As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Program Lead in the United States is $115,280 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, a Program Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Program Lead'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 Program Lead'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Program Lead | $109,690 |
| Intermediate Level Program Lead | $110,268 |
| Senior Level Program Lead | $111,617 |
| Specialist Level Program Lead | $115,280 |
| Expert Level Program Lead | $118,372 |
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 Leads. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 7.59% |
| Service Quality | 2.43% |
| First Aid | 1.68% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Management
|
$127,961 |
11%
|
|
Program Management
|
$126,808 |
10%
|
|
Commitment
|
$123,350 |
7%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$122,197 |
6%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$119,891 |
4%
|
|
Case Management
|
$119,891 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Program Leads 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 Program Lead with a Bachelor's Degree is between $110,084 and $120,654).
Program Lead Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 7.0% |
| Associates | 3.5% |
| Bachelors | 36.2% |
| Masters | 48.5% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how a Program Lead'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 March 01, 2026Salaries for a Program Lead can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $100,723 in 2023 to around $99,981 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Program Lead salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $100,723 |
| 2024 | $100,431 |
| 2025 | $99,981 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Program Lead and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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