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Is advancing your career in program management worth the investment? 

If you’re considering entering the program management field or looking to advance your current position, understanding the financial benefits of a Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification is essential. Obtaining a PgMP certification will help you become more valuable as a program management expert and lead to more profitable career options that have higher salary potential.

In fact, recent predictions estimate that the average PgMP compensation in the USA for 2024 will be approximately $122,543 annually, or about $59 per hour, which is a substantial salary differential above many other managerial positions. This figure reflects the value organisations place on professionals with the skills and knowledge to manage complex, multi-project programs effectively. 

In this blog, we will look at the PgMP certification salary, how it varies by experience level, the highest-paying cities, and how this certification can help you advance your career and make a higher salary.

What is the Average PgMP Salary in the USA?

The average PgMP salary in the USA for 2024 is approximately $122,543 per year, which translates to about $59 per hour. Depending on factors like experience level, location, and work requirements, this number may differ considerably. 

Entry-level professionals may earn closer to $80,000 annually, while experienced professionals could see salaries reaching up to $150,000 or more.

Understanding these figures is essential for professionals evaluating the benefits of pursuing PgMP certification. Let’s take a closer look at the compensation distribution among levels and key factors.

PgMP Salary Breakdown: Annual, Monthly, Weekly, Hourly

To provide a clearer picture of what you can earn as a PgMP professional, here’s a detailed breakdown based on different experience levels:

Experience LevelAnnual SalaryMonthly SalaryWeekly SalaryHourly Rate
Entry-Level$80,000 – $100,000$6,667 – $8,333$1,538 – $1,923$40 – $48
Mid-Level$100,000 – $130,000$8,333 – $10,833$1,923 – $2,500$48 – $62
Senior-Level$130,000 – $150,000$10,833 – $12,500$2,500 – $2,885$62 – $72

This table shows how PgMP salaries can rise significantly with experience, indicating a clear career path for program managers. The salary you receive increases as you go from entry-level to senior-level roles, reflecting your expanding skill set and the value you provide to organisations with multiple projects and complexity.

What Are the Highest Paying Cities for PgMP Jobs in the United States?

Salaries are heavily influenced by location, and many cities pay noticeably more for PgMP professionals. According to data from ZipRecruiter, here are some of the highest-paying cities for PgMP jobs in the USA:

CityAnnual SalaryMonthly PayWeekly PayHourly Wage
Barnstable Town, MA$148,392$12,366$2,853$71.34
Sunnyvale, CA$147,643$12,303$2,839$70.98
Santa Cruz, CA$144,558$12,046$2,779$69.50
Manhattan, NY$143,955$11,996$2,768$69.21
Livermore, CA$143,848$11,987$2,766$69.16
Santa Rosa, CA$143,160$11,930$2,753$68.83
Cambridge, MA$138,935$11,577$2,671$66.80
Williston, ND$137,041$11,420$2,635$65.89
Arlington, VA$137,039$11,419$2,635$65.88
Green River, WY$136,494$11,374$2,624$65.62

These cities not only pay above-average salaries for PgMP positions, but they also provide ample opportunities for career advancement and networking in the program management field. Working in these areas can help you earn more money and gain access to more resources, professional communities, and opportunities for advancement. 

What Are the Best Paying Related PgMP Jobs in the United States?

In addition to the PgMP position, several related program management positions offer competitive pay. Similar skills and experience are needed for these positions, which frequently come with more duties and higher salaries. The following are a few of the highest-paying related positions in the US: 

Job TitleSalary Range (Annual)
Chief Program Officer$100,000 – $155,500
Management Development Program Manager$81,000 – $143,000
Program Scheduler$66,000 – $139,000
Global Program Manager$73,500 – $137,500
Program Advisor$77,000 – $137,000
  • Chief Program Officer: This position, which pays between $100,000 and $155,500 a year, is responsible for managing financing, creating outreach programs, supervising staff, and supervising programming for an organisation. This senior-level role is frequently seen in nonprofit sectors, where program development and strategic control are important.
  • Management Development Program Manager: This position has substantial earning potential that can vary greatly depending on skill level, location, and experience. Salary ranges from $81,000 to $143,000 annually. It focuses on creating and executing management training programs that open doors for career progression inside an organisation.
  • Program Scheduler: This job, which pays between $66,000 and $139,000 annually, entails organising and creating program schedules. This profession is perfect for people who are organised and have excellent time management skills because it provides prospects for advancement based on experience and location. 
  • Global Program Manager: This position, which pays between $73,500 and $137,500 annually, involves managing and arranging programs across the globe. Experience, the intricacy of the programs you manage, and market demand can all affect your salary.
  • Program Advisor: This role pays between $77,000 and $137,000 per year and involves providing strategic advice and support for program development and implementation. Although there may not be much competition for this job right now, there is still a lot of opportunity for a salary rise depending on experience and performance.

Check out the most recent information and opportunities on ZipRecruiter to learn more about these positions in depth and to go through active job postings. 

PgMP vs. PMP Salary

A common question among program and project management professionals is whether to pursue the PgMP (Program Management Professional) or PMP (Project Management Professional) certifications. Both certifications are highly valued, but they cover different levels of expertise and responsibility.

CertificationAverage Hourly WageAnnual CompensationTypical Roles and Responsibilities
PMP (Project Management Professional)$59.13$123,000Managing individual projects, ensuring project goals align with business objectives.
Non-Certified Project Manager$44.71$93,000Overseeing projects without formal certification, often with less strategic impact.
PgMP (Program Management Professional)$58.91$122,543+Overseeing multiple complex projects, aligning them with organisational strategies.

Based on current statistics, the typical hourly wage for a project manager with PMP certification in the US is $58.84, which equates to a yearly compensation of about $123,000. Compared to project managers without PMP certification, who normally make a median yearly compensation of $93,000, this represents a significant boost. 

PgMP-certified professionals, on the other hand, typically make considerably more money, with an average yearly compensation of at least $122,543. The larger scope of work and strategic responsibilities that come with a PgMP certification, such as managing several complicated projects and coordinating them with the organisation’s strategic goals, are reflected in this pay discrepancy.

Impacts of PgMP Certification on Salary

Obtaining a PgMP certification can transform your career by enhancing your earning potential and expanding your professional opportunities.

Here are the key impacts of PgMP certification on salary:

  • Higher Earning Potential: Certified PgMP professionals often see a salary increase of 20–30% compared to their non-certified counterparts.
  • Strategic Leadership Positions: Obtaining the PgMP certification makes you eligible for higher-level positions that require managing several projects and making sure they’re in line with organisational goals.
  • Increased Job Opportunities: Employers value the PgMP certification, opening doors to more senior positions and greater career advancement opportunities.
  • Enhanced Marketability: A PgMP certification distinguishes you in a competitive job market by demonstrating your commitment to professional development and ability to manage complex, multi-project programs.
  • Broader Scope of Responsibilities: Certified PgMP professionals are trusted with greater strategic oversight, making their roles more impactful and important to an organisation’s success.

Looking to boost your salary and advance your career? Enrolling in a PgMP certification course at PM Training School could be your next big move. At PM Training School, you’ll gain the expertise needed to excel in program management and unlock new opportunities for growth and higher earnings. 

Essential Resources for Your PgMP Certification Journey

Prepare for the PgMP exam with confidence using these specialised resources designed to enhance your program management skills:

  • PgMP Exam Prep Course: Strengthen your understanding of complex program management topics with our PgMP Exam Prep Course.
  • PgMP Real Practice Exams: Simulate the real exam experience and test your readiness with our PgMP Real Practice Exams.
  • PgMP Flashcards: Reinforce your knowledge of program management processes and terminologies with our PgMP Flashcards.

Enrol in PM Training School today to access these valuable resources and gain the confidence and knowledge needed to excel in your PgMP certification journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s go over some frequently asked questions from working professionals about PgMP Salary in the USA 2024.

1. What is the US average salary for a PgMP? 

The average PgMP salary in the USA for 2024 is approximately $122,543 per year or about $59 per hour. This figure depicts the advanced skills and responsibilities that come with the PgMP certification. 

2. How does geographic location influence PgMP salaries? 

The PgMP salary is heavily influenced by geographic location. Because of the high cost of living and the need for qualified program managers, cities like Sunnyvale, California, and Barnstable Town, Massachusetts, prefer to provide higher salaries. 

3. What factors affect a PgMP’s salary? 

Several factors can impact a PgMP’s salary, including experience level, geographic location, the size of the organisation, and additional certifications. Experience and specialised knowledge are usually associated with higher pay.

4. How does a PgMP salary compare to a PMP salary?

PgMP professionals typically earn more than PMP-certified individuals due to the broader scope of responsibilities and advanced level of program management required for PgMP roles, resulting in higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement.

5. Where can I prepare for the PgMP certification?

To maximise your chances of success, consider enrolling in a PgMP certification course at PM Training School. The extensive training programs offered by PM Training School are intended to give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in program management and obtain certification.

Conclusion

We hope that this blog has given you insightful information about what PgMP professionals in the USA could make in 2024. Being aware of the variables that affect pay, such as location, certification, and experience, can help you make more intelligent decisions about your career.

If you’re ready to elevate your career and increase your earning potential, now is the perfect time to take action. 

Ready to take the next step? Enquire now to learn more about our courses and how they can help you achieve your career goals!

  • Dr Faiz Rasool
    CEO and Founder at PM Training School (PMI Premier and SAFe Transformation Partner)

    Faiz runs PM Training School, a PMI's Premier Authorised Training Partner and SAFe Bronze transformation partner. Dr Faiz Rasool is a multi-award winning Agile and Business Transformation Consultant, Speaker, Trainer and Coach who finely combines on one hand an in-depth knowledge and grasp of Project/Programme/Portfolio Management and on the other hand, experience and expertise in Business Strategy, Business Analysis and Change Management. A rare mix of competencies that perfectly blend and are needed for driving corporate growth. Faiz have demonstrated a track record of driving growth, managing successful transformation projects, improving Business Process, and successfully creating solutions for complex business problems. Faiz brings a mix of best practice thinking, practical experience and working knowledge of the local operating environment to projects and consulting engagements.

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