Highest-Paying Program Director Jobs [2026]

Research Summary. The Zippia data team analyzed a blend of public government and corporate data, along with insights from thousands of recent job postings, to generate average salary estimates for various jobs across the United States. Based on this dataset, we have identified the highest-paid program director roles by their average annual salaries.

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

• Director Program Management stands out as the highest-paid program director, earning an average salary of $141,289, which translates to an hourly rate of $67.93.

• The second highest-paying role is the Executive Director, with an average salary of $127,956.

• The overall average salary for program directors is $80,664 per year, equating to an hourly wage of $38.78.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Selecting a career path can be challenging, and while compensation isn’t the only factor to consider, it plays a crucial role. If you’re aspiring to be a program director, understanding the highest-paying roles can help you navigate your career trajectory effectively.

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

1. Director Program Management

   Average Salary: $141,289

   Responsibilities of a Director of Program Management vary by industry but generally include overseeing operations in specific sectors, enhancing efficiency and productivity to boost sales, developing strategies for optimizing programs, initiating new projects, establishing goals and budgets, resolving operational issues, and evaluating employee performance. Leadership and adherence to company policies are essential in this role.

2. Executive Director

   Average Salary: $127,956

   Executive Directors typically hold top management positions, often seen as the Chief Executive Officer in non-profit organizations. They provide strategic direction, ensuring that the organization meets its goals while guiding employees to align with the organization’s mission. They also develop policies and strategies to advance various programs and make critical organizational decisions.

3. Director

   Average Salary: $113,489

   Directors in the creative industries oversee productions in film, television, and theater. Their role involves collaborating with writers to realize a shared vision, managing the production team, scheduling, casting, and directing actors to convey the intended emotions effectively. Clear communication with all crew members is essential for achieving a cohesive production vision.

4. Director Of Senior Programs

   Average Salary: $97,675

   In healthcare, a Director of Senior Programs is responsible for managing operations at senior centers, focused on delivering quality services to residents. Their duties include setting objectives, developing programs, managing staff, collaborating with external partners, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations to create a safe environment.

5. Clinical Director

   Average Salary: $96,497

   A Clinical Director oversees healthcare providers’ work to guarantee quality patient care. Their responsibilities include managing staff schedules, explaining insurance processes to patients, and handling financial reporting. They may work in various settings, from clinics to large hospitals, and are often involved in the hiring process while fostering a positive work environment.

Below is a complete table of the average salaries for various program director roles, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Program Directors

Methodology

To create its salary estimates, Zippia utilizes publicly available 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).

Our data science team verifies job postings and company resources for current salary information on program directors.

After gathering the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title being assessed. 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 the Director of Program Management. Directors of Program Management earn an average salary of $141,289, which amounts to $67.93 per hour.

   The responsibilities of a Director of Program Management depend on their industry but generally include overseeing operations, enhancing efficiency and productivity, formulating strategies for program optimization, initiating projects, establishing goals and budgets, resolving issues, and evaluating workforce performance. Effective leadership and adherence to company policies are crucial in this role.

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

   A good salary for a program director is $80,664 or more. This average indicates that those earning at least this amount are making above-average salaries.

   However, it’s important to note that the average program director salary varies by location, as companies adjust their pay based on local cost of living. Conducting research on salary averages in your area for your experience level will provide a clearer perspective on your compensation.

   If you’re starting your career as a program director, be aware that the average entry-level salary may differ from the overall average, which includes directors across all experience levels.

3. Do Program Director jobs pay well?

   Yes, program director jobs are well-compensated. While salaries vary within the industry, the average program director salary of $80,664 is significantly higher than the average national salary of approximately $44,225 per year.

   Additionally, many program director positions offer high earning potential, particularly for the top 10% of earners. Salaries will fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location, so it’s vital to research the prevailing rates for program directors in your area and negotiate your salary accordingly.

4. Where do program directors get paid the most?

   Connecticut offers the highest salaries for program directors. In Connecticut, program directors earn an average annual salary of $91,301, with an hourly wage of $43.89.

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

   Top-paying cities for program directors 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.