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Administrative Program Director Salary in California

How much does an Administrative Program Director make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Administrative Program Director in California is $166,302 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.

However, an Administrative Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $205,886
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $151,731 to $187,021
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $138,465
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Administrative Program Director Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Administrative Program Director Salaries

An Administrative Program Director'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 Administrative Program Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Administrative Program Director'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): $156,753
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $157,381
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $158,427
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $159,892
  • Expert (over 8 years): $161,985
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Administrative Program Director less than 1 year $156,753
Early Career Level Administrative Program Director 1-2 years $157,381
Mid-Level Level Administrative Program Director 2-4 years $158,427
Senior-Level Level Administrative Program Director 5-8 years $159,892
Expert Level Administrative Program Director over 8 years $161,985

How Do Administrative Program Director 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 Administrative Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $166,935.
  • California: $166,302.
  • Massachusetts: $164,085.

Top Paying Cities for Administrative Program Director

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: $166,588
  • West Hollywood: $166,467
  • Dodgertown: $166,586

Administrative Program Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Administrative Program Director 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, Administrative Program Director positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Administrative Program Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Administrative Program Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $216,192 $104.0 30%
Pharmaceuticals $207,877 $100.0 25%
Financial Services $199,562 $96.0 20%
Internet $192,910 $93.0 16%
Biotechnology $191,247 $92.0 15%

Administrative Program Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Administrative Program Director'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
$151,731
Average $166,302/year
$187,021
$12,644
Average $13,858/month
$15,585
$2,918
Average $3,198/week
$3,597
$73
Average $80/hour
$90
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $187,021 $15,585 $3,597 $90
Average $166,302 $13,858 $3,198 $80
25th Percentile $151,731 $12,644 $2,918 $73

Find Your Next Administrative Program Director Job

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

  • MAAS Companies | Los Angeles, CA

    Program Director

    MAAS Companies | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. The Work. As Program Director you run a community college district's entire construction program. Not one building. Every... more

    7 Days Ago

  • AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC | San Diego, CA

    Program Director

    AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC | San Diego, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. Program Overview. This program is a 14-bed Crisis Stabilization Mental Health Residential Facility serving h... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Steps Therapy Inc | San Francisco, CA

    Program Director

    Steps Therapy Inc | San Francisco, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Steps Therapy specializes in providing comprehensive programs to enhance a child’s independence. By combining highly-trai... more

    7 Days Ago

  • CorDx | San Diego, CA

    Program Director

    CorDx | San Diego, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Who is CorDx. CorDx a multi-national biotech organization focused on pushing the limits of innovation and supply in globa... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Kiddie Academy | La Verne, CA

    Program Director

    Kiddie Academy | La Verne, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Academy Director - Kiddie Academy. Location. La Verne . Type. Full-Time. Kiddie Academy, a leader in educational child ca... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Westcare | North Highlands, CA

    Program Director

    Westcare | North Highlands, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. POSITION SUMMARY. Person in this position will be responsible for providing the clinical and administrative programmatic ... more

    8 Days Ago

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