Salary report · US · 2026
Program Manager, Engineering Salary
The average program manager, engineering salary is $131,109 per year in the United States in 2026. Base pay runs from $91,000 at the 10th percentile to $171,000 at the 90th, with a median of $131,000. Bonuses add $3,000–$21,000, putting total pay between roughly $90,000 and $182,000.
Definition & distribution
What is the average program manager, engineering salary?
The average base salary for a Program Manager, Engineering is $131,109 per year in 2026. This figure is derived from a sample size of 1,159 profiles.
The 10th percentile earns $91,000, while the 90th percentile earns $171,000, indicating a significant spread in compensation. This suggests that experience, skills, and responsibilities can greatly influence salary outcomes in this role.
Known limitations. The sample size consists of 1,159 profiles, which may not represent all variations in the role. Additionally, regional and industry differences could affect these figures.
Pay components
How is program manager, engineering total pay structured?
Compensation for this role may include base salary and bonuses.
| Component | Low | High | Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $91,000 | $171,000 | Dense around the $131k median |
| Annual bonus | $3,000 | $21,000 | Up to ~12% of top-end base |
| Total pay | $90,000 | $182,000 | Base plus reported bonus |
Pay by experience
How does experience change a program manager, engineering salary?
As with many roles, pay for Program Managers, Engineering typically increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while seasoned professionals command higher salaries.
- 01
Entry-Level
Entry-level Program Managers can expect to earn around $90,000 per year.
- 02
Mid-Level
Mid-level professionals often see salaries around the median of $131,000 per year.
- 03
Senior-Level
Senior Program Managers can earn upwards of $171,000 per year, reflecting their extensive experience and expertise.
Skills
Which skills affect a program manager, engineering salary?
Key skills can significantly impact salary potential.
- 01
Program Management — the baseline tier
This skill is essential for all Program Managers and is expected in the role.
- 02
Team Leadership — the premium tier
Demonstrating strong leadership can lead to higher compensation and advancement opportunities.
- 03
Project Management — the promotion tier
Expertise in project management can position professionals for higher-level roles and increased pay.
Check your pay
Where does your salary fall?
Use our salary calculator to check your percentile among Program Managers, Engineering.
Raising your pay
How can program manager, engineerings increase their salary?
There are several ways to potentially increase your pay.
- 01
Pursue advanced certifications
Obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your qualifications and lead to higher pay.
- 02
Negotiate your salary
Effective negotiation during job offers or performance reviews can result in better compensation.
- 03
Gain specialized experience
Acquiring expertise in high-demand areas can make you more valuable and increase your salary potential.
FAQ
Program Manager, Engineering salary: FAQ
The highest recorded pay is $171,000 per year.
The lowest recorded pay is $91,000 per year.
Consider pursuing advanced certifications, negotiating your salary, and gaining specialized experience.
Yes, bonuses can range from $3,000 to $21,000.
This data is based on 1,159 profiles and reflects the average salaries for 2026.
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