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Administrative Program Specialist Salary in California

How much does an Administrative Program Specialist make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Administrative Program Specialist in California is $81,827 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): $102,981
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,905 to $92,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,782
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): $74,390
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $75,065
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $76,145
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $78,170
  • Expert (over 8 years): $81,366
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Administrative Program Specialist less than 1 year $74,390
Early Career Level Administrative Program Specialist 1-2 years $75,065
Mid-Level Level Administrative Program Specialist 2-4 years $76,145
Senior-Level Level Administrative Program Specialist 5-8 years $78,170
Expert Level Administrative Program Specialist over 8 years $81,366

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: $82,139.
  • California: $81,827.
  • Massachusetts: $80,737.

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: $81,968
  • West Hollywood: $81,909
  • Dodgertown: $81,967

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 $102,284 $49.0 25%
Pharmaceuticals $94,101 $45.0 15%
Biotechnology $90,010 $43.0 10%
Energy & Utilities $90,010 $43.0 10%
Telecom $90,010 $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 October 01, 2026
$72,905
Average $81,827/year
$92,900
$6,075
Average $6,819/month
$7,742
$1,402
Average $1,574/week
$1,787
$35
Average $39/hour
$45
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $92,900 $7,742 $1,787 $45
Average $81,827 $6,819 $1,574 $39
25th Percentile $72,905 $6,075 $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.

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology | San Francisco, CA

    Administrative Specialist

    American Academy of Ophthalmology | San Francisco, CA

    Administrative SpecialistAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)San Francisco, CA (Hybrid)Position SummaryThe American Academy of Ophthalmology is seeking ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Pacific Cancer Care | Monterey, CA

    Administrative Specialist

    Pacific Cancer Care | Monterey, CA

    Pacific Cancer Care has provided superior care for patients for nearly 50 years. We make every patient our priority. We are a family here at PCC, each memb... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command | San Diego, CA

    ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST

    Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command | San Diego, CA

    Summary You will serve as a ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST in the Resource Manage Division of NAVWARSYSCEN PACIFIC SAN DIEGO CA. Responsibilities You will serve... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Kelly Services, Inc. | Hayward, CA

    Administrative Specialist

    Kelly Services, Inc. | Hayward, CA

    Kelly Services, Inc. Responsibilities:Onboard and off-board employees. Perform all clerical duties for TAS, including ordering, receiving, and distributing... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Commander, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command | San Diego, CA

    ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST

    Commander, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command | San Diego, CA

    SummaryYou will serve as a ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST in the CONTRACTS DIVISION of NAVWARSYSCEN PACIFIC SAN DIEGO CA.Learn more about this agencyDutiesHelpY... more

    5 Days Ago

  • GovernmentJobs.com | Carson, CA

    Administrative Specialist

    GovernmentJobs.com | Carson, CA

    Administrative SpecialistThe City of Carson is now accepting applications for the position of Administrative Specialist.This promotional opportunity is ope... more

    5 Days Ago

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