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What is a program management specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Daryl Green

A program management specialist is responsible for all aspects of a program. They may oversee a small or large team, and they may be directly responsible for some program work, depending on the size of the company and the program. The program management specialist serves as the point of contact for the client or customer, answering questions and providing updates.

Their duties may include coordinating work, identifying risks and mitigation plans, and handling budget strategies. They also set timeline estimates and ensure the needs of stakeholders are met. The career typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in business, management, or another relevant field, and extensive experience in project management. Additional qualifications include strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, computer proficiency, and an understanding of the organization's business practices, values, and policies.

The average hourly salary for the position is $34.64, which amounts to $72,042 annually.

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

Dr. Daryl GreenDr. Daryl Green LinkedIn profile

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.
ScoreProgram Management SpecialistUS Average
Salary
6.5

Avg. Salary $82,591

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
-

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 9.04%

Black or African American 7.69%

Hispanic or Latino 12.90%

Unknown 4.71%

White 65.00%

Gender

female 60.10%

male 39.90%

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
Complexity level
1.8

Complexity level is simple

7 - challenging

Program management specialist career paths

Key steps to become a program management specialist

  1. Explore program management specialist education requirements

    Most common program management specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.1 %

    Master's

    15.9 %

    Associate

    13.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific program management specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management16.72%
    DOD10.34%
    PowerPoint7.25%
    Business Development5.18%
    Financial Management5.02%
  3. Research program management specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage key performance indicators (KPI) for service metrics daily, weekly, monthly.
    • Manage the SharePoint website portal as well as classified/unclassified records.
    • Manage, monitors and measures project portfolio status, recommending corrective action as necessary and communicate portfolio status to their management.
    • Review, research and accurately process HAZMAT stock requests.
  4. Prepare your program management specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your program management specialist 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 program management specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable program management specialist resume templates

    Build a professional program management specialist 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 program management specialist resume.
    Program Management Specialist Resume
    Program Management Specialist Resume
    Program Management Specialist Resume
    Program Management Specialist Resume
    Program Management Specialist Resume
    Program Management Specialist Resume
    Program Management Specialist Resume
    Program Management Specialist Resume
    Program Management Specialist Resume
  5. Apply for program management specialist jobs

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

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

How did you land your first program management specialist job

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Average program management specialist salary

The average program management specialist salary in the United States is $82,591 per year or $40 per hour. Program management specialist salaries range between $55,000 and $122,000 per year.

Average program management specialist salary
$82,591 Yearly
$39.71 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do program management specialists rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Program management specialist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.

Cons

Enjoy all aspects.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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