The primary qualifications for getting a job as a program associate are a bachelor's degree in a related field and some experience planning and executing events. Program associates work in a variety of fields, so you may need to choose which industry to focus on before you start working towards a degree. If you are not sure what degrees make sense, talk to the staff at your school or contact companies in that industry and ask what sort of education they want to see. Other useful qualities for starting a career as a program associate include interpersonal skills, research skills, budgeting skills, and the ability to travel as needed.

If you are interested in a job related to Program Associate, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Program Associate Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Program Associate positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Mentoring Program Manager
Salary range: $79,500 - $132,500
Mentoring Program Manager is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Mentoring Program Manager jobs pay between $79,500 (25th percentile) and $132,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Mentoring Program Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Non Profit Educational Program Manager
Salary range: $58,000 - $83,500
Non Profit Educational Program Manager is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Non Profit Educational Program Manager jobs pay between $58,000 (25th percentile) and $83,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Non Profit Educational Program Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Associate Program Manager
Salary range: $66,000 - $112,000
Associate Program Manager is a typical job search query Most salaries for Associate Program Manager jobs pay between $66,000 (25th percentile) and $112,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Associate Program Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Program Evaluation Specialist
Salary range: $50,000 - $79,000
Program Evaluation Specialist is a typical job search query Most salaries for Program Evaluation Specialist jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $79,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Program Evaluation Specialist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Emergency Management Program Manager
Salary range: $79,500 - $132,500
Emergency Management Program Manager is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Emergency Management Program Manager jobs pay between $79,500 (25th percentile) and $132,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Emergency Management Program Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Rio Arriba
Salary range: $65,500 - $202,000
Rio Arriba is a common job search query. Most salaries for Rio Arriba jobs pay between $65,500 (25th percentile) and $202,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Rio Arriba job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Wellness Program Manager
Salary range: $59,000 - $80,000
The responsibilities of a wellness program manager involve supporting the health and well-being of people in a given community. Positions are available with corporations, fitness clubs, rehabilitation facilities, and non-profit, community health organizations. In this role, you develop and lead exercise programs and provide information about preventative care and nutrition. Your duties may also include performing management tasks such as tracking and reporting on program goals, overseeing a budget, and handling staffing requirements. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in public health, fitness, or a related field, as well as strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
Environmental Defense Fund
Salary range: $69,000 - $94,500
Environmental Defense Fund is a common job search query. Most salaries for Environmental Defense Fund jobs pay between $69,000 (25th percentile) and $94,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Environmental Defense Fund job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Lgbtq Nonprofit Program Director
Salary range: $53,000 - $89,500
Lgbtq Nonprofit Program Director is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Lgbtq Nonprofit Program Director jobs pay between $53,000 (25th percentile) and $89,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Lgbtq Nonprofit Program Director job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Area Program Manager Dcf
Salary range: $62,500 - $109,000
Area Program Manager Dcf is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Area Program Manager Dcf jobs pay between $62,500 (25th percentile) and $109,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Area Program Manager Dcf job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Program Associate Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Program Associate Jobs in 2026