Do program managers get paid well?

Yes, program managers get paid well. Program managers tend to make salaries between $80,000 and $125,000 per year. As with any role, a program manager's salary is dependent on factors such as location, company, experience, and education.

Is a program manager higher than a project manager?

Yes, a program manager role is higher than a project manager role. The program manager focuses on how many efforts are tracking against goals like company growth, while the project manager oversees the delivery of an actual body of work.

Is program manager a good career?

Yes, program management is a good career. Many program managers enjoy their jobs because no two days are alike, and they can see their planning and hard work come to fruition. Typically, program managers have high annual salaries, handle greater business challenges, have opportunities to mentor project managers, and opportunities for career growth.

What is a manager, program management and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Daryl Green

A manager, program management who oversees the planning, execution and delivery of projects. They ensure the on-time completion of projects while working to remain within budget and meeting quality standards. Program managers work with cross-functional teams to define objectives, develop plans, allocate resources, manage risks, and resolve issues. They also update stakeholders and senior management regarding project progress. Effective program managers possess strong leadership and communication abilities and have experience in the field.

What's a day at work look like for a manager, program management?

Dr. Daryl Green

Associate Professor of Business, Oklahoma Baptist University

Given the on-going threats of Covid-19, recent graduates can expect varying work days. Some students are working remotely (instead of an office space). Therefore, some recent graduates may still be living with their parents. We are still adjusting to 'The New Normal.' Given this reality, students need to be flexible and adaptable to their employment situation.

ScoreManager, Program ManagementUS Average

Salary

7.9

Avg. Salary $112,937

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.6

Growth rate 16%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

1.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.21%

Asian 12.65%

Black or African American 6.68%

Hispanic or Latino 10.03%

Unknown 5.20%

White 65.22%

Gender

female 41.66%

male 58.34%

Age - 47

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47

Stress level

8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a manager, program management?

Pros

Competitive salary and benefits
High degree of autonomy and decision-making authority
Ability to build and manage a team
Flexible work arrangements
Potential for career advancement

Cons

Long hours and demanding workloads
Accountability for results and outcomes
Responsibility for managing budgets and finances
Potential for burnout and mental health challenges
Need to handle difficult decisions and conflicts with employees or stakeholders

Key steps to become a manager, program management

Explore manager, program management education requirements

Most common manager, program management degrees

Bachelor's

66.6 %

Master's

18.7 %

Associate

9.2 %

Start to develop specific manager, program management skills

Skills	Percentages
Project Management	12.87%
Risk Management	6.53%
Process Improvement	4.48%
Oversight	4.23%
Infrastructure	4.15%

Complete relevant manager, program management training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New managers, program management learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a manager, program management based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real manager, program management resumes.

Gain additional manager, program management certifications

Manager, program management certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific manager, program management certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for managers, program management include Project Management Professional (PMP) and IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL).

More About Certifications

Research manager, program management duties and responsibilities

Used SQL to manage data in the regional data base.
Collaborate consistently with internal and client teams to manage SDLC.
Manage integration, configuration, and deployment of package SaaS and custom systems.
Champion and lead successful lean six sigma projects that result in $100K+ savings per year.

Prepare your manager, program management resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your manager, program management resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a manager, program management resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable manager, program management resume templates

Build a professional manager, program management resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your manager, program management resume.

Apply for manager, program management jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a manager, program management job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

Average manager, program management salary

The average manager, program management salary in the United States is $112,937 per year or $54 per hour. Manager, program management salaries range between $82,000 and $155,000 per year.

Average manager, program management salary

$112,937 Yearly

$54.30 hourly

How do managers, program management rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Manager, program management reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020

Pros

Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.

Cons

Enjoy all aspects.

What is a manager, program management and how to become one

What's a day at work look like for a manager, program management?

What are the pros and cons of being a manager, program management?

Manager, program management career paths

Key steps to become a manager, program management

Explore manager, program management education requirements

Most common manager, program management degrees

Start to develop specific manager, program management skills

Complete relevant manager, program management training and internships

Gain additional manager, program management certifications

Research manager, program management duties and responsibilities

Prepare your manager, program management resume

Choose from 10+ customizable manager, program management resume templates

Apply for manager, program management jobs

How did you land your first manager, program management job

Average manager, program management salary

How do managers, program management rate their job?

Manager, program management reviews

Manager, program management FAQs

Do program managers get paid well?

Is a program manager higher than a project manager?

Is program manager a good career?

Search for manager, program management jobs

Manager, program management jobs by state