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Associate Director of Programs Salary in California

How much does an Associate Director of Programs make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Director of Programs in California is $167,926 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.

However, an Associate Director of Programs's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $207,904
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $153,188 to $188,852
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $139,770
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Associate Director of Programs Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Associate Director of Programs Salaries

An Associate Director of Programs'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 Associate Director of Programs Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Director of Programs'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): $158,271
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $158,907
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $159,966
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $161,448
  • Expert (over 8 years): $163,566
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Associate Director of Programs less than 1 year $158,271
Early Career Level Associate Director of Programs 1-2 years $158,907
Mid-Level Level Associate Director of Programs 2-4 years $159,966
Senior-Level Level Associate Director of Programs 5-8 years $161,448
Expert Level Associate Director of Programs over 8 years $163,566

How Do Associate Director of Programs 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 Associate Director of Programs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $168,566.
  • California: $167,926.
  • Massachusetts: $165,688.

Top Paying Cities for Associate Director of Programs

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: $168,216
  • West Hollywood: $168,094
  • Dodgertown: $168,214

Associate Director of Programs Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for an Associate Director of Programs

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $218,304 $105.0 30%
Pharmaceuticals $209,908 $101.0 25%
Financial Services $201,511 $97.0 20%
Internet $194,794 $94.0 16%
Biotechnology $193,115 $93.0 15%

Associate Director of Programs Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Associate Director of Programs'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
$153,188
Average $167,926/year
$188,852
$12,766
Average $13,994/month
$15,738
$2,946
Average $3,229/week
$3,632
$74
Average $81/hour
$91
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $188,852 $15,738 $3,632 $91
Average $167,926 $13,994 $3,229 $81
25th Percentile $153,188 $12,766 $2,946 $74

Find Your Next Associate Director of Programs Job

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

  • Central California Asthma Collaborative | Fresno, CA

    Clean Air Programs Director

    Central California Asthma Collaborative | Fresno, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND. Central California Asthma Collaborative (CCAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advan... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Shanti Project | San Francisco, CA

    Interim Managing Director of Programs

    Shanti Project | San Francisco, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Shanti Project (Shanti) is a nonprofit organization that builds human connections to reduce isolation, enhance health and... more

    4 Days Ago

  • The Broad | Los Angeles, CA

    Director of Live Programs

    The Broad | Los Angeles, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. THE BROAD. The Broad was established to make contemporary art accessible to the widest possible audience. Fo... more

    6 Days Ago

  • American Heart Association | National City, CA

    Director Quality Improvement Programs

    American Heart Association | National City, CA

    A leading health organization is seeking a Director, Program Implementation to manage the Quality Improvement team in California.This role focuses on imple... more

    2 Days Ago

  • American Heart Association | San Jose, CA

    Director Quality Improvement Programs

    American Heart Association | San Jose, CA

    A leading public health organization is looking for a Director of Program Implementation in the Quality Improvement Department.This role involves managing ... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Institute on Aging | Santa Cruz, CA

    Senior Director of Care Management Programs

    Institute on Aging | Santa Cruz, CA

    IOA is on the forefront of revolutionary healthcare models, reshaping the way people can age in place. Our innovative models transform lives, enhance commu... more

    2 Days Ago

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