The average salary for a Program Manager in the US is $138,420 per year.
Program Managers oversee multiple related projects aligned toward a strategic business objective. Unlike Project Managers who focus on individual initiatives, Program Managers coordinate cross-functional teams, manage interdependencies, allocate resources, and ensure long-term organizational goals are achieved. In the US, this role exists across technology companies, financial institutions, healthcare systems, enterprise SaaS firms, and government organizations. Salaries vary based on industry, budget responsibility, technical complexity, and leadership scope. Professionals who manage large-scale strategic programs typically earn higher compensation.
Salary Statistics: Program Manager (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $138,420 |
| Median Salary | $131,800 |
| Lowest Salary | $92,000 |
| Highest Salary | $210,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Program Manager
Gender pay differences for Program Managers in the US are influenced by industry sector, executive exposure, and budget ownership.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $141,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $134,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $138,000 | ▲ +0% |
Compensation gaps tend to narrow at senior leadership levels where pay is tied to strategic program performance and business impact.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Program Managers in the US typically earn around $92,000–$110,000 per year. These professionals often transition from project management roles and begin coordinating multi-project initiatives. Responsibilities include scheduling oversight, stakeholder communication, and risk tracking. Most have 3–5 years of experience in project or operations management.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Program Managers usually earn between $115,000 and $165,000 per year. At this stage, professionals oversee complex cross-functional programs, manage budgets, coordinate multiple project teams, and align delivery timelines with strategic objectives. This level commonly requires 5–10 years of experience.
Senior Level
Senior Program Managers earn $185,000 or more per year, with top roles reaching $210,000 in major US enterprises. These professionals manage enterprise-wide transformation programs, influence executive strategy, and oversee high-value initiatives. Compensation reflects responsibility for business-critical outcomes.
Certifications for Program Manager
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Program Management Professional (PgMP)
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)
- Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Strategic planning and execution
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Budget and resource allocation
- Risk and dependency management
- Executive stakeholder communication
- Performance tracking and reporting
Best-paying cities for Program Manager in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($138,420) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $163,000 | ▲ +18% |
| New York, NY | $153,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Seattle, WA | $148,000 | ▲ +7% |
| Boston, MA | $142,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $131,000 | ▼ −5% |
| Chicago, IL | $128,000 | ▼ −7% |
| Atlanta, GA | $124,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Remote (US) | $139,500 | ▲ +0% |
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Future Outlook for Program Manager Compensation
As organizations continue managing large-scale digital transformation and cross-functional initiatives, demand for skilled Program Managers remains strong. Professionals who can align strategy with execution are expected to maintain strong earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $138,420 a good salary for a Program Manager?
Yes, this is competitive compensation for mid-level program management roles depending on industry and scope.
Can Program Managers earn over $200,000?
Yes, senior Program Managers in large enterprises can exceed $200,000 annually.
Do certifications increase salary?
Certifications strengthen credibility, but measurable program outcomes have a stronger influence on compensation.
Are remote Program Manager roles common?
Yes, many organizations offer remote or hybrid leadership roles.
Which industries pay Program Managers the most?
Technology, fintech, healthcare, enterprise SaaS, and government contractors typically offer higher salaries.
How long does it take to become a senior Program Manager?
It typically requires 7–12 years of progressive project and program management experience.
Is Program Management a stable career in the US?
Yes, organizations consistently require strategic coordination roles, ensuring long-term demand.
