The following article discusses the career path of Program Analyst. Learn about how to become one, education requirements, job duties, traits and qualities, national salary outlook as well as top national employers of Program Analysts.
Job Duties
Program analysts are responsible for the creation of computer programs, or improving on existing ones. This means they write the program’s language code, make sure it is free of errors, and test it. Furthermore, they have to train the staff in the organization so that they can effectively and correctly use the programs.
They starts with a planning stage. They then identify the needs that exist in terms of developing a program, after which they plan to design it in such a way that the needs of the organization are met. They evaluate the requests made by the business and they start to think about how to use a computer program as a solution.
Once they start developing the program, they must constantly communicate with the organization. In so doing, they will be aware of any adjustments that have to be made and they can put those in place before they continue with the design and development. Once the business or the individual users approve of the plan, the program analysts will start to write the actual code. This means they must have extensive knowledge of coding language and computer programming as well.
Once the program has been developed and the code has been written, they will run their systems to test it properly. In the testing phase, they look at efficiency, user-friendliness, and effectiveness. Additionally, if they encounter any errors, they can fix those by making the necessary changes, after which they restart the testing phase. Once all errors have been corrected, the program is ready for deployment. A program analyst often has to run training sessions and write training manuals on how to properly use the program that was created.
Other job duties of a program analyst are:
- To gather and review data to produce reports, recommendations, assessments, and forecasts
- To create metrics and their definitions, particularly in relation to risk management
- To train others within the organization on reporting systems and software
- To support metrics development and requirements, data quality assessments, definitions, and strategic analysis
Where We Work
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 294,900 computer programmers in 2016. The largest employers of these professionals are:
- Computer systems design and related services: 38%
- Finance and insurance: 7%
- Software publishers: 7%
- Manufacturing: 5%
- Self-employed workers: 5%
How to Become
Program analysts usually have at least a bachelor’s degree with a major in computer science or related field.
Education Requirements
Generally, a program analyst has to hold a bachelor’s degree as a minimum. However, a lot of companies do accept those who have other types of training, particularly if that somehow relates to specific programming languages. Often, the degree is in the computer sciences. A program analyst can work in a range of different types of businesses, such as accounting companies or health care providers, and they may undergo additional training to supplement their bachelor’s degree training. Furthermore, experience is highly valued.
Often, a program analyst has had an interest in computer languages since being in school. However, it is advisable to also complete a degree in computer science, because this enhances their overall computer language skills. Additionally, they will be directly trained in testing programs, writing code, fixing errors, and doing everything else that is needed from a program analyst.
Because technology changes rapidly, a program analyst is also expected to take part in continuing education, attend seminars for professional developments, take classes in program language, and learn about upgrades to the things the have already studied.
There is no legal requirement for a program analyst to be certified or licensed. However, it is appreciated, as it demonstrates a commitment to excellence. Most certifications are offered by vendors and are specific to their programs.
Traits & Qualities
The most effective program analysts have the following traits to some degree or other:
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to concentrate
- Detail oriented
- Excellent troubleshooting skills
Minimum Education
Bachelor’s Degree
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- Most Reported
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$23,000
$167,000
The following section lists Program Analyst salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $90,321 while Idaho had the smallest quoted salary of $43,468.
| Alaska – $73,259 | Rank: 14th |
|
The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Department of Commerce, Department of Transportation, Federal Government Jobs, and U.S. Army.
$21,000 $157,000 Salary Distribution
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| Alabama – $78,045 | Rank: 5th |
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The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like United States Department Of Defense, Federal Government Jobs, Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Air Force.
$21,000 $171,000 Salary Distribution
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| Arkansas – $55,055 | Rank: 45th |
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The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Veterans Affairs, University of Arkansas, U.S. Army, and Federal Government Jobs.
$16,000 $117,000 Salary Distribution
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| Arizona – $68,044 | Rank: 23rd |
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The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Navy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of the Interior.
$16,000 $156,000 Salary Distribution
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| California – $59,388 | Rank: 41st |
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The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation, Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District, Department of Labor, and Department of Homeland Security.
$2,500 $7,600 Salary Distribution
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| Colorado – $76,680 | Rank: 6th |
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The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like United States Department Of Defense, Federal Government Jobs, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Veterans Affairs.
$24,000 $157,000 Salary Distribution
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| Connecticut – $78,479 | Rank: 4th |
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The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Veterans Affairs and IQ Pipeline, LLC.
$31,000 $147,000 Salary Distribution
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| DC – $90,321 | Rank: 1st |
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The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Indian Health Service, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and FBI.
$30,000 $182,000 Salary Distribution
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| Delaware – $58,643 | Rank: 43rd |
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The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like JPMorgan Chase.
$21,000 $115,000 Salary Distribution
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| Florida – $60,208 | Rank: 39th |
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The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Federal Government Jobs, U.S. Air Force, Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Department of State.
$17,000 $129,000 Salary Distribution
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| Georgia – $66,442 | Rank: 26th |
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The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Labor, Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Government Jobs, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
$19,000 $143,000 Salary Distribution
|
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| Hawaii – $74,352 | Rank: 12th |
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The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and Federal Government Jobs.
$27,000 $143,000 Salary Distribution
|
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| Iowa – $75,138 | Rank: 10th |
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The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of the Interior, Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Army.
$22,000 $159,000 Salary Distribution
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| Idaho – $43,468 | Rank: 47th |
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The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like IDAHO DEPT. OF LABOR.
$11.35 $34.10 Salary Distribution
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| Illinois – $75,846 | Rank: 9th |
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The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Labor, Federal Government Jobs, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Department of State.
$24,000 $155,000 Salary Distribution
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| Indiana – $59,417 | Rank: 40th |
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The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Federal Government Jobs, United States Department Of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Army.
$16,000 $129,000 Salary Distribution
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| Kansas – $63,982 | Rank: 33rd |
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The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like United States Postal Service, U.S. Army, and Department of Veterans Affairs.
$21,000 $128,000 Salary Distribution
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| Kentucky – $60,654 | Rank: 38th |
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The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Army, Department of Veterans Affairs, Proxy Personnel, and Louisville Metro Government.
$18,000 $128,000 Salary Distribution
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| Louisiana – $65,441 | Rank: 27th |
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The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Air Force, Robert Half Technology, and U.S. Army.
$22,000 $131,000 Salary Distribution
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| Massachusetts – $68,271 | Rank: 21st |
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The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, and Beyond Management Inc..
$20,000 $143,000 Salary Distribution
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| Maryland – $85,729 | Rank: 3rd |
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The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, United States Department Of Defense, and USAJOBS.
$28,000 $174,000 Salary Distribution
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| Maine – $64,073 | Rank: 32nd |
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The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Federal Government Jobs and SVM Elite.
$17,000 $141,000 Salary Distribution
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| Michigan – $62,446 | Rank: 35th |
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The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Federal Government Jobs, Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Army, and Wayne State University.
$20,000 $127,000 Salary Distribution
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| Minnesota – $64,165 | Rank: 31st |
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The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Computer Programs and Systems, Inc., Federal Government Jobs, Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Air Force.
$25,000 $119,000 Salary Distribution
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| Missouri – $66,646 | Rank: 25th |
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The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Internal Revenue Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Army, and Humana.
$22,000 $135,000 Salary Distribution
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| Mississippi – $61,131 | Rank: 37th |
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The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Federal Government Jobs and U.S. Army.
$23,000 $117,000 Salary Distribution
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| Montana – $63,544 | Rank: 34th |
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The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Federal Government Jobs and State of Montana.
$32,000 $103,000 Salary Distribution
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| North Carolina – $74,610 | Rank: 11th |
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The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Federal Government Jobs, U.S. Army, Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Air Force.
$27,000 $144,000 Salary Distribution
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| Nebraska – $59,257 | Rank: 42nd |
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The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, Federal Government Jobs, and Department of Homeland Security.
$17,000 $125,000 Salary Distribution
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| New Jersey – $66,778 | Rank: 24th |
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The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Transportation, DVR Softek, Inc, Department of Homeland Security, and Rutgers University.
$27,000 $124,000 Salary Distribution
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| New Mexico – $68,215 | Rank: 22nd |
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The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of the Interior, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and Federal Government Jobs.
$19,000 $146,000 Salary Distribution
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| Nevada – $58,457 | Rank: 44th |
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The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Veterans Affairs and Lyon County Human Services.
$15,000 $128,000 Salary Distribution
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| New York – $68,880 | Rank: 20th |
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The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Labor, Federal Government Jobs, JPMorgan Chase, and Department of Homeland Security.
$17,000 $155,000 Salary Distribution
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| Ohio – $71,266 | Rank: 17th |
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The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Air Force Acquisition, U.S. Air Force, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Federal Government Jobs.
$23,000 $146,000 Salary Distribution
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| Oklahoma – $71,317 | Rank: 16th |
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The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Air Force Acquisition, U.S. Air Force, Federal Government Jobs, and Department of Transportation.
$26,000 $138,000 Salary Distribution
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| Oregon – $64,518 | Rank: 29th |
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The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Veterans Affairs, State of Oregon, U.S. Army, and Oregon Health Authority.
$26,000 $120,000 Salary Distribution
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| Pennsylvania – $70,017 | Rank: 19th |
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The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like US General Services Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, and Federal Government Jobs.
$22,000 $143,000 Salary Distribution
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| South Carolina – $64,220 | Rank: 30th |
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The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Federal Government Jobs, Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Army.
$27,000 $116,000 Salary Distribution
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| Tennessee – $64,598 | Rank: 28th |
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The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Navy, Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal Government Jobs, and U.S. Army.
$23,000 $127,000 Salary Distribution
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| Texas – $71,802 | Rank: 15th |
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The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Internal Revenue Service, Transportation Security Admininstration, U.S. Navy, and Department of Homeland Security.
$25,000 $142,000 Salary Distribution
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| Utah – $70,124 | Rank: 18th |
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The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like U.S. Air Force, Air Force Acquisition, Indian Health Service, and Federal Government Jobs.
$27,000 $132,000 Salary Distribution
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| Virginia – $87,827 | Rank: 2nd |
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The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of the Interior, Federal Government Jobs, U.S. Army, and U.S. Department of Commerce.
$29,000 $178,000 Salary Distribution
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| Vermont – $74,345 | Rank: 13th |
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The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Homeland Security and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
$30,000 $138,000 Salary Distribution
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| Washington – $76,598 | Rank: 7th |
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The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Homeland Security, Federal Government Jobs, Department of Transportation, and Department of Veterans Affairs.
$27,000 $149,000 Salary Distribution
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| Wisconsin – $62,066 | Rank: 36th |
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The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Army.
$23,000 $120,000 Salary Distribution
|
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| West Virginia – $76,180 | Rank: 8th |
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The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Federal Government Jobs.
$14,000 $190,000 Salary Distribution
|
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| Wyoming – $53,285 | Rank: 46th |
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The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Department of the Interior and State of Wyoming.
$22,000 $98,000 Salary Distribution
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According to Indeed.com, the following states had employers looking to hire a Program Analyst. The quoted salary figure represents the average salary from all job postings by this employer.
| Employer Name | Location | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Health Service | DC | $123,339 |
| Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | DC | $117,260 |
| Internal Revenue Service | Arizona | $115,385 |
| Citi | New York | $113,076 |
| Department of Energy | Colorado | $112,870 |
| FBI | DC | $108,486 |
| USAJOBS | Maryland | $107,697 |
| US General Services Administration | DC | $105,755 |
| BSEE | Virginia | $104,533 |
| U.S. Navy | Maryland | $104,373 |
| National Protection and Programs Directorate | Virginia | $104,247 |
| Department Of Housing And Urban Development | DC | $103,200 |
| Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for DC | DC | $102,469 |
| United States Department Of Defense | Virginia | $102,399 |
| U.S. Coast Guard | DC | $102,197 |
| Consumer Product Safety Commission | Maryland | $101,764 |
| Federal Government Jobs | DC | $101,743 |
Learn More
- Position Classification Flysheet for Management and …
- PROGRAM ANALYST – usajobs.gov
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| Career Name | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Accounting Manager | $81,709 |
| Procurement Manager | $81,418 |
| Healthcare Manager | $81,093 |
| Director of Communications | $81,076 |
| Project Manager | $80,833 |
| Insurance Underwriter | $77,694 |
| Investment Consultant | $76,236 |
| Investment Analyst | $76,199 |
| Technical Analyst | $76,186 |
| Real Estate Manager | $76,119 |
