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Job outlook for associate program managers in the United States
Associate program manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected associate program manager job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 12,800 new jobs for associate program managers are projected over the next decade.
Associate program manager salaries have increased 8% for associate program managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 55,315 associate program managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 173,605 active associate program manager job openings in the US.
The average associate program manager salary is $62,843.
Are associate program manager jobs in demand?
Associate program manager job and salary trends over time
Associate program manager jobs over time
Associate program manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 55,315 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 165,912 | 0.05% |
| 2019 | 86,594 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 51,421 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 47,786 | 0.01% |
Average associate program manager salary over time
Associate program manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,843 | $30.21 | +4.2% |
| 2024 | $60,281 | $28.98 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $59,502 | $28.61 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $58,467 | $28.11 | +0.6% |
| 2021 | $58,112 | $27.94 | +0.1% |
Associate program manager jobs by state
Most common states for associate program managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 885 | 128% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,945 | 40% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,032 | 30% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,376 | 28% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 262 | 27% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 271 | 26% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 258 | 25% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 318 | 24% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,367 | 23% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 932 | 22% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 640 | 21% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,844 | 20% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,113 | 20% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 731 | 20% |
| 15 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 152 | 20% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,074 | 19% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 347 | 18% |
| 18 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 157 | 18% |
| 19 | California | 39,536,653 | 6,557 | 17% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 295 | 17% |
Most common cities for associate program managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $57,603 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $73,481 |
| 3 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $78,818 |
| 4 | Diamond Bar | 1 | 2% | $85,046 |
| 5 | Washington | 5 | 1% | $61,762 |
| 6 | Saint Paul | 2 | 1% | $52,937 |
| 7 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $79,625 |
| 8 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $63,338 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $46,738 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $55,740 |
| 11 | Minneapolis | 2 | 0% | $52,840 |
| 12 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $48,552 |
| 13 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $88,243 |
| 14 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $55,327 |
| 15 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $66,047 |
Associate Program Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of associate program manager experts
Middle Tennessee State University
University of West Georgia
Boston University
SUNY College at Oswego
Freed-Hardeman University
Oklahoma Baptist University
University of Tennessee
Auburn University at Montgomery
Western Carolina University
Auburn University at Montgomery
Maryville University
Davenport University
Azusa Pacific University
Thiel College
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Associate Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Frank Lambert Ph.D.: Undoubtedly, while the pandemic is continuing, and possibly beyond, comfort working with technology will become an even more pronounced trend for librarians. From information literacy, to running programs online and conducting online instruction, to story times, technology is what helps connect communities with their public libraries even more. Libraries were stuck between a rock and a hard place when the pandemic struck. For SO many people in our community, the library is their primary source with the outside world via the WWW. When libraries had to close to reduce the chances of disease spread, not only was computer access to the Internet lost, but so was access to the Internet at home for those people who could not afford Internet access and instead have to rely on mobile hotspots for access. With libraries closed though, these hotspots could not be signed out. In the future, government should consider libraries an essential service. How was a community member to apply for unemployment benefits if he/she did not have access to the WWW from home? How can that same member apply for other social services or apply for a new job without an Internet connection? Had governments declared public libraries essential services and provided them with the resources needed to stay open, including giving libraries power over enforcing mask mandates, then the pandemic might have had a different look to it.
Dr. Robyn Huss
Associate Professor and Coordinator of Initial Teacher Certification ProgramsUniversity of West Georgia
Department of Early Childhood Through Secondary Education
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Associate Program Managers?
Dr. Robyn Huss: Yes, there will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates of teacher education programs. Though 2020 will be remembered as the year of the pandemic and global lockdowns, it will also be remembered as the year education moved online for all grade levels.
In teacher preparation programs at the University of West Georgia, candidates take a series of courses with field experiences. Many interns began learning to teach online as soon as the lockdowns occurred in March 2020, and since then through their accompanying coursework, there has been a more intentional approach to preparing candidates with digital resources to enhance their teaching. Candidates are placed in schools where digital learning occurs, and they have field experiences developing instruction, engaging students in activities, and assessing learning outcomes under the mentorship of a cooperating teacher, within school buildings as well as via online learning platforms. In the fall of 2020, most public school districts in Georgia began offering both in-person and online options for students, so it is a benefit that teacher candidates are able to practice teaching in both modalities, including some who experience hybrid classrooms.
The scope of digital learning will decrease as more K-12 students return to school buildings full time. However, the capabilities and variety of online instructional resources and student engagement models that the pandemic forced into an accelerated implementation will endure, and teaching and learning will be better for it. Teachers will adapt to the choices that have been made available with their recent experiences in digital instruction, which will enable them to be more responsive to the learning needs of their students, both with and without the use of technology.
What will help Associate Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Robyn Huss: Public school teachers in Georgia, as in many states, are paid on a set salary schedule determined by their years of teaching experience and their highest degree achievement. Earning a graduate degree at the next level is the quickest route to a pay raise, which in turn increases their retirement benefits.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Associate Program Managers?
V. Scott Solberg Ph.D.: The information and computer technology and health sciences sectors are two promising future employment arenas to consider. Within information and computer technology, data science skills are in high demand. For both information and computer technology and health sciences there are a range of certifications one can receive from a two-year postsecondary institution that lead to high wage occupations. The new byword is "stackable credentials" whereby one adds more than one credential that results in a wider range of occupational opportunities as well as the ability to move up in pay within a given sector.
Angela Perrotto
Assistant Professor and Department Chair of the Educational LeadershipSUNY College at Oswego
School of Education
What will help Associate Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Angela Perrotto: For the most part, leaders should stay in their position long enough to be certain systems are in place. Every system, of course, is centered upon increasing opportunities for students to be successful and identifying and removing any obstacles that may be hindering that for every student. Once this is accomplished (generally 4-6 years), educational leaders build their own trajectory which is derived from a knowledge of knowing they can impact an even larger number of students. It is a common understanding that through the course of an educational leader's years of service, there is a long range plan to take on more job responsibilities that include more students, more community partnerships, more advocacy, more operations. It is common to see the employment history of an administrator progress from assistant principal, to principal, to director, to assistant superintendent, and to superintendent (or some form of these titles along the way).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Associate Program Managers?
Kristen Roberson: The workplace will forever be altered due to the pandemic, and the effects of those in career transitions, not just those graduating now, will be impacted for some time. It will take some time for the new normal to be normal.
What's a day at work look like for an Associate Program Manager?
Kristen Roberson: That depends on the role they are in, but the big hurdle is going to be landing that first role. They need to be willing to shift their plans, be ready to try contract or project-based work. No matter where they land, the ability to self-manage will be more critical than before 2020 since more work will be remote and much more video conferences, and a lot less travel.
Dr. Daryl Green
Associate Professor of BusinessOklahoma Baptist University
College of Business
What soft skills should all Associate Program Managers possess?
Dr. Daryl Green: The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight competencies associated with career readiness. These soft skills include career management, communication, critical thinking, cultural intelligence, digital literacy, leadership, professionalism, and teamwork. Sadly, most students are not aware of employers' expectation of career readiness competencies. College students who develop these career readiness competencies will be better prepared to compete for future job opportunities.
Scott Gilpatric
Professor and Department HeadUniversity of Tennessee
Department of Economics, Haslam College of Business
What's a good job out of college for Associate Program Managers?
Scott Gilpatric: That really depends on the individual. The most important factor in a first job coming out of college might be the opportunity to learn about yourself, learn what you are good at, and find a good direction for furthering your own growth in skills and understanding what you want your career to be. Obviously compensation matters, but often the work environment will impact job satisfaction more than money. Finding a place where you look forward to working with your colleagues most days is incredibly valuable, and a lot of compensation is required to offset the unpleasantness if you dread going to work every morning.
What will help Associate Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Scott Gilpatric: The easy answer is being really proficient with handling data, including being comfortable with learning to code in whatever manner might be needed. There's no question those skills are likely to open doors. But in a very different way, one thing that really matters is being able to talk comfortably about ideas and developments in economics, business, or policy areas, signaling a strong base of knowledge. Towards that end, reading deeply, not just the headlines but long-form analysis in places like The Economist and other high-quality publications can be really beneficial.
Brett Lehman Ph.D.
ProfessorAuburn University at Montgomery
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Associate Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Brett Lehman Ph.D.: It might be a surprise to say that some things will remain steady during the pandemic. The job market will still require candidates with critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, oral and written communication skills, and project management skills. With so many aspects of the workplace changing rapidly, such as how we communicate with each other and unforeseen problems adding up, these skills may be more important than ever. The ability to continue projects, collaborate, and lead a group effort during these trying times will look impressive.
What's a good job out of college for Associate Program Managers?
Brett Lehman Ph.D.: There is a business side and a human side to this answer. On the business side, I hope graduates are provided benefits like health insurance, a gainful salary, and opportunities for advancement. The way to hit a home-run is to get a job where those needs are taken care of and you still get to use your skills for something you feel is important. Most sociology students get into the subject because they care about the human side, want to help people, and see opportunity for creating positive social change. You'll get motivated sociology graduates when you show them a path towards achievement on the human side; then when we there's less worry about the business side, some impressive results could follow!
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Associate Program Managers?
Angela Sebby Ph.D.: While jobs may be slower to return to the capacity pre-Covid, the industry and tourism employment will rebound as people still want to travel and explore diverse foods, cultures, and experiences. However, the enduring impact will be the rapid onset of technology that allowed for limited contact with employees and others has become the new norm. Although human interaction is an important aspect of service in the tourism industry, employers have found that they can reduce the number of personal interactions but still deliver an acceptable level of quality service. What would have taken years to adopt, COVID created an amplified adoption.
What technical skills for an Associate Program Manager stand out to employers?
Angela Sebby Ph.D.: Business, creative, and organizational skills - I would recommend that upcoming graduates are proficient in Word, Excel (highly used), Powerpoint, Outlook (especially how to send meeting requests and calendar organization), TEAMS, Gantt charts for team management, Mindmapping for creativity, and design software. Additionally, I would recommend that they learn how to properly utilize social media for marketing and PR, not just personal posting. Finally, email etiquette would be essential.
What soft skills should all Associate Program Managers possess?
TeWhan Hahn Ph.D.: Writing skills including email writing, being able to work in teams, and knowing the workplace etiquettes.
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.
Program Director & Assistant ProfessorMaryville University
Speech-Language Pathology
What's a day at work look like for an Associate Program Manager?
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.: A bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders can prepare you for three different tracks. First, it can prepare you to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This is someone who works under a fully credential speech-language pathologist. Often times, they carryout intervention plans developed by a fully credentialed speech-language pathologist. If graduate school is on your horizon, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders will prepare you for acceptance into a Speech-Language Pathology program, or an Audiology program. If you are not accepted into a graduate program right away, working as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is a great way to get experience in the field!
What soft skills should all Associate Program Managers possess?
Todd Terry: Graduates as they prepare to enter the workforce should pay particular attention to their ability to communicate with coworkers. This communication could happen through face-to-face interactions, remote meetings with the aid of technology for example, meeting by computer software, written communication through instant messaging, or emails. Also, part of communicating is being a good listener.
Graduates should have good critical thinking skills. They will need to be adaptive and able to analyze data to make good informed decisions.
In today's work environment, working on teams is a regular function. Therefore, employers are looking for the candidate who can professionally interact with other team members, have a positive attitude and a good work ethic.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Associate Program Managers?
Bala Musa Ph.D.: Digital literacy, cultural literacy, information technology, data management and human communication skills courses and certifications will continue to be relevant in the workplace.
What's a good job out of college for Associate Program Managers?
Bala Musa Ph.D.: A good job out of college is one that allows you to apply creative and critical thinking skills. Future work environments will require employees to innovate and adapt. Any job that helps you cultivate, sharpen and apply those skills will serve you and your organization well. It will prepare you to adapt in the face of change and future disruptions.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Associate Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Mary Beth Mason Ph.D.: I think we are going to see teletherapy as a more common service delivery model across settings. I think that that will be what I call a "Pandemic Positive". I think many states will pass legislation post pandemic for teletherapy to be a reimbursable service.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Associate Program Managers?
Mary Beth Mason Ph.D.: I think one of the great things about being a speech-language pathologist is that we can work across the lifespan in a variety of settings. In order to have that flexibility, graduates should get their Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), professional state license, and credential to work in public school setting. It is important to get those three credentials as soon as possible after graduation because they will meet the current standards. If they wait, there might be new standards in place which means they might need additional coursework and/or pass additional tests.