60 Program manager jobs in Columbus, OH


22 of the Highest Paying Program Manager Jobs in 2026

The best Program Manager jobs can pay up to $155,500 per year.

The job of a program manager is to plan, organize, and coordinate management programs or external programs for a business or institution. As a program manager, your duties vary depending on the type of organization for which you work, but many of the responsibilities for this role are similar or overlap. You typically supervise numerous associates and analysts who help prepare data and assessments about current programming and how it can be improved. You help to implement new programs for employees or customers and promote them through HR or outreach coordinators and marketing professionals. You also assess individual projects and how they interact with one another.

To become a program manager, you must have a bachelor’s degree. If you intend to work at larger companies, a master’s degree in a subject such as finance, business administration, or a technical subject if you work in a field such as engineering or software design, is preferred and sometimes required. In addition to educational qualifications, you need to have several years of experience in program management, human resources, or a similar department. Strong leadership qualities, communication skills, and the ability to multitask are all essential for succeeding in this role.

High Paying Program Manager Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Program Manager positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.
  • Chief Program Officer

    Salary range: $100,000 - $155,500

    The role of the chief program officer (CPO) is to develop, implement, and oversee a non profit organization’s programming, such as designing outreach programs or job training courses for the homeless. You consult with the executive director, CEO, and other executive managers at an organization to improve the existing programming and services and plan or coordinate new programs. Other duties and responsibilities are to manage program implementation and funding, provide leadership to program coordinators, volunteers, and other staff, solicit feedback, and analyze the effectiveness of programs.

  • Management Development Program

    Salary range: $81,000 - $143,000

    The majority of Management Development Program salaries across the United States currently range between $81,000 (25th percentile) and $143,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Management Development Program job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Global Program Manager

    Salary range: $73,500 - $137,500

    The majority of Global Program Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $73,500 (25th percentile) and $137,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Global Program Manager job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

  • Program Advisor

    Salary range: $77,000 - $137,000

    The majority of Program Advisor salaries across the United States currently range between $77,000 (25th percentile) and $137,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Program Advisor job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

  • Operations Program Manager

    Salary range: $85,500 - $132,500

    The majority of Operations Program Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $85,500 (25th percentile) and $132,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Operations Program Manager job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Program Officer

    Salary range: $71,500 - $132,000

    A program officer works for a non-profit organization or foundation to oversee the development of programs and learning activities and seek out grants to fund these programs. In this job, you oversee projects, manage budgets, and develop proposals to grantees as some of your duties. You need experience aligning these programs with the overall mission of the foundation or non-profit. Throughout your career, you work with a variety of people and organizations. Important qualifications include strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.

  • Channel Program Manager

    Salary range: $111,000 - $131,500

    The majority of Channel Program Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $111,000 (25th percentile) and $131,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Channel Program Manager job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Senior Program Manager

    Salary range: $116,000 - $116,500

    A senior program manager can work in many industries, including healthcare, construction, and technology, to improve the efficiency and profitability of a business or organization. As a senior program manager, your job duties involve using analytical skills to manage a project while overseeing a team. You organize resources, stay within budget, use SDLC guidelines, assess project risk, provide quality control to meet goals, and report on development. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and industry experience, but an MBA specializing in project management can give you a competitive edge. Desired skills include leadership, organization, and the ability to conduct research. Having a diverse business background is also beneficial for this career.

  • Director of Program Management

    Salary range: $85,000 - $116,500

    A director of program management implements strategic programs, monitors program performance, and evaluates project leaders for efficiency and accomplishments. As a director of program management, your job duties include overseeing the program management team, coordinating related projects, and finding solutions that improve performance at all levels within the company. To pursue a career as director of program management, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in project management, change management, business administration, or a related field, along with industry-specific knowledge and experience. Most employers also look for candidates with proven success in prior program management positions and demonstrated leadership skills.

  • Deputy Program Manager

    Salary range: $116,500 - $116,500

    As a deputy program manager, you ensure that business programs reach their goals as smoothly as possible. Working closely with the program manager, your job duties are to coordinate activities, provide communication to all company departments, and construct special projects as necessary. As the second-in-command, many deputy program managers take on the responsibility of report writing, as well as many supervisory duties. A career as a deputy program manager requires you have some formal qualifications and education, typically a bachelor’s degree in business, administration, or a related field. Prior experience in program management, contracting, or leadership will set you ahead of other candidates, and many employers prefer skills like public speaking, administration, and strategic decision making in business.

  • Program Consultant

    Salary range: $77,500 - $116,500

    A program consultant is an expert in a particular field who advises a client on the implementation or improvement of procedures aimed at meeting company goals. Your specific job duties vary, depending on the company and industry. For example, pharmacy program consultants may work with pharmacies to develop short- and long-term strategies to increase its market share and successfully promote its products and services with area health care providers. Program consultants who work with retailers may focus on making the store's website more user-friendly and find ways to attract new customers. General responsibilities usually include answering staff questions, analyzing company processes, and providing continued advisory services as needed. Program consultants may work for consulting firms, or you may choose to become an independent contractor.

  • Program Leader

    Salary range: $50,500 - $116,500

    The majority of Program Leader salaries across the United States currently range between $50,500 (25th percentile) and $116,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Program Leader job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Program Control Analyst

    Salary range: $77,500 - $116,500

    The majority of Program Control Analyst salaries across the United States currently range between $77,500 (25th percentile) and $116,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Program Control Analyst job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Group Program Manager

    Salary range: $116,500 - $116,500

    The majority of Group Program Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $116,500 (25th percentile) and $116,500 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Group Program Manager job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Program Analyst

    Salary range: $69,000 - $116,000

    A program analyst is capable of both programming computer languages and analyzing how computer systems work. In this career, you combine these two skills to design and program computer systems that meet the needs of the customers. Your job duties include gathering system requirements, analyzing system functionality, writing programs, and testing the functionality of the software modules. Numerous private sectors and government agencies have program analysts on staff.

  • Program Management Specialist

    Salary range: $76,000 - $114,000

    The majority of Program Management Specialist salaries across the United States currently range between $76,000 (25th percentile) and $114,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Program Management Specialist job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Associate Program Manager

    Salary range: $66,000 - $112,000

    The majority of Associate Program Manager salaries across the United States currently range between $66,000 (25th percentile) and $112,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Associate Program Manager job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Regional Program Manager

    Salary range: $62,500 - $109,000

    A regional program manager is responsible for program management and development within a specific region. In this career, you typically work for a national or multinational corporation, brand, or organization. Your duties may include planning and monitoring a budget for regional program operations, working on project management, or overseeing the implementation of new practices and strategies in your region. Your goal is to ensure financial success and also to make sure that the local activities for the program you oversee are in line with national or international strategies and standards of your employer.

  • Assistant Program Manager

    Salary range: $42,000 - $80,000

    An assistant program manager helps the program manager or director to advance projects and goals. Their duties may include building budgets, assessing worker productivity, troubleshooting issues, and assisting with other project management responsibilities. Job qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field and career experience. An assistant program manager should also have time management skills, computer literacy, and strong written and verbal communication.

  • Program Specialist

    Salary range: $50,000 - $79,000

    A program specialist is responsible for the coordination of all programming efforts for an organization. As a program specialist, your job duties are to oversee project development, team planning, organizational goals, and each budget for all programs. Your responsibilities include allocating resources and maintaining documentation to track deliverables, monitor progress, and evaluate the success of ongoing programs. You report to the program director and assist with the training and evaluation of staff and volunteers involved in your company's programs. In this career, you can work in many different industries such as education, healthcare, marketing, government, and nonprofit organizations.

  • Program Supervisor

    Salary range: $36,000 - $60,000

    The majority of Program Supervisor salaries across the United States currently range between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $60,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Program Supervisor job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Program Aide

    Salary range: $30,500 - $48,500

    A program aide provides clerical support of an after-school or summer program for students. Their job duties include helping students with program activities, handling administrative tasks, and interacting with students and parents. The qualifications for a career as a program aide are a high school diploma, although some employers may prefer a post-secondary degree, experience with kids, and teaching skills.