Chief Program Officer
Confidential – Columbus, OH
How much does an Academic Program Officer make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Academic Program Officer in the United States is $76,422 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Academic Program Officer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Academic Program Officer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $82,389 | $6,866 | $1,584 | $40 |
| Average | $76,422 | $6,369 | $1,470 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,545 | $5,879 | $1,357 | $34 |
An Academic Program Officer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Academic Program Officer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Academic Program Officer | less than 1 year | $74,233 |
| Early Career Level Academic Program Officer | 1-2 years | $74,990 |
| Mid-Level Level Academic Program Officer | 2-4 years | $76,174 |
| Senior-Level Level Academic Program Officer | 5-8 years | $76,837 |
| Expert Level Academic Program Officer | over 8 years | $77,002 |
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Academic Program Officers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Academic Program Officer professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Academic Program Officer with a Bachelor's is between $72,341 and $76,050.
| Typical Education for Academic Program Officer | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 10.2% |
| High School | 10.2% |
| Associate's Degree | 3.6% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 59.9% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 24.8% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 1.5% |
Understanding how an Academic Program Officer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $82,389 | $6,866 | $1,584 | $40 |
| Average | $76,422 | $6,369 | $1,470 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,545 | $5,879 | $1,357 | $34 |
Salaries for an Academic Program Officer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $75,144 in 2023 to around $73,908 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Academic Program Officer salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $75,144 |
| 2024 | $74,785 |
| 2025 | $73,908 |
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Academic Program Officer roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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