AI Program Manager Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$168,000
national median salary
$128,000 to $220,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$239,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$175,000
New York, NY
Lowest Paying
$127,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average AI Program Manager salary in the United States is $168,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $128,000 at the 25th percentile to $220,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $239,000, while New York offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Salary scales with portfolio size managed and the strategic importance of AI programs overseen.
AI Program Manager salary by city
Skills that increase AI Program Manager pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for AI Program Managers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $23,520 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$23,520 per year
≈ +$21,840 per year
≈ +$20,160 per year
≈ +$18,480 per year
≈ +$18,480 per year
≈ +$16,800 per year
≈ +$16,800 per year
≈ +$15,120 per year
What you should know
Salary scales with portfolio size managed and the strategic importance of AI programs overseen. Program managers coordinating cross-functional AI initiatives spanning research, engineering, and product teams earn top compensation. PMP or agile certifications combined with ML domain knowledge drive offers above median.
Junior AI project managers start at $108,000 to $128,000 managing individual workstreams. Mid-level program managers overseeing multiple AI projects earn $148,000 to $168,000. Senior program directors managing enterprise AI portfolios reach $195,000 to $220,000, with VPs at $260,000 to $320,000.
Bonuses of 15 to 22% are standard, often tied to program milestone delivery and budget adherence. RSUs at tech companies add significant value, with four-year grants typically worth 20 to 40% of cumulative base salary.