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Job outlook for program management consultants in the United States
Program management consultant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected program management consultant job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 108,400 new jobs for program management consultants are projected over the next decade.
Program management consultant salaries have increased 8% for program management consultants in the last 5 years.
There are over 27,396 program management consultants currently employed in the United States.
There are 177,578 active program management consultant job openings in the US.
The average program management consultant salary is $101,157.
Are program management consultant jobs in demand?
Program management consultant job and salary trends over time
Program management consultant jobs over time
Program management consultant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27,396 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 27,005 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 25,947 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 24,418 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 23,503 | 0.01% |
Average program management consultant salary over time
Program management consultant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $101,157 | $48.63 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $98,387 | $47.30 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $96,483 | $46.39 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $95,145 | $45.74 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $93,852 | $45.12 | +0.0% |
Program management consultant jobs by state
Most common states for program management consultants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 998 | 144% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 465 | 44% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 330 | 44% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 405 | 42% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 553 | 41% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 356 | 41% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,641 | 40% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 381 | 36% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,394 | 35% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,957 | 35% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,041 | 34% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,104 | 31% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,785 | 30% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,706 | 30% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 583 | 30% |
| 16 | Vermont | 623,657 | 185 | 30% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 483 | 28% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,994 | 27% |
| 19 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,512 | 27% |
| 20 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,707 | 26% |
Most common cities for program management consultants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 6 | 22% | $80,687 |
| 2 | Juneau | 6 | 18% | $106,132 |
| 3 | Dover | 6 | 16% | $99,240 |
| 4 | Annapolis | 6 | 15% | $130,179 |
| 5 | Hartford | 6 | 5% | $99,642 |
| 6 | Lansing | 6 | 5% | $91,794 |
| 7 | Springfield | 6 | 5% | $99,623 |
| 8 | Topeka | 5 | 4% | $79,172 |
| 9 | Baton Rouge | 6 | 3% | $111,083 |
| 10 | Little Rock | 6 | 3% | $82,427 |
| 11 | Montgomery | 5 | 2% | $106,549 |
| 12 | Washington | 9 | 1% | $133,430 |
| 13 | Atlanta | 7 | 1% | $93,272 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 7 | 1% | $86,641 |
| 15 | Boston | 6 | 1% | $104,551 |
| 16 | Denver | 5 | 1% | $108,448 |
| 17 | Sacramento | 5 | 1% | $121,362 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 6 | 0% | $93,621 |
Program Management Consultant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of program management consultant experts
Pennsylvania State University
University of West Florida
Lewis-Clark State College
Xavier University
Coastal Carolina University
Florida State University
UMass Lowell
Lasell University
Bradley University
Bucknell University
University of New Mexico (UNM)
Freed-Hardeman University
University of Central Missouri
Oklahoma Baptist University
University of Tennessee
Swarthmore College
The Touro College
Western Carolina University
Auburn University at Montgomery
What will help Program Management Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dr. David Powell Ph.D.: MPA (Master's of Public Administration) graduates typically work in local, state, and national government. Some of the positions they typically hold are management analyst, program analyst, policy analyst, budget analyst, finance manager, and human resources manager/specialist among others. We also have graduates who work in local nonprofit organizations in a variety of policy areas such as housing, senior services, etc.
Dr. Jennifer Eury Ph.D.
Undergraduate Management Major Program Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor of Management and OrganizationPennsylvania State University
Management Sciences And Quantitative Methods
What general advice would you give to a Program Management Consultant?
Dr. Jennifer Eury Ph.D.: For graduates, especially recent graduates, seeking to maximize their salary potential, especially when they are starting a full-time position, I encourage them to continue to keep learning. Stay current with industry trends. Take advantage of training opportunities available to you in your workplace. Talk with others, especially those who have worked in the field for some time, about ways to strengthen your skill set. I also encourage recent graduates to be willing to take on a new assignment, to be a part of a new committee – all in the spirit of continuing to learn more about their field. Over time, you can garner information power, or even expert power, and develop a reputation for being a valuable resource in your organization and field.
What will help Program Management Consultants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Haris Alibašić Ph.D., MPA: "In the next 3-5 years, specific skills are poised to become increasingly important in business: Data Literacy, Digital Proficiency, Emotional Intelligence, Sustainability, Resilience, and Social Responsibility. However, the most necessary lasting skill that benefited my career is Effective Communication. Being able to communicate effectively is an indispensable skill."
What Program Management Consultant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Haris Alibašić Ph.D., MPA: To maximize salary potential early in their careers, graduates should consider the following strategies: Specialize in High-Demand Areas, Never Stop Learning/Pursue Additional Education, Negotiate Offers, and Seek Mentorship and Constructive Feedback."
What skills will help Program Management Consultants earn the most?
Jenny Scott: -Emotional Intelligence
-Relevant industry experience (expertise)
-Written and oral presentation communication
-Ability to relate and connect . . .the best strategy in the world will live on paper only if the leader is not able to relate to their people (all stakeholder groups) and connect. Leadership involves three key elements: People - Influence - Goals. The most effective leaders are able to ethically influence their followers for the purpose of attaining the organization's mission and goals.
What soft skills should all Program Management Consultants possess?
Jenny Scott: Emotional Intelligence is #1. The saying goes, "IQ gets you hired; EQ gets you promoted." Those that have a high level of emotional intelligence are able to first manage their own emotions and then the ability to manage the emotions of those they lead/supervise. It involves a combination of the practice of the four components of Emotional Intelligence: Self-awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management. With workplace emotions running rampant in today's world, having a leader that can help manage those effectively will create and cultivate a calming and viable work environment.
Culture "fit" is also more important than some may think. While some may meet all qualifications of the job and can effectively do the job itself, how a person "fits" with the company culture is more important. Consider the company's core values, mission, and vision and whether that aligns with your own.
Critical thinking should never be underestimated. Depending on the amount of time allowed to make a decision or think through a strategy, apply critical thinking skills to consider all options and potential consequences. Consider varying perspectives and what route and outcome will aid in attaining the organization's goals and carrying out its mission.
Listening to the needs and desires of the organization or the project. Valuing some dissension and not total conformity leads to a highly cohesive team/organization.
Mike Halloran
Teaching Professor, Management and Entrepreneurship, Taskforce Member, Center for InnovationXavier University
Management Department
What soft skills should all Program Management Consultants possess?
Mike Halloran: -Leadership
-Working well with others
-Oral and written communication
- Thinking analytically, creatively, and strategically
-Leadership
-Time management
- Motivation and drive
Sourav Batabyal Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Finance and EconomicsCoastal Carolina University
Finance and Economics Department
What skills stand out on Program Management Consultant resumes?
Sourav Batabyal Ph.D.: Problem-solving, Creative thinking, Data Analytics, Competitive Strategies, Communication, Leadership and Team Building, Decision making.
What skills will help Program Management Consultants earn the most?
Sourav Batabyal Ph.D.: Discipline related expertise, Industry-specific certification, Data Science and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Project Management, Mobile Application Development, Software Programming, and Testing, Leadership and People Management, Digital (Social Media) Marketing, User Experience (UX) Design, Content Creation and Open Learning Resources.
What's a common interview question, and would you prepare to answer it?
One of the most common interview questions is "Why are you interested in this position?"
By asking this question, your employer tries to understand that you have a true connection to the company and a passion for the job you have applied for. You should start your answer by explaining why you are the best-fit candidate in terms of professional skills. Research about the organization's culture before your interview and articulate how you embrace that mission personally and add values towards that mission. Show your enthusiasm and confidence while answering the interview questions.
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.
Assistant Department Chair and Executive Director, Center for Human Resource ManagementFlorida State University
Department of Management and the Center for Human Resource Management
What soft skills should all Program Management Consultants possess?
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.: While advancements in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics occupy center stage in many areas of management practice, soft skills continue to be seen as equally or even more important skills for success in the field of management. Soft skills are typically described as personal attributes, qualities, and characteristics that enable us to interact more effectively with others. In most fields of management, our ability to communicate, work with, and interact with other people constitutes a significant portion of the work we do. Consequently, employers are focused on identifying candidates who possess strong skills are areas of communication (verbal, written, and non-verbal), leadership and followership, collaboration, an ability to work in teams, intellectual curiosity, adaptability, conflict management, problem-solving, creativity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Program Management Consultants?
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.: As stated earlier, the field of management is broad and encompasses all industries and sectors. Consequently, the technical skills necessary to succeed will vary according to the specific knowledge and experiences required to understand the nuances of an organization. Accordingly, graduates who have business acumen and technical competency in a particular discipline or industry would be better positioned for employment opportunities. As a result, I always place emphasis on gaining internships and work experience concurrently with academic study. These experiences will provide a real-world understanding of the type of skills necessary to succeed in organizations as well as offer industry-specific knowledge. However, for many graduates, their practical skills are limited. In this case, it is important to ensure you have more generalizable skills that are applicable across industries, such as building digital fluency, analytical fluency, writing skills, and strong Excel skills. When speaking with consulting firms and industry employers, they repeatedly reference the need for graduates to demonstrate more advanced Excel skills.
What skills will help Program Management Consultants earn the most?
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in management occupations will grow over the next decade by 9%. Due to the broad array of management opportunities, variations in skills necessary for success are likely to exist based on the type of management work being performed and the industry or sector. However, there are general management skills or competencies necessary for success, including management consulting, that employers continually seek from graduates. The ten most sought-after skills include the following: critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, innovation/creativity, problem-solving, analytical fluency, digital fluency, adaptability, resilience, aptitude for collaboration and teamwork, and human capital management.
What skills stand out on Program Management Consultant resumes?
C. Darren Brooks Ph.D.: Requisite skills relevant for management consulting roles that should be visible to employers can be grouped into the following three broad categories : (1) functional expertise and/or specialization of knowledge in particular areas or disciplines, (2) strong business analytics skills, and (3) the ability to lead projects or teams. Considering the broad nature of management, and particularly management consulting, skills should reflect the specific needs of the organization or industry of practice. For example, individuals working in executive compensation would require a different set of demonstrated skills on their resume than someone engaging in performance systems analysis to support process re-engineering within a manufacturing setting. Additionally, since management professionals work in and/or lead teams, being personable, engaging, proactive, demonstrated leadership, and an ability to handle difficult situations are all skills and competencies highly sought after. In sum, regardless of the industry or sector, most employers look for skills displayed both on a resume and then demonstrated during the selection process that shows the applicant possesses the capability to work within a team, has sound analytical skills, the ability to communicate complex information, resolve conflict and solve problems.
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Masters of Science in EntrepreneurshipUMass Lowell
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What soft skills should all Program Management Consultants possess?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: In addition to the above, in today's environment, it is important that people are adept at improvising. For long-term career success in any field, sound leadership skills are critical. It is important to be able to formulate, communicate and execute a compelling vision for where you want to take your organization.
Dr. Brian Wardyga
Professor of Communication; General Manager, 109.2FM WLAS & LCTVLasell University
School of Communication and The Arts
What skills stand out on Program Management Consultant resumes?
Dr. Brian Wardyga: Today's business consultant should be able to showcase skills in project management, business strategy & outlook, and supply chain management & optimization. Evidence of collaboration & teamwork is also a big plus.
Within these constructs, one should identify key technical skills, evidence of decision making & critical thinking, verbal and written communication skills, and creative thinking or problem-solving examples. Lastly, evidence of working in focus groups and leading workshops or presentations are also standouts.
Candace Esken Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Management & LeadershipBradley University
Foster College of Business
What hard/technical skills are most important for Program Management Consultants?
Candace Esken Ph.D.: The most important hard skills for management analysts are problem-solving, data analysis, and presentation skills. The central focus of their work revolves around solving problems for clients by analyzing large chunks of data and drawing meaningful conclusions. Analysts also spend a great deal of time creating sophisticated presentations to enhance communication with clients. Management Analysts should be especially skilled with excel and PowerPoint.
Neil Boyd Ph.D.
David J. & Deborah West Professor of Management; Chair, Management and Organizations DepartmentBucknell University
Management and Organizations Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Program Management Consultants?
Neil Boyd Ph.D.: Project management, understanding and using concepts, models, and theory from management science, analytics, excel/SPSS/R, Powerpoint/Google Slides.
What soft skills should all Program Management Consultants possess?
Neil Boyd Ph.D.: Humility, empathy, integrity, emotional intelligence, a concern for others, a desire to create community at work, a concern for social and environmental justice.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Program Management Consultants?
Elsa Maria Castillo: In addition to the standard engineering coursework, it is important that students invest some time in the development of tech skills and digital skills that go beyond coursework such as conducting undergraduate research and receiving training in project management, additional programming languages, internet of things, machine learning, finite element analysis as well as the development of soft skills that could make a bigger impact on the job prospects. This is why at UNM Engineering we have partnered with alumni from various industries to offer some additional engineering skills workshops to help enhance our students learning experience and better prepare them to enter the workforce. Students should also aim to participate in internship opportunities or seek out and connect with professional mentors who could give students an insight into career opportunities and take advantage of networking opportunities offered through their school. We also recommend our students to create professional online profiles in apps such as LinkedIn and the schools' Office of Career Services digital platforms.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Program Management Consultants?
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 certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Program Management Consultants?
Dr. Dan Jensen: Credentials viewed favorably vary from industry to industry and job to job. If you are focused on the positive trends (question 1 above), there are specialized certifications for nearly every role. Some certifications require that you have professional experience in the industry, but others can be earned prior to having relevant work experience.
Supply Chain (e.g., Certified Supply Chain Manager, CSCP)
Human Resources (e.g., Professional in Human Resources, PHR)
Project Management (e.g., Project Management Professional, PMP)
Sales (e.g., SPIN Selling)
Networking (e.g., Certified Cisco Network Associate, CCNA)
Customer Relationship Management (e.g., Salesforce certification)
Google Certifications (e.g., AdWords certification)
Dr. Daryl Green
Associate Professor of BusinessOklahoma Baptist University
College of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Program Management Consultant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Daryl Green: I have been researching emerging employment trends for several years. While working for the Department of Energy as a senior engineer, I have served as a college recruiter. There were gaps in the students' skill sets compared to employers' needs. I later co-authored a book called Job Strategies for the 21st Century to provide students with the necessary tools for future employment. 2021 will be very difficult due to the pandemic. From my research, here are 2021 employment trends to consider:
-Global Market - We are connected! Since employers can tap into human resources across the world, students will compete against others across the globe.
-Students who understand this employment reality will be better prepared.
-AI and Automation - Artificial intelligence is disruptive technology. Companies can avoid the high expense of labor through automation. According to 2013 Oxford University study, nearly half of American jobs are at risk of being taken over by computers by 2033. Students need to understand AI technologies.
-New Work Model - 2020 brought in the explosion of working from home due to Covid-19. Employees already wanted to have more flexibility in life. They got it from employers. Companies responded by offering 70% of full-time workers the ability to work from home!
-Freelancing - Freelancing is part of the gig economy. It goes much further than Airbnb and Uber. In the gig economy, businesses hire independent contractors to perform individual jobs, called "gigs." The total freelancing income is almost $1 trillion. Therefore, students who have an entrepreneurial mindset will fare better.
-Digital & Ecommerce - Covid-19 ushered the digital economy. If companies did not have a digital platform in 2020 with the lockdowns, they did not exist. According to the Internet World Stats, there are currently 4,208,571, 287 internet users. Therefore, students cannot afford to miss this continuing trend of digital platforms.
Scott Gilpatric
Professor and Department HeadUniversity of Tennessee
Department of Economics, Haslam College of Business
What's a good job out of college for Program Management Consultants?
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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Program Management Consultants?
Stephen O'Connell: Recessions are a tough time to enter the job market and we're in the worst recession since the Great Depression. It remains to be seen whether the labor market will bounce back strongly, but it certainly won't bounce back in time to ease the situation of the class of '21 very much. Be ready to be persistent and resilient in your job search.
On the positive side for public policy work, the Trump Administration and the pandemic have left us with immense challenges of resuming normal, evidence-based policymaking and managing recovery from the pandemic. So public policy analysis may be a more robust area of the job market.
What's a good job out of college for Program Management Consultants?
Stephen O'Connell: Work that uses your skills and builds new ones. There is a premium on your own flexibility over the couple of years, with a lot of job-market volatility due to uncertain structural impacts of the pandemic.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Program Management Consultants?
Jodi Smolen: I think this depends on the industry. Finance students give themselves an advantage by taking the Securities Industry Essential (SIE) exam during college. The exam does not require employer sponsorship and it is good for 4 years. If students want to become a securities trader, investment banker, or financial advisor, the SIE exam is a necessary step before they take the Series 6 and 7 exams after graduation. It shows a prospective employer that the student is serious about a career in the financial services industry.
In addition, finance students should hone their advanced Excel skills. Whether they do this in college, or on their own time, knowing Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP will set them apart from other candidates.
Computer science students should know that Python is in strong demand. If they know the basics of this language, they will have more job opportunities in different industries. Similarly, many data science jobs require Python, SQL or R programming languages. Candidates who pick up programming languages easily can learn on the job, but it is always more desirable to walk into the job knowing the language they want to use.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Program Management Consultants?
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's a good job out of college for Program Management Consultants?
Angela Sebby Ph.D.: It depends on which area of tourism one would like to go into (hotels, country clubs, event planning, attractions, etc.) and how quickly that industry will bounce back after the vaccines are administered. Therefore, all students should make sure that they pay attention to the diverse sectors, look for trends and adaptations in the industry, gather experience while going to college, network with those in the industry, consider appropriate certifications, and be willing to relocate. So, although the initial job out of college might not be the "dream" job, it is important for graduates to create a personal strategic plan to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the dream job. I would suggest investing time and attention to jobs that offer exceptional customer service, concentrate on training and development, and are aligned with the graduate's core values.
What soft skills should all Program Management Consultants possess?
TeWhan Hahn Ph.D.: Writing skills including email writing, being able to work in teams, and knowing the workplace etiquettes.