How to Become a Program Manager

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.

Program managers have complex jobs, which is why their salary is often quite high. Project managers often juggle between multiple projects, which means that they must be able to see things both strategically and tactically and see the "big picture" and those small details.

Program managers who hold Master's in Business Administration (MBA) or Master's in Project Management often make more than those with just a bachelor's degree.

Additionally, having certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification can boost a program manager's salary too.

Salaries are also dependent on the actual program description and job duties. For example, a general program manager may make less than an IT or technical program manager.

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.

The average program manager in the U.S. earns around $80,000, but the salary range typically falls between $80,000 and $120,000. As with any role, a program manager's salary is dependent on various factors such as location, company, experience, and education.

As demand for project-based work grows, the Project Management Institute projects that employers are going to need to fill 2.2 million new project-oriented roles each year through 2027.

Program management roles are often seen as a natural choice for project managers looking for their next challenge, and there are many opportunities for career growth.

As a program manager in the government, you will supervise and implement programs designed by administrators, elected officials, or stakeholders. Your responsibilities can vary depending on the agency and can range from total supervisory duties to developing and executing program goals.

When you begin your work as a government program manager, you're given a set of goals to meet. You may be tasked with creating and executing a business development strategy, monitoring the project pipeline, or supporting the project management of state and federal government procurement bids.

You will need to be familiar with government policies and procedures, as you may need to navigate compliance requirements.

Additionally, you will work with project coordinators to ensure the program's operational needs are met and that projects adhere to compliance requirements throughout the project duration. You will also ensure that projects are completed efficiently and on schedule. Government program managers tend to have strict deadlines and tough requirements.

Government program managers are also responsible for handling budgets and identifying solutions to resourcing challenges when necessary.

The difference between a program manager and a project manager is that program managers focus on the overall strategy while project managers oversee the individual projects that help execute the strategy.

Programs consist of multiple projects that work toward a long-term goal. The role of a program manager is to oversee the operation of each project and strategize to ensure everything is on track, and make adjustments if needed. Program managers track timelines, manage budgets, and delegate tasks, but on a larger scale.

Project managers are responsible for individual projects that contribute to the end goal. These projects can vary in length but are very specific and have strict deadlines -- project managers delegate tasks too, but smaller ones to consultants or project coordinators. As progress is made, project managers inform the program manager.

While project managers and program managers have different tasks, it's important to be detail-oriented and analytical in both roles to keep projects moving forward.

To become a program manager, you should have at minimum a bachelor's degree. Program managers should also have excellent communications skills, be organized, and have the ability to lead and work well under pressure.

While some companies may prefer candidates with a degree in business, others may be looking for applicants with expertise in a specific subject area. For example, if the program involves IT, they may require the program manager to have an IT background.

Depending on the company and the scale of the program, the program manager may be required to have a master's degree or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Many program managers come from project management backgrounds, so they understand how to lead a team toward accomplishing goals and prioritizing tasks. Having experience with planning, budgeting, assessing, and organizing are skills that will also help the candidate gain entry into a program manager role.