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How much do software program manager jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for software program manager in California is $60.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55.77 and $67.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, software development life cycles, and a relevant degree, often complemented by experience in leading technical teams. Familiarity with tools such as Jira, Microsoft Project, and Agile or Scrum certifications is typically required for planning and tracking progress. Strong communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for aligning teams and managing expectations. These competencies are vital to deliver projects on time, within scope, and to ensure effective collaboration among cross-functional teams.

How does a Software Program Manager typically collaborate with development and QA teams to ensure project success?

A Software Program Manager works closely with both development and QA teams to align project timelines, clarify requirements, and address roadblocks as they arise. They facilitate regular meetings, such as stand-ups or sprint reviews, to ensure everyone is on the same page and that priorities are being met. By acting as a bridge between technical and non-technical stakeholders, Program Managers help ensure that quality standards are maintained while deadlines are achieved. Effective communication and proactive issue resolution are key aspects of their collaboration with these teams.

What are Software Program Managers?

Software Program Managers are professionals who oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of software projects within an organization. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project timelines and budgets, and ensure that software products meet business goals and quality standards. Their role involves risk management, stakeholder communication, and resolving any issues that could impact project success. Software Program Managers act as a bridge between technical teams and business leaders to ensure alignment throughout the software development lifecycle.

What is the difference between Software Program Manager vs Software Project Manager?

AspectSoftware Program ManagerSoftware Project Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple related projects, aligns them with business goals, manages interdependenciesManages individual software projects, focuses on scope, schedule, and deliverables
CertificationsPMI-ACP, PMP, Agile certifications often preferredPMP, Scrum Master, Agile certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-project coordination, stakeholder communicationDay-to-day project execution, team management, task tracking
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations managing multiple projectsCommon in both small and large teams focusing on specific projects

While both roles involve project management skills, a Software Program Manager oversees multiple related projects to ensure strategic alignment, whereas a Software Project Manager focuses on the successful delivery of individual projects. The Program Manager handles broader coordination and stakeholder communication, often requiring similar certifications but with a focus on program-level objectives.

What are popular job titles related to Software Program Manager jobs in California? For Software Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Software Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Program Manager job openings:
Software Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Program Manager job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,826 per year, or $61 per hour.

Lead Software Engineering Program Manager

HP IQ

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$150K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
HP IQ is HP's new AI innovation lab. Combining startup agility with HP's global scale, we're building intelligent technologies that redefine how the world works, creates, and collaborates.
We're assembling a diverse, world-class team-engineers, designers, researchers, and product minds-focused on creating an intelligent ecosystem across HP's portfolio. Together, we're developing intuitive, adaptive solutions that spark creativity, boost productivity, and make collaboration seamless.
We create breakthrough solutions that make complex tasks feel effortless, teamwork more natural, and ideas more impactful-always with a human-centric mindset.
By embedding AI advancements into every HP product and service, we're expanding what's possible for individuals, organisations, and the future of work.
Join us as we reinvent work, so people everywhere can do their best work.
About the Role
We're building the next generation of cross-device experiences across AI PCs, printers, and collaboration products as part of HP's Better Together strategy. We're looking for a Lead SW Engineering Program Manager who can take full ownership of complex programs and drive them through to launch. This role goes beyond traditional program coordination. You will be responsible for leading end-to-end execution across software and hardware teams, ensuring products ship successfully in a fast-moving, evolving environment. HP IQ combines the pace and ambiguity of a startup with the reach of a global organization. Success in this role requires someone who can create clarity, establish structure where needed, and consistently drive results.
What You Might Do
  • Own delivery end-to-end (concept → development → integration → launch)
  • Drive execution across software, hardware, firmware, and platform teams
  • Manage hardware timelines, bring-up, validation, and integration risks
  • Build and run program operating mechanisms (planning, cadence, tracking, reporting)
  • Create clarity in ambiguous situations and drive decisions forward
  • Identify and mitigate risks early; avoid late-stage surprises
  • Align stakeholders and maintain execution momentum

How This Role Is Different
  • Outcome ownership vs. task coordination
  • Process creation vs. process adherence
  • Direct ownership of HW-SW integration complexity
  • High autonomy with clear accountability

Essential Qualifications
  • 12+ years leading complex technical programs
  • Proven track record of shipping products end-to-end
  • Experience with software programs tied to hardware (devices, embedded, firmware)
  • Ability to independently scope, plan, and execute programs
  • Strong understanding of:
  • Software systems (cloud, client, on-device)
  • Hardware development lifecycles
  • Experience in fast-paced, evolving environments
  • Track record of building or adapting program processes
  • Experience leading cross-functional, global teams

Strong Signals
  • Direct ownership of shipped products or major features
  • Experience delivering 0→1 initiatives
  • Hands-on involvement in HW-SW integration milestones (bring-up, validation, launch)
  • Examples of improving execution through process or structure
  • Ability to drive alignment across competing priorities

Salary: $150,000- $245,000
Compensation & Benefits (Full-Time Employees)
The salary range for this role is listed above. Final salary offered is based upon multiple factors including individual job-related qualifications, education, experience, knowledge and skills.
At HP IQ, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Long term/short term disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Life insurance
  • Generous time off policies, including;
    • 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure
    • 11 paid holidays
    • Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave (US benefits overview)

Why HP IQ?
HP IQ is HP's new AI innovation lab, building the intelligence to empower humanity-reimagining how we work, create, and connect to shape the future of work.
  • Innovative WorkHelp shape the future of intelligent computing and workplace transformation.
  • Autonomy and Agility Work with the speed and focus of a startup, backed by HP's scale.
  • Meaningful Impact Build AI-powered solutions that help people and organisations thrive.
  • Flexible Work Environment Freedom and flexibility to do your best work.
  • Forward-Thinking CultureWe learn fast, stay future-focused, and imagine what comes next-together.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) Statement
HP, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prospective employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, uniformed service status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state, and local law(s).
Please be assured that you will not be subject to any adverse treatment if you choose to disclose the information requested. This information is provided voluntarily. The information obtained will be kept in strict confidence.
If you'd like more information about HP's EEO Policy or your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law - Supplement

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