Program Manager Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$152,000
national median salary
$118,000 to $198,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$205,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$158,000
Minneapolis, MN
Lowest Paying
$119,000
Charleston, WV
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 Program Manager salary in the United States is $152,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $118,000 at the 25th percentile to $198,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $205,000, while Minneapolis offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Portfolio complexity and the number of concurrent workstreams are the strongest predictors of program manager pay.
Program Manager salary by city
Skills that increase Program Manager pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Program Managers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $21,280 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$21,280 per year
≈ +$19,760 per year
≈ +$18,240 per year
≈ +$16,720 per year
≈ +$16,720 per year
≈ +$15,200 per year
≈ +$15,200 per year
≈ +$13,680 per year
What you should know
Portfolio complexity and the number of concurrent workstreams are the strongest predictors of program manager pay. Industry matters significantly: defense and healthcare program managers earn 15 to 25% premiums due to regulatory overhead. PMP certification and experience managing budgets above $10 million further widen the range.
Associate program managers start around $90,000 to $110,000. Mid-level program managers earn $130,000 to $165,000, while senior and principal program managers reach $175,000 to $220,000. Directors of program management can exceed $240,000 in total compensation at large enterprises.
Annual bonuses of 10 to 20% are standard, often tied to milestone delivery and budget adherence. RSUs are common at tech firms, adding $20,000 to $60,000 annually at senior levels.