotechnology | $84,151 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $84,151 | $40.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Program Administrator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $85,425 | $7,119 | $1,643 | $41 |
| Average | $73,175 | $6,098 | $1,407 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,917 | $5,493 | $1,268 | $32 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Program Administrator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
UFW Foundation
Fresno, CA
UFW Foundation | Fresno, CA
Job Description. Job Description. UFW FOUNDATION JOB POST. TITLE. Program Administrator. FLSA STATUS. Hourly (Non-Exempt). LOCATION. Bakersfield, CA. Fresn... more
8 Days Ago
Blue Marble Communications
Poway, CA
Blue Marble Communications | Poway, CA
Job Description. Job Description. The Program Administrator (PA) is responsible for program execution using best planning practices and exceptional communi... more
8 Days Ago
UFW Foundation
Bakersfield, CA
UFW Foundation | Bakersfield, CA
Job Description. Job Description. UFW FOUNDATION JOB POST. TITLE. Program Administrator. FLSA STATUS. Hourly (Non-Exempt). LOCATION. Bakersfield, CA. Fresn... more
8 Days Ago
Charles R. Drew University of Med & Sc
Los Angeles, CA
Charles R. Drew University of Med & Sc | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Mission Driven, Community Focused. About | Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (cdrewu.edu). Charles R. Dr... more
8 Days Ago
Balance Staffing
Milpitas, CA
Balance Staffing | Milpitas, CA
Program Administrator IContract to hireMilpitas, CaliforniaPosted 14 minutes agoJob ID:171860Pay:$40.87/hrBalance StaffingAt Balance Staffing we're obsesse... more
4 Days Ago
Zobility
Chula Vista, CA
Zobility | Chula Vista, CA
Job Description. The Asset Management Program (AMP) team supports operators through the lease and exchange of major aerospace components. We are seeking a ... more
8 Days Ago
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