Program Manager Jobs in Worcester, MA

Worcester, Massachusetts$138,000 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Program Manager Salary in Worcester

Entry Level
$87,975
Median
$138,000
Senior Level
$198,375

Program Manager salaries in Worcester are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Worcester is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Program ManagementCross-functional LeadershipStrategic PlanningRisk ManagementStakeholder Communication

Program Manager Job Market in Worcester

Worcester, MA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Program Manager professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Worcester offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Program Manager roles across various sectors. The market for Program Manager positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Program Managers in Worcester

Local consulting firmsRegional professional servicesNational companies with local presence

Major employers hiring Program Managers in Worcester include Local consulting firms, Regional professional services, National companies with local presence. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Program Managers in Worcester

Living in Worcester as a Program Manager means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Program Manager salary, housing is quite affordable at 16% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

115
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Program Manager in Worcester

Worcester Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Program Managers in Worcester: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Program Manager professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Program Managers

The job outlook for Program Managers in Worcester is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Worcester offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Program Management, Cross-functional Leadership, Strategic Planning, Risk Management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Program Manager salary in Worcester, MA?

The average Program Manager salary in Worcester, MA is $138,000 per year. Entry-level Program Managers typically start around $87,975, while experienced professionals can earn $198,375 or more. The national average for Program Manager roles is $120,000.

How many Program Manager jobs are available in Worcester?

Worcester has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Program Manager professionals. Major employers hiring Program Managers include Local consulting firms, Regional professional services, National companies with local presence. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Worcester a good city for Program Managers?

Worcester is an solid choice for Program Managers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for business & operations professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Program Managers in Worcester?

Top skills for Program Managers in Worcester include Program Management, Cross-functional Leadership, Strategic Planning, Risk Management, Stakeholder Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Program Managers in Worcester?

Worcester's cost of living is above the national average (115% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Worcester is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Program Managers in Worcester?

Worcester Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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