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What is a program manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Experts
Dr. Malissa Scheuring Leipold,
Kerem Cakirer Ph.D.
introduction image

A program manager oversees multiple projects within an organization to ensure they are aligned with business goals and objectives. They are responsible for the overall success of the program, which requires them to have strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. A program manager works closely with stakeholders to define project scope, develop schedules and budgets, identify risks and issues, and make strategic decisions to keep projects on track.

What general advice would you give to a Program Manager?

Dr. Malissa Scheuring LeipoldDr. Malissa Scheuring Leipold LinkedIn Profile

Chair & Associate Professor, Iona College

General advice I would give to a graduate beginning their career is to take one day at a time. In my many years in education, I have always been able to map out a general plan of action to be implemented in the classroom, but the pandemic has changed everything. You need to be ready for the unexpected, and don't let it throw you. The field of education is never predictable, so the more comfortable one gets with uncertainty and being adaptable without being resentful or stubborn, the more you can embrace the beauty of changing children's lives for the better. I would also emphasize the importance of personal relationships. Reach out to those with whom you are working, call them by name, make it more than about work by asking how they are doing. Also, they should call parents on a consistent basis, especially when their child is doing well and simply say, "Hi, I am here for you and am with you in your desire to see your child succeed." This will go miles. Last, believe in yourself yet be selfless by always keeping the best interest of the students at heart and compassionate. If you do this, everything else will fall into place.
ScoreProgram ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.5

Avg. Salary $96,084

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
9.7

Growth Rate 12%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 8.93%

Black or African American 7.57%

Hispanic or Latino 12.69%

Unknown 4.70%

White 65.46%

Gender

female 47.13%

male 52.87%

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
9.7

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.8

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.0

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Program Manager?

Pros

  • Ability to make an impact on the organization

  • Potential for high salary and benefits

  • Chance to develop a diverse skill set

  • Opportunity to network with industry professionals

  • Gain experience in managing budgets and resources

Cons

  • High level of stress and pressure

  • Long hours and tight deadlines

  • Constantly shifting priorities and project requirements

  • Balancing competing demands for resources and budget

  • Managing conflicts among team members or stakeholders

Program Manager career paths

Key steps to become a program manager

  1. Explore program manager education requirements

    Most common program manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.5 %

    Master's

    19.5 %

    Associate

    9.2 %

  2. Start to develop specific program manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management11.49%
    Program Management11.04%
    Oversight5.62%
    Customer Service4.14%
    Infrastructure3.26%
    Show more

  3. Research program manager duties and responsibilities

    • Lead managed services provider engagement of onshore and offshore interactive development and QA for pharmaceutical marketing department.
    • Lead multiple team workshops and initiate RFP proposals.
    • Manage the work process across projects as per PMI standards.
    • Develop, manage, and oversee EMBA study abroad in-residencies to Asia.

  4. Prepare your program manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your program manager 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 manager 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 Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional Program Manager 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 Manager resume.
    Program Manager Resume
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    Program Manager Resume
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    Program Manager Resume

  5. Apply for program manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a program manager 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 Manager Job

Zippi

Are you a Program Manager?

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Average program manager salary

The average Program Manager salary in the United States is $96,084 per year or $46 per hour. Program manager salaries range between $65,000 and $141,000 per year.

Average Program Manager Salary
$96,084 Yearly
$46.19 hourly
More program manager salary info

What Am I Worth?

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How do program managers rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Program Manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Cons

cyclical nature of the job

profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.

Cons

Enjoy all aspects.

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

It gives me the opportunity to work with people to meet their psychological needs

Cons

Nothing at this time

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Program Manager FAQs

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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.

Updated January 8, 2025

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