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Assistant Program Specialist Salary in California

How much does an Assistant Program Specialist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Program Specialist in California is $82,088 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $103,309
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $73,138 to $93,196
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,989
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Program Specialist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Program Specialist Salaries

An Assistant 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 Assistant Program Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant 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): $74,627
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $75,304
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $76,388
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $78,419
  • Expert (over 8 years): $81,625
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Assistant Program Specialist less than 1 year $74,627
Early Career Level Assistant Program Specialist 1-2 years $75,304
Mid-Level Level Assistant Program Specialist 2-4 years $76,388
Senior-Level Level Assistant Program Specialist 5-8 years $78,419
Expert Level Assistant Program Specialist over 8 years $81,625

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

  • District of Columbia: $82,400.
  • California: $82,088.
  • Massachusetts: $80,994.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant 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: $82,229
  • West Hollywood: $82,170
  • Dodgertown: $82,228

Assistant Program Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for an Assistant Program Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet $102,610 $49.0 25%
Pharmaceuticals $94,401 $45.0 15%
Biotechnology $90,297 $43.0 10%
Energy & Utilities $90,297 $43.0 10%
Telecom $90,297 $43.0 10%

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

Understanding how an Assistant 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
$73,138
Average $82,088/year
$93,196
$6,095
Average $6,841/month
$7,766
$1,406
Average $1,579/week
$1,792
$35
Average $39/hour
$45
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $93,196 $7,766 $1,792 $45
Average $82,088 $6,841 $1,579 $39
25th Percentile $73,138 $6,095 $1,406 $35

Find Your Next Assistant Program Specialist Job

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

  • GovernmentJobs.com | Manteca, CA

    PROGRAM SPECIALIST

    GovernmentJobs.com | Manteca, CA

    Job TitleIncumbents are hired on a part-time and temporary, hourly basis to provide specialized economic development services and project-based support. Wo... more

    6 Days Ago

  • PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) | San Diego, CA

    Program Specialist

    PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) | San Diego, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. WHY WORK FOR US. We are mission and values driven and your contributions will make a difference. We make a positive diffe... more

    6 Days Ago

  • CYCSF | San Francisco, CA

    Program Specialist

    CYCSF | San Francisco, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Announcement. The Community Youth Center of San Francisco (CYC) provides education, leadership development, behaviora... more

    7 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. Representing Roots Community Health Center as a dedicated member of the Clinical Progra... more

    7 Days Ago

  • City of Manteca, CA | Manteca, CA

    PROGRAM SPECIALIST

    City of Manteca, CA | Manteca, CA

    Incumbents are hired on a part-time and temporary, hourly basis to provide specialized economic development services and project-based support. Work typica... more

    8 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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