9 of the Best Types of Program Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Program jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Program Jobs

• Program Manager

  Salary range: $79,500 - $132,500

  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.

• Program Executive

  Salary range: $58,000 - $120,500

  The different types of executive jobs include upper- and senior-level management as well as the C-suite—the highest levels of senior management. The C-suite executives have the word “chief” at the beginning of their titles: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) are the most common. Companies with a heavy reliance on information technology may also have a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Other executive jobs include vice president and director of various departments.

• Program Director

  Salary range: $53,000 - $92,500

  A career as a program director requires you have extensive experience and at least a bachelor’s degree in business, communications, or human resources. However, specialized industries such as technology often prefer you have a degree in a related field, such as computer science or engineering. Additional qualifications include prior management experience in a similar industry, usually 5-10 years. You must have strong communication and management skills as well as extensive business knowledge in order to excel as a program director. Exact job requirements vary widely depending on the industry.

• Summer Program

  Salary range: $48,500 - $65,000

  Summer jobs are an integral part of American culture for students in their teens and beyond, but not all summer jobs are created equal. The difference between a great summer and an awful one can be the right job. According to Forbes, some good summer jobs for teens are camp counselor, golf caddy, nanny, food service, retail sales, and, of course, internships.

• Program Coordinator

  Salary range: $42,000 - $62,000

  There are no formal education requirements to become a program coordinator, but many employers prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field. For example, an educational program coordinator needs a degree in education, while a healthcare program coordinator needs a degree in the sciences, nursing, or health-related field. Acquire an internship or an entry-level position with an organization in the industry you wish to work in to learn how to create and coordinate programs that are essential to the organization. Once you have gained some experience, network with human resources departments in the industry and seek program coordinator positions.

• Trainee Program

  Salary range: $40,000 - $59,500

  The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.

• Apprentice Program

  Salary range: $36,000 - $50,000

  Apprentice Program is a common job search query. Most salaries for Apprentice Program jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $50,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Apprentice Program job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Entry Level Program

  Salary range: $37,500 - $47,500

  Entry-level jobs are positions that do not require any previous experience in the role. Most entry-level jobs are aimed at high school or college graduates as a starting point for a future career goal. A college student may have majored in their ideal career field, but will still need to start in an entry-level position to train in a real-world environment. Some students move from internships into entry-level jobs, but most entry-level jobs do not expect a candidate to have any prior employment or on-site training.

• Internship Program

  Salary range: $30,000 - $40,000

  An Internship is a position within your desired field that pays little or no money but offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. This may set you apart for your future job search. Generally, Internships are almost expected by employers on an entry-level candidate’s resume. You are much more of an asset to an employer if you have some work experience.