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Job outlook for program managers in the United States
Program manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected program manager job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 20,400 new jobs for program managers are projected over the next decade.
Program manager salaries have increased 8% for program managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 117,668 program managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 197,556 active program manager job openings in the US.
The average program manager salary is $96,084.
Are program manager jobs in demand?
Program Manager job and salary trends over time
Program Manager jobs over time
Program Manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 117,668 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 247,702 | 0.07% |
| 2019 | 160,868 | 0.05% |
| 2018 | 105,626 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 99,375 | 0.03% |
Average program manager salary over time
Program Manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $96,084 | $46.19 | +4.2% |
| 2024 | $92,167 | $44.31 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $90,976 | $43.74 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $89,393 | $42.98 | +0.6% |
| 2021 | $88,852 | $42.72 | +0.1% |
Program Manager jobs by state
Most common states for program managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 768 | 111% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 3,252 | 44% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 236 | 31% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,352 | 28% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,896 | 28% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 287 | 27% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 260 | 27% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,063 | 26% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 329 | 25% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 258 | 25% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 710 | 23% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,328 | 22% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,188 | 21% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,160 | 21% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 719 | 20% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 366 | 19% |
| 17 | California | 39,536,653 | 6,973 | 18% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 313 | 18% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,164 | 17% |
| 20 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,555 | 17% |
Most common cities for program managers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 57 | 145% | $80,655 |
| 2 | Lansing | 43 | 37% | $86,703 |
| 3 | Springfield | 43 | 37% | $80,418 |
| 4 | Hartford | 44 | 36% | $88,193 |
| 5 | Topeka | 44 | 35% | $67,923 |
| 6 | Tallahassee | 47 | 25% | $70,908 |
| 7 | Little Rock | 48 | 24% | $66,917 |
| 8 | Des Moines | 48 | 22% | $72,517 |
| 9 | Atlanta | 95 | 20% | $78,644 |
| 10 | Washington | 130 | 19% | $86,608 |
| 11 | Boston | 96 | 14% | $88,637 |
| 12 | Urban Honolulu | 45 | 13% | $89,522 |
| 13 | Sacramento | 53 | 11% | $106,117 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 63 | 7% | $79,830 |
| 15 | Denver | 46 | 7% | $68,066 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 66 | 4% | $84,474 |
| 17 | Chicago | 49 | 2% | $83,783 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 47 | 1% | $101,098 |
Program Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of program manager experts
University of Alaska Fairbanks
University of La Verne
Kansas State University
Middle Tennessee State University
Purdue University
Midland University
University of New Mexico (UNM)
University of West Georgia
Boston University
SUNY College at Oswego
Freed-Hardeman University
Utah Valley University
Nicholls State University
Oklahoma Baptist University
California State University, San Bernardino
University of Tennessee
Swarthmore College
Auburn University at Montgomery
The Touro College
Western Carolina University
What general advice would you give to a Program Manager?
Jaunelle Celaire: Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
What Program Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jaunelle Celaire: Never stop learning! This may consist of going back to school, earning new certifications in your field of study, attending conferences and seminars, and making sure that your time management is always at its finest level of excellence.
What will help Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Jaunelle Celaire: 2. Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
Marcia Godwin Ph.D.
Professor of Public Administration, Master of Public Administration (MPA) DirectorUniversity of La Verne
College of Business and Public Management
What hard/technical skills are most important for Program Managers?
Marcia Godwin Ph.D.: There is no replacement for being able to write at a professional level, which we often don't recognize as a hard skill. Being able to read financial statements and work with spreadsheets are other critical skills. Being comfortable with technology and managing technical projects is as important as knowing particular software. It was hard to imagine a few decades ago how geographical informational systems, apps, and social media would become central to public service. Managers need to be constantly looking to the future and staying current with their professional development to stay on top of technological and social changes.
What skills stand out on Program Manager resumes?
Marcia Godwin Ph.D.: A strong commitment to public service is key. Public service motivation may seem like something that all applicants have in common, but resumes often list only work experience. Resumes should highlight passion and a record of helping others. Volunteer experience should be listed that for those entering public service or transitioning from other careers. I often mentor others to be aware of your "super powers," your go-to qualities that are distinctive. Successful managers are also those who have engaged in leadership in every position and support the development of their staff at every level of organizations.
What soft skills should all Program Managers possess?
Marcia Godwin Ph.D.: The perennial soft skills include flexibility, integrity, and the ability to communicate well with a wide variety of people and in different media. Customer service skills may sound too much like a retail business, but the ability to interact professionally and calmly with the public and officials is invaluable. In these challenging times, empathy and humility are increasingly important. Managers need to be able to focus and prioritize. The pandemic, climate change, and social justice issues require open minds, open hearts, and collaboration.
What skills will help Program Managers earn the most?
Marcia Godwin Ph.D.: There are different pathways to advancing in public service. Most positions pay a solid living wage, and the public sector continues to have relatively generous benefits. Some positions, like firefighters, usually qualify for more overtime, and others with professional credentials (like doctors in public hospitals and professional engineers) have higher salaries. However, it is managerial and supervisorial skills that are most associated with advancement to executive management. That is why Master of Public Administration programs are so critical. Regardless of your undergraduate degree, an MPA is focused on the skills needed to advance within organizations.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Program Managers?
Brett Horton Ph.D.: - The enduring impact is the opportunity to experience first hand coming out of a major hospitality economic downturn. Many hotels and hospitality operations are rebounding from near or complete closure. Such an amazing time to get in on the fast track to the top of an organization. There will be numerous opportunities that did not exist in March of 2020.
- Graduates are positioned to thrive more than the graduates in 2020 in that the number of open positions is huge. They have the opportunity to start with a career with great companies and great leaders and grow as fast as they so desire.
- The only downside may be moving up too fast and now being completely grounded in the basics due to being hired and put in positions of authority before they may be fully prepared.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Program Managers?
Brett Horton Ph.D.: The successful leaders are those who:
- Have a degree in hospitality management and understand what just occurred.
-There are few certifications necessary for work in the hospitality. Food safety is required for some positions, but this has likely been obtained while in school. Additional certifications may be obtained in the first 5 years of employment.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Frank Lambert Ph.D.: Undoubtedly, while the pandemic is continuing, and possibly beyond, comfort working with technology will become an even more pronounced trend for librarians. From information literacy, to running programs online and conducting online instruction, to story times, technology is what helps connect communities with their public libraries even more. Libraries were stuck between a rock and a hard place when the pandemic struck. For SO many people in our community, the library is their primary source with the outside world via the WWW. When libraries had to close to reduce the chances of disease spread, not only was computer access to the Internet lost, but so was access to the Internet at home for those people who could not afford Internet access and instead have to rely on mobile hotspots for access. With libraries closed though, these hotspots could not be signed out. In the future, government should consider libraries an essential service. How was a community member to apply for unemployment benefits if he/she did not have access to the WWW from home? How can that same member apply for other social services or apply for a new job without an Internet connection? Had governments declared public libraries essential services and provided them with the resources needed to stay open, including giving libraries power over enforcing mask mandates, then the pandemic might have had a different look to it.
What soft skills should all Program Managers possess?
Frank Lambert Ph.D.: Graduates in librarianship should have a definite public service ethic as one of their primary soft skills. Librarianship is a rewarding career, but you will not get rich being one. However, people become librarians more often than not just based on that desire to serve. Being a team player is very helpful. You need to work with other professionals and paraprofessionals closely. Working well in a team environment is pretty much essential, regardless whether you are working at a public service desk or behind the scenes in a technical services department. Being open to learning new things is a great soft skill. If you thrive in environments where the only constant is change, then librarianship is a great career. Finally, if you like puzzles or solving problems, then librarianship is for you. You want to run towards challenging information-based problems to start working on them right away. There is nothing more satisfying than finding the answer to a complex and challenging information-based problem and seeing the gratitude on your patron's face.
How have salaries changed over time for Program Managers?
Frank Lambert Ph.D.: Salaries continue to rise. There are hundreds of graduates across the nation every semester, and yet there are still multiple job openings. Retirement of baby boomers in librarianship appears to be increasing. I would not say there is a shortage of qualified candidates; however, according to the Library Journal's most recent salary survey, their 2019 Placements & Salaries survey learned that full-time grads earned on average 6.2 percent more than they did in 2018 www.libraryjournal.com
This also was a 24% increase from 2011 salary levels. Salaries increasing this much may be due to, as I wrote, a glut of open positions in librarianship due to retirements, but closer analysis should be conducted before anything definitive is stated.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Alice Johnson: The pandemic prompted teacher exodus have left teacher job vacancies wide open. I do not believe graduates who become certified will have difficulty securing jobs. Graduates who are culturally competent and can provide effective learning experiences across lines of difference will be in even higher demand.
How have salaries changed over time for Program Managers?
Alice Johnson: As the Indiana legislature continues to disregard public schools and divert educational resources to private and public charter schools, teacher pay has stayed stagnant over the past 10 years in Indiana with the expectation for the pay gap between other states and careers to widen even further over the next several years.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. George Conrad: In education the pandemic has created two major trends, since last March.
The use of technology to provide effective lessons for students through virtual classes has been a challenge for teachers. One issue is in the technology itself. Teachers most often must rely on their own computers and notebooks along with their own home internet networks to deliver instruction. This issue is coupled with the availability of the internet and with computers and notebooks available to students.
Even if the technology is provided, teachers must find ways to engage students with meaning full lessons and ways to assess student learning. To gage learning and to monitor and adjust student engagement takes far more planning.
Finally, teacher training institutions need to help future teachers with understanding and applying new uses for technology based instruction. This can be difficult as different districts adopt different types of delivery systems.The good news for future teacher graduates is that, if they are willing and comfortable to master technology skills along with content knowledge, more and more teaching positions will be available.
Most all states have a teacher retirement system and retirement amounts increase with the number of years of service. In my experience, most practicing teachers teach beyond the minimum years needed to "retire." As a result of the pandemic, and the fear of contracting Covid, more and more teachers that I have contact with are looking seriously at retiring sooner than originally planned. This may change with the use of vaccines, but, again, this is good news for future teacher graduates. I predict that more and more teachers will be retiring and providing more an more positions available to new graduates.
What skills stand out on Program Manager resumes?
Dr. George Conrad: In my past experience as an HR administrator and superintendent, skills tend to be measured by experiences. If a new graduate can demonstrate that they have had a number of experiences with children in AND outside the classroom, they will appear to be a stronger candidate. Endorsements are also important. For example, when working with candidates who are seeking an endorsement in elementary education, I encourage them to also consider supplemental endorsements in areas such as special education, early childhood, or English a second language. This makes them more marketable.
While difficult to reflect on a resume, finding ways to illustrate their dispositions is also important. Teaching is far more than skills. How does a candidate show that they have empathy or a desire to make a difference in their students' lives? Many school districts in Nebraska are familiar with the use of Gallup's CliftonStrengths (the new term for StrengthFinder). As a result, candidates who can provide their 5 top strengths on a resume, draws additional attention.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Program Managers to find work opportunities?
Dr. George Conrad: As the population of teachers begin to age, more and more positions are becoming available. As we continue to see population growth in Southwestern States, teaching positions will continue to grow.
The real answer for future candidates is their willingness to teacher high large metropolitan cities and rural communities. Most large cities are surrounded with suburban school districts. With the movement to a suburban live style, more and more cities deal with student populations of color and with more than average poverty. If a candidate is willing to consider this challenge, they can find highly rewarding careers. This is especially true for candidates of color.
On the other side of the population movement, more and more rural areas are seeing a reduction in students and also seeing a reduction in the number of new teachers interested in moving to small communities to begin their career. As a result, candidates interested in work in "small town" American can find rewarding opportunities to build relationships with students and families (I started my career in a 3-room country school in the 70's and I originally came from outside Chicago).
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Elsa Maria Castillo: The pandemic has definitely impacted the job market, and although we still get requests for candidates for internship opportunities or jobs from our various partners, during the pandemic there has been an increase of requests in the following areas: Cybersecurity, Weapons Development and Testing, Aerospace, Quality Control Engineers, design and development of Prosthetics, Optics, Solar and alternative Energy systems, and Telecommunications. A slight shift into the development of medical technologies, data analysis, coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality is evident.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Program Managers?
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.
What's a good job out of college for Program Managers?
Elsa Maria Castillo: It all depends on the level of education, training and experience attained by the student during their college years. For instance, what I would consider a good job for someone with Bachelor's degree in Engineering would be a position conducting research and development in the respective engineering field either at a multinational corporation or at a national lab with six figures and that offers additional educational benefits for the individuals to continue advancing in their careers. For example, a few years ago I had a student who graduated with a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering, who conducted a lot of research as an undergraduate student and participated in various internships. He wanted to go directly into the workforce before attempting graduate school. His training and experience allowed him to get a job at a multi-national corporation that offered him a starting salary of $105,000 plus financial support to continue with graduate school. That for me is a great job out of college and the student does not aim to pursue a graduate degree right away.
Dr. Robyn Huss
Associate Professor and Coordinator of Initial Teacher Certification ProgramsUniversity of West Georgia
Department of Early Childhood Through Secondary Education
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Program Managers?
Dr. Robyn Huss: Yes, there will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates of teacher education programs. Though 2020 will be remembered as the year of the pandemic and global lockdowns, it will also be remembered as the year education moved online for all grade levels.
In teacher preparation programs at the University of West Georgia, candidates take a series of courses with field experiences. Many interns began learning to teach online as soon as the lockdowns occurred in March 2020, and since then through their accompanying coursework, there has been a more intentional approach to preparing candidates with digital resources to enhance their teaching. Candidates are placed in schools where digital learning occurs, and they have field experiences developing instruction, engaging students in activities, and assessing learning outcomes under the mentorship of a cooperating teacher, within school buildings as well as via online learning platforms. In the fall of 2020, most public school districts in Georgia began offering both in-person and online options for students, so it is a benefit that teacher candidates are able to practice teaching in both modalities, including some who experience hybrid classrooms.
The scope of digital learning will decrease as more K-12 students return to school buildings full time. However, the capabilities and variety of online instructional resources and student engagement models that the pandemic forced into an accelerated implementation will endure, and teaching and learning will be better for it. Teachers will adapt to the choices that have been made available with their recent experiences in digital instruction, which will enable them to be more responsive to the learning needs of their students, both with and without the use of technology.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Program Managers?
Dr. Robyn Huss: The online learning expectation that the pandemic thrust upon our educational systems has changed the outlook for what new teachers will be expected to know and be able to do. In today's environment of digital learning, principals may be more likely to hire educators who have had experience teaching in the virtual realm. Therefore, recent graduates should be encouraged to include digital teaching experiences on their resumes. If they don't have firsthand teaching experience, perhaps they can highlight online courses in which they have excelled, so potential employers will know they have at least some familiarity with digital learning and online educational platforms.
Beyond earning a teaching certificate, I would encourage both beginning teachers and those preparing to enter the job market to continue their education by enrolling in a graduate-level course in online instruction. For example, the University of West Georgia offers a state-certified Online Teaching Endorsement, which can be added to a teaching certificate after completing the four required online courses; the endorsement courses can also be embedded within a graduate degree program. Alternatively, educators can earn a Master of Education in Instructional Technology; completion of this fully online, advanced degree program would prepare them for teaching online or working as an instructional technologist as well as qualify them to receive a pay increase.
What will help Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Robyn Huss: Public school teachers in Georgia, as in many states, are paid on a set salary schedule determined by their years of teaching experience and their highest degree achievement. Earning a graduate degree at the next level is the quickest route to a pay raise, which in turn increases their retirement benefits.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
V. Scott Solberg Ph.D.: The single biggest trend in the job market, whether related to education or otherwise, is that today's adults must understand in order to be competitive within a 4th industrialized world of work, they must be ready to describe their deep human skills (i.e., advanced social emotional learning skills) and technical skills as well as explain how these skills transfer in supporting the needs and expectations of the company and occupations to which they are applying. Today's adults must also be ready to describe how they are managing their continued professional development so they can keep up with the latest advancements in technology so that they can do their work in an efficient and high-quality manner. What this means is that employers are looking for the skills that cannot be replaced by robots or AI - they need individuals who understand the unique person qualities and technical skills and talent that will add value to team projects. Career management skills include being able to acquire the deep human person qualities and technical skills that align to specific occupation sectors.
Educators must be able to work with media and graphic design, work in teams to create learning programs that are designed around meaningful and research-based learning objectives, and connect with their students using strong social emotional learning skills (SEL) as well as facilitate students in developing their own SEL skills. And, educators need to recognize that there are hundreds of occupations within and outside of education that align to their key skills which include active listening, active learning, critical thinking, monitoring, public speaking, writing, complex problem solving, management of personnel, time management, coordination and collaboration with others, instructing, persuasion, service orientation and social perceptiveness. These skills are a few of the many listed in ONETonline.org's advanced skills list which lists over 450 occupations that one can grow into by acquiring key technical skills, certification, and/or advanced degrees.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Program Managers?
V. Scott Solberg Ph.D.: The information and computer technology and health sciences sectors are two promising future employment arenas to consider. Within information and computer technology, data science skills are in high demand. For both information and computer technology and health sciences there are a range of certifications one can receive from a two-year postsecondary institution that lead to high wage occupations. The new byword is "stackable credentials" whereby one adds more than one credential that results in a wider range of occupational opportunities as well as the ability to move up in pay within a given sector.
How have salaries changed over time for Program Managers?
V. Scott Solberg Ph.D.: In education, salaries vary by region of the country. It is important to use Onetonline.org to consider the salaries in your local region or find areas of the country you want to consider. There are also a wide range of salaries depending on what type of occupation you are seeking within education.
Angela Perrotto
Assistant Professor and Department Chair of the Educational LeadershipSUNY College at Oswego
School of Education
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Program Managers?
Angela Perrotto: In terms of acquiring jobs, I believe not - although school budgets are extremely tight in response to the demands the virus has placed on districts.
In terms of impact: the virus has forced all of us to come to terms as quickly as possible with HOW technology has transformed the way we learn. This does not mean that schools will be remote teaching from here on. In many cases, for legitimate reasons, schools were slow to take on technology "for the masses". There is strong evidence as to how technology has changed the business, entertainment, educational, and industrial worlds. What the pandemic has done is force schools to think very creatively and to move as quickly as possible to continue to provide learning opportunities for students when they were not able to attend the brick and mortar buildings. We are learning a lot and moving as quickly as possible.
What has this done for our graduates? The graduates of 2021 in our program have dealt with, investigated, solved issues for schools, and researched ways to maximize student success in these pandemic times. Their program has been online because of the pandemic. Their school jobs, for the most part, are partially or completely online. As CAS students, they are solving issues with transition plans for students, professional development plans for teachers, social emotional supports for both staff and students, curricular and pedagogical strategies and plans in order to meet the individualized needs of students, building multi-tiered systems of supports for students, partnering opportunities with community agencies for families......This has been the work of our CAS students who will graduate in 2021 and 2022. They will surely need and use these skills as they move into their future as school and district leaders.
Projections do not indicate there will be any shortage of leadership jobs. On the contrary, data for the next several years indicates there will be many retirements.
What will help Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Angela Perrotto: For the most part, leaders should stay in their position long enough to be certain systems are in place. Every system, of course, is centered upon increasing opportunities for students to be successful and identifying and removing any obstacles that may be hindering that for every student. Once this is accomplished (generally 4-6 years), educational leaders build their own trajectory which is derived from a knowledge of knowing they can impact an even larger number of students. It is a common understanding that through the course of an educational leader's years of service, there is a long range plan to take on more job responsibilities that include more students, more community partnerships, more advocacy, more operations. It is common to see the employment history of an administrator progress from assistant principal, to principal, to director, to assistant superintendent, and to superintendent (or some form of these titles along the way).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Program Managers?
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's a day at work look like for a Program Manager?
Kristen Roberson: That depends on the role they are in, but the big hurdle is going to be landing that first role. They need to be willing to shift their plans, be ready to try contract or project-based work. No matter where they land, the ability to self-manage will be more critical than before 2020 since more work will be remote and much more video conferences, and a lot less travel.
What will help Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Kristen Roberson: Beyond internships paid or unpaid, my recommendation is that recent marketing students need to spend time obtaining digital certifications that universities usually don't provide. Being able to put these on a resume could be the reason they get that Zoom interview over a similar degree student.
Michael Hollister
Assistant Professor, M.C.A., CFI/IUtah Valley University
UVU School of Aviation Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Program Managers?
Michael Hollister: It is difficult to predict whether or not there will be an "enduring impact," since we are still enduring the challenges presented by this pandemic. While the aviation industry routinely experiences financial turbulence, an industry that usually is the first to feel the effects of a declining economy, and the last to feel the effects of a good one, it generally seems to find a way to recover and continue, though never without some sort of casualty in the form of an airline or other related business. Aviation, and particularly the airline segment (to include cargo airlines) are the life-blood of our modern world, and the mass-transit of the twenty-first century. There is no other form of transportation that can do what the airplane can do, and from this standpoint, it is an indispensable asset. Even in the midst of economic turmoil, industry giants like Boeing are forecasting an increase in demand across multiple aerospace disciplines through 2039. When it comes to our graduates, while nothing is ever a sure thing, the industry has historically proven itself to be resilient.
What's a good job out of college for Program Managers?
Michael Hollister: Without trying to sound flippant, a good job out of college is the one the graduate was hoping to land after grabbing that expensive piece of paper (the diploma) and throwing their funny-looking hat in the air!
Even though a "pilot shortage" is currently suspended, historically speaking, the demand will return. So, while our current students realize that the market they hope to join one day isn't doing well at the moment, many also realize that they can utilize this time to prepare, earning the certificates, ratings and flight time necessary to qualify them for the job they will eventually seek.
However, it is important to also realize that the aviation industry is vast and has needs and opportunities that go far beyond the demand for pilots only. Some of the current demands include much-needed maintenance personnel, engineers of all disciplines, management personnel and so on. There is great potential found in the burgeoning Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) markets, with the latter expected to be worth nearly 16 billion by 2030, with other projections placing this segment of the ma
What will help Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Michael Hollister: The best advice I received from a former airline pilot and professor of mine was to "Keep improving yourself . . . even after you have earned your Bachelor's degree, go on and get a Masters degree. Keep improving yourself."
Realistically, furthering one's education is perhaps the best way to increase value and marketability, which is, after all, what someone's earning potential is really based on. One's marketability (not being a one-trick pony, also see "versatility") and how valuable one is perceived to be by their employer, will directly influence earning potential and longevity.
I've also learned that furthering one's education need not exclusively mean college degrees and certificates, though they are, of course, important. Value, marketability and versatility can certainly come from a variety of experiences and activities that extend beyond the walls of a college or university. Knowing how to utilize such experiences and other acquired skills, and then applying them toward a field of study that is of interest to an individual will be of great value too, but will require some thoughtful planning.
Lastly, I think an individual's personality has a great impact on one's perceived value and worth to an employer/company. An individual who is positive, a team player, one who offers solutions to problems, rather than just complaining, will go a long way. This, I have found, to be a universal truth regardless of the profession or occupation.
Dr. Cynthia Vavasseur
Associate Professor of Education, Professor of ED, Program Chair Ed-tech LeadershipNicholls State University
Teacher Education Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Cynthia Vavasseur: By far, the biggest trend in the job market of educational leadership will be how technology can drive instruction, innovation and student success. Before the pandemic, educational technology was a hot topic. In the last year, the need for educational technology professionals at both the K12 and Higher Education level have been highlighted.
How have salaries changed over time for Program Managers?
Dr. Cynthia Vavasseur: Education and educational leadership is not a profession to go into for the money. That being said, as the need for educational technology professionals grows, I would imagine so would the salary range.
Dr. Daryl Green
Associate Professor of BusinessOklahoma Baptist University
College of Business
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Program Manager 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.
What soft skills should all Program Managers possess?
Dr. Daryl Green: The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight competencies associated with career readiness. These soft skills include career management, communication, critical thinking, cultural intelligence, digital literacy, leadership, professionalism, and teamwork. Sadly, most students are not aware of employers' expectation of career readiness competencies. College students who develop these career readiness competencies will be better prepared to compete for future job opportunities.
What's a day at work look like for a Program Manager?
Dr. Daryl Green: 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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Stephen Bronack Ph.D.: I anticipate the biggest trend will be teachers who are hybrid-ready. That is, they have the skills and tools to teach well both online and in the classroom, as the situation dictates.
What technical skills for a Program Manager stand out to employers?
Stephen Bronack Ph.D.: Using technology to engage both students and their families is number one. A close second, I would say, is using technology to help personalize learning as best we can for each student.
Scott Gilpatric
Professor and Department HeadUniversity of Tennessee
Department of Economics, Haslam College of Business
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Program Managers?
Scott Gilpatric: Certainly some individuals will have an enduring impact if the pandemic really disrupted their life. For example, if they are a parent got very sick and the student became unable to continue in college, or their performance really suffered. But more broadly, I actually think we will come out the pandemic this summer with a strong economy-possibly even the strongest economic boom since the late nineties. So I think for many it will be a very good time to be starting a career.
What's a good job out of college for Program Managers?
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.
What will help Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Scott Gilpatric: The easy answer is being really proficient with handling data, including being comfortable with learning to code in whatever manner might be needed. There's no question those skills are likely to open doors. But in a very different way, one thing that really matters is being able to talk comfortably about ideas and developments in economics, business, or policy areas, signaling a strong base of knowledge. Towards that end, reading deeply, not just the headlines but long-form analysis in places like The Economist and other high-quality publications can be really beneficial.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Program Managers?
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 Managers?
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 technical skills for a Program Manager stand out to employers?
Stephen O'Connell: The organization, presentation and interpretation of data are probably particularly valued. Comfort with all kinds of online productivity tools. As always, capacity for critical thinking. For now especially, ability to work independently within a team that meets only remotely.
Brett Lehman Ph.D.
ProfessorAuburn University at Montgomery
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
What's a good job out of college for Program Managers?
Brett Lehman Ph.D.: There is a business side and a human side to this answer. On the business side, I hope graduates are provided benefits like health insurance, a gainful salary, and opportunities for advancement. The way to hit a home-run is to get a job where those needs are taken care of and you still get to use your skills for something you feel is important. Most sociology students get into the subject because they care about the human side, want to help people, and see opportunity for creating positive social change. You'll get motivated sociology graduates when you show them a path towards achievement on the human side; then when we there's less worry about the business side, some impressive results could follow!
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Brett Lehman Ph.D.: It might be a surprise to say that some things will remain steady during the pandemic. The job market will still require candidates with critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, oral and written communication skills, and project management skills. With so many aspects of the workplace changing rapidly, such as how we communicate with each other and unforeseen problems adding up, these skills may be more important than ever. The ability to continue projects, collaborate, and lead a group effort during these trying times will look impressive.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Program Managers?
Brett Lehman Ph.D.: Sociology students with research and public speaking experience will have improved job prospects. This could be developed in many courses, though some core areas for us are Research Methods and Statistics. Most employers collect and analyze data of some kind. Then they have to organize the results properly and present the findings to a variety of audiences. Any course that require students to do their own projects, make difficult decisions, justify those decisions, and then explain the results give students a leg up in critical thinking skills and much more. Students might also have similar experiences through community service, independent/supervised research projects, or an internship.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Program Managers?
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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Jodi Smolen: Given the pandemic, new employees must be very proactive. They may be working from home--so they need to speak up, ask for advice and make sure they are delivering what is needed. They are missing out on those chance meetings in the hallway--so they may have to schedule Zoom sessions with peers or supervisors to touch base more often.
Students in marketing need to be savvy with social media. They need to be comfortable posting and following on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Companies are looking for ways to meet their clients in comfortable spaces.
Given the pandemic, I think job trends are subject to change. Companies are still figuring out when/if they will be able to return to the office. Some firms are fully in-person while others are rotating staff in and out of the office, so they are not at full capacity. As business picks up for companies, I see they will be able and willing to hire more employees to handle the influx. At Touro College, our students receive a superior education. As marketing students, they should compile a portfolio of class projects as they move through their classes and add anything they create on their own time as well.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Program Managers?
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 Managers?
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 technical skills for a Program Manager stand out to employers?
Angela Sebby Ph.D.: Business, creative, and organizational skills - I would recommend that upcoming graduates are proficient in Word, Excel (highly used), Powerpoint, Outlook (especially how to send meeting requests and calendar organization), TEAMS, Gantt charts for team management, Mindmapping for creativity, and design software. Additionally, I would recommend that they learn how to properly utilize social media for marketing and PR, not just personal posting. Finally, email etiquette would be essential.