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Administrative Program Specialist Salary in California

How much does an Administrative Program Specialist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Administrative Program Specialist in California is $81,811 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $102,960
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,890 to $92,881
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,769
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Administrative Program Specialist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Administrative Program Specialist Salaries

An Administrative Program Specialist'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 Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Administrative Program Specialist'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): $74,375
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $75,050
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $76,130
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $78,154
  • Expert (over 8 years): $81,349
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Administrative Program Specialist less than 1 year $74,375
Early Career Level Administrative Program Specialist 1-2 years $75,050
Mid-Level Level Administrative Program Specialist 2-4 years $76,130
Senior-Level Level Administrative Program Specialist 5-8 years $78,154
Expert Level Administrative Program Specialist over 8 years $81,349

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

  • District of Columbia: $82,122.
  • California: $81,811.
  • Massachusetts: $80,720.

Top Paying Cities for Administrative Program Specialist

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: $81,951
  • West Hollywood: $81,892
  • Dodgertown: $81,951

Administrative Program Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Administrative Program Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Administrative Program Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Administrative Program Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Administrative Program Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet $102,263 $49.0 25%
Pharmaceuticals $94,082 $45.0 15%
Biotechnology $89,992 $43.0 10%
Energy & Utilities $89,992 $43.0 10%
Telecom $89,992 $43.0 10%

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

Understanding how an Administrative Program Specialist'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 September 01, 2026
$72,890
Average $81,811/year
$92,881
$6,074
Average $6,818/month
$7,740
$1,402
Average $1,573/week
$1,786
$35
Average $39/hour
$45
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $92,881 $7,740 $1,786 $45
Average $81,811 $6,818 $1,573 $39
25th Percentile $72,890 $6,074 $1,402 $35

Find Your Next Administrative Program Specialist Job

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

  • HIGH EXPECTATIONS CONSULTING INC | Oakland, CA

    Administrative Program Coordinator

    HIGH EXPECTATIONS CONSULTING INC | Oakland, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. High Expectations. supports schools across the country to increase academic outcomes through increased family engagement.... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Social Vocational Services | Murrieta, CA

    Program Administrative Assistant

    Social Vocational Services | Murrieta, CA

    Position Purpose :Provides office support to the program within an SVS Program office. Duties and Responsibilities Answer phones and take messages Monitor ... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Interfaith Community Services | Escondido, CA

    Program Administrative Coordinator

    Interfaith Community Services | Escondido, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. About Interfaith Community Services. As North County's largest social services agency, Interfaith Community ... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Village for Vets | Los Angeles, CA

    Temporary Program Administrative Assistant

    Village for Vets | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description.  . Village for Vets. Position Title. Temporary Program Administrative Assistant. Department. Data & Complian... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Salvation Army | Oakland, CA

    Program Administrative Aide

    Salvation Army | Oakland, CA

    PAY RATE: $22.00 HOURLYThe Salvation Army MISSION STATEMENT:The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christia... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Roots Community Health Center | San Jose, CA

    Program Specialist

    Roots Community Health Center | San Jose, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. Position Summary: . The Housing Program Specialist is the first point of contact for prospective clients wit... more

    2 Days Ago

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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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