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Academic Programs Manager Salary in California

How much does an Academic Programs Manager make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Academic Programs Manager in California is $164,671 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.

However, an Academic Programs Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $203,868
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $150,243 to $185,188
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $137,107
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Academic Programs Manager Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Academic Programs Manager Salaries

An Academic Programs Manager'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Academic Programs Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Academic Programs Manager'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $155,216
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $155,838
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $156,874
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $158,325
  • Expert (over 8 years): $160,397
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Academic Programs Manager less than 1 year $155,216
Early Career Level Academic Programs Manager 1-2 years $155,838
Mid-Level Level Academic Programs Manager 2-4 years $156,874
Senior-Level Level Academic Programs Manager 5-8 years $158,325
Expert Level Academic Programs Manager over 8 years $160,397

How Do Academic Programs Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Programs Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $165,298.
  • California: $164,671.
  • Massachusetts: $162,477.

Top Paying Cities for Academic Programs Manager

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $164,955
  • West Hollywood: $164,836
  • Dodgertown: $164,953

Academic Programs Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Academic Programs Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 68% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Academic Programs Manager positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Academic Programs Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Academic Programs Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $214,073 $103.0 30%
Pharmaceuticals $205,839 $99.0 25%
Financial Services $197,606 $95.0 20%
Internet $191,019 $92.0 16%
Biotechnology $189,372 $91.0 15%

Academic Programs Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Academic Programs Manager'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$150,243
Average $164,671/year
$185,188
$12,520
Average $13,723/month
$15,432
$2,889
Average $3,167/week
$3,561
$72
Average $79/hour
$89
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $185,188 $15,432 $3,561 $89
Average $164,671 $13,723 $3,167 $79
25th Percentile $150,243 $12,520 $2,889 $72

Find Your Next Academic Programs Manager Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Academic Programs Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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