Salaries/Project Manager vs Program Manager

Project Manager vs Program Manager Salary

Side-by-side 2026 salary comparison across entry-level, mid-level, and senior pay for Project Manager and Program Manager roles in the US.

Bottom line (mid-level, US median)

Program Managers earn $29,000 (25% more) than Project Managers on average.

Project Manager vs Program Manager by City

LocationProject Manager (Mid)Program Manager (Mid)Difference
New York$118K$156K$-38K
Los Angeles$106K$140K$-34K
Chicago$97K$128K$-31K
Dallas$92K$122K$-30K
Houston$91K$121K$-30K
Washington D.C.$110K$146K$-36K
Philadelphia$94K$124K$-30K
Atlanta$92K$122K$-30K

Operations

Project Manager

Plan, coordinate, and oversee projects from initiation to completion across cross-functional teams.

See Project Manager salaries in all cities →

Operations

Program Manager

Run cross-functional programs across multiple teams, products, or business units.

See Program Manager salaries in all cities →
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