Highest-Paying Program Director Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of program directors that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of program directors:

• Director Program Management is the highest-paid type of program director with an average salary of $141,289 and an average hourly rate of $67.93.

• The second highest-paying type of program director is executive director, with an average salary of $127,956.

• The average program director salary is $80,664 per year, and the average hourly pay is $38.78.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a program director, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of program directors are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of program directors:

1. Director Program Management

   Average Salary: $141,289

   The duties of a director of program management depend on one’s industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around overseeing the operations in particular areas, ensuring efficiency and productivity that will translate to sales. They are also responsible for devising strategies to optimize existing programs, spearheading new projects, setting goals and budget, resolving issues and concerns, and evaluating workforce performance. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce, all while implementing the company’s policies and regulations.

2. Executive Director

   Average Salary: $127,956

   Executive directors are top management employees who usually function as a chief executive officer. This role is usually seen in non-profit organizations. Executive directors provide strategic direction to the organization, and they ensure that the organization’s goals are actualized. They provide guidance to the employees and ensure that the employees have the organization’s advocacies at the center of every project or program. They oversee the policies of the organization and create strategies that will bring the organization’s programs forward. Executive directors are also responsible for making crucial decisions for the betterment of the organization.

3. Director

   Average Salary: $113,489

   Directors work in show business, whether in a film, a television show, or a theatre production. They are responsible for bringing the material to life. They work with the writers to get a clear vision of how the production should look. They lead the production team in planning for the production, identifying filming or rehearsing schedules, casting for roles, and other aspects that need to be decided upon. Directors provide direction to the actors to ensure that the actors understand their role and will be able to effectively convey emotions to the audience. They also manage all other crew members and communicate their expectations clearly so that everyone on the set is working towards one vision.

4. Director Of Senior Programs

   Average Salary: $97,675

   In the healthcare industry, a director of senior programs is primarily in charge of overseeing the daily operations at senior centers, aiming to give residents a quality and efficient service. It is their duty to set objectives and guidelines, spearhead the development of programs and services, manage staff and delegate tasks, liaise with external parties such as sponsors and vendors, and address problems or concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, a director of senior programs must enforce the establishment or facility’s safety policies and regulations to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone.

5. Clinical Director

   Average Salary: $96,497

   A clinical director is a managing professional who manages the work of healthcare providers to ensure quality patient care is achieved. Clinical directors are responsible for organizational tasks such as adjusting staff schedules, explaining insurance benefits to the patients, and managing financial reports. They can work either in small clinics with a smaller workforce or larger hospitals with multiple departments. Clinical directors may also assist in the hiring process of healthcare providers and should establish a positive work environment.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various program director that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Program Directors

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for program directors.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Program Director Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid program director job?

   The highest-paid program director job is a director program management. Directors Program Management earn an average salary of $141,289, which is $ 67.93 hourly.

   The duties of a director of program management depend on one’s industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around overseeing the operations in particular areas, ensuring efficiency and productivity that will translate to sales. They are also responsible for devising strategies to optimize existing programs, spearheading new projects, setting goals and budget, resolving issues and concerns, and evaluating workforce performance. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce, all while implementing the company’s policies and regulations.

2. What is a good salary for a program director?

   A good salary for a program director is $80,664 or more. The average program director salary is $80,664, so those making at least $80,664 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average program director salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a program director, the average entry level salary is $0, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $80,664 average, as this includes all program directors of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Program Director jobs pay well?

   Yes, program director jobs pay well. As in any industry, some program director jobs pay better than others, but the average program director salary of $80,664 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many program director jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of program directors earning $0 a year on average.

   Program Directors’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a program director. Do your research on the going rate for a program director in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do program directors get paid the most?

   Program Directors get paid the most in Connecticut. In Connecticut, program directors earn an average annual salary of $91,301 and an average hourly wage of $43.89.

   Following CT, the states with the highest-paid program directors are New York, District of Columbia, and Georgia, with average annual salaries of $92,293, $91,436, and $97,222 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid program director salaries are:

   1. San Francisco, CA – $99,127

   2. Atlanta, GA – $97,407

   3. New York, NY – $92,406

Author

Chris Kolmar

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.