Highest-Paying Program Manager Jobs in 2026
Research Summary: The Zippia data team has utilized a combination of publicly available government data and extensive analysis of numerous job postings to estimate average salaries for various program management roles across the United States. Our findings reveal the highest-paying program manager positions based on their average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of the top-paying program manager roles:
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The Director of Program Management ranks as the highest-paid position, with an average salary of $141,289 and an average hourly rate of $67.93.
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Next, the Engineering Program Manager follows, earning an average salary of $122,604.
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Overall, the average salary for a program manager is $96,084 per year, translating to an hourly pay of $46.19.
Table Of Contents: Background | Salary Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging, and while salary should not be the sole factor in your decision, it is undeniably important. For those interested in a career as a program manager, understanding the highest-paid positions can significantly inform your career trajectory and negotiation strategies.
Here are the top salaries for different types of program managers:
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Director of Program Management
Average Salary: $141,289
The role of a Director of Program Management varies by industry, focusing on optimizing operations, enhancing efficiency, and driving sales. Key responsibilities include strategizing program improvements, leading new initiatives, managing budgets, and guiding team performance while adhering to company policies.
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Engineering Program Manager
Average Salary: $122,604
Engineering Program Managers primarily lead the development of critical technology modules, ensuring compliance with specifications and timelines. They manage engineering activities at vendor facilities to align with overall program objectives and are well-versed in hardware process development.
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Lead Program Manager
Average Salary: $119,480
A Lead Program Manager coordinates departmental projects to align with business goals. This role involves developing business strategies, managing budgets, and providing progress updates to clients while exhibiting strong communication and leadership skills.
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Deputy Program Manager
Average Salary: $115,694
Deputy Program Managers plan and execute activities that foster group collaboration and efficiency. They oversee business development from conception to execution, ensuring adequate resources and budgets are in place to meet program goals.
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Manager, Program Management
Average Salary: $112,937
Managers of Program Management guide project managers and oversee organizational projects and strategic initiatives. Responsibilities include planning programs, managing budgets, and establishing governance frameworks.
Below is a comprehensive table of average salaries for various program manager roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types of Program Managers
Methodology
The Zippia team relies on publicly available information from government sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), to create its salary estimates.
Additionally, we analyze job postings and company-released information for the most accurate salary data. After gathering this information, our team calculates a weighted average for each job title. For further details on our salary estimation process, please refer to our detailed methodology.
FAQs on the Highest-Paying Program Manager Jobs
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What is the highest-paid program manager job?
The highest-paid program manager job is the Director of Program Management. This role boasts an average salary of $141,289, equivalent to $67.93 per hour.
The responsibilities of a Director of Program Management are highly dependent on the industry but typically include overseeing operational efficiency, strategizing optimizations, managing budgets, and leading teams while ensuring compliance with company policies.
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What is a good salary for a program manager?
A good salary for a program manager is $96,084 or more. This figure represents the average salary, indicating that those earning at least this amount are above average. However, salaries can vary based on location and experience. Conducting local salary research is recommended for accurate comparisons.
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Do program manager jobs pay well?
Yes, program manager jobs are well-compensated. The average salary of $96,084 is significantly higher than the national average salary of around $44,225 per year. The top 10% of program managers can earn exceptionally high salaries.
Compensation varies depending on experience, industry, and location, so it’s important to research and negotiate accordingly.
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Where do program managers earn the most?
Program managers earn the highest salaries in Rhode Island. In this state, the average annual salary for program managers is $91,487, with an hourly wage of $43.98.
Other top-paying states include Washington, California, and New Jersey, with average annual salaries of $93,447, $103,085, and $95,411, respectively.
The cities with the highest program manager salaries are:
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San Francisco, CA – $110,079
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Seattle, WA – $94,596
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New York, NY – $91,874
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
