How Much Does a Wellness Program Manager Make in 2025?
A wellness program manager plans and manages health and wellness programs to support employee well-being and improve workplace performance. As more companies see the value of employee wellness, demand for this role is growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects steady to strong job growth in wellness-related roles from 2021 to 2031.
Salaries for wellness program managers remain competitive in 2025. Salary.com reported that the average wellness program manager earns $103,800 per year and $50 per hour, as of August 27, 2025. Wellness program manager pay can vary based on experience, industry, location, and certifications, which we'll cover later in this salary guide.
What is the Average Wellness Program Manager's Salary?
The average wellness program manager salary in the United States is $103,800 per year, as of August 27, 2025. For the hourly wage, wellness program managers have an average salary of $50 per hour, with rates ranging from $37 to $58 per hour.
2025 Wellness Program Manager Average Salary: $103,800 per year ($50 per hour)
Meanwhile, the average weekly and monthly salaries for wellness program managers are $1,996 and $8,650, respectively.
What is the Pay Range for a Wellness Program Manager?
According to a recent Salary.com report, the salary range for wellness program managers starts at $77,894 and can reach as high as $120,344 per year, with most earnings falling between $90,240 and $112,460 per year.
Wellness Program Manager Salary Range: $77,894 to $120,344 per year ($37 to $58 per hour)
| Percentile | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37 | $1,498 | $6,491 | $77,894 |
| 25th Percentile | $43 | $1,735 | $7,520 | $90,240 |
| 50th (Median) | $50 | $1,996 | $8,650 | $103,800 |
| 75th Percentile | $54 | $2,163 | $9,372 | $112,460 |
| 90th Percentile | $58 | $2,314 | $10,029 | $120,344 |
However, as mentioned earlier, the salary range for wellness program managers can vary based on factors like education, experience, and location.
Wellness Program Manager Salary Factors
Several factors affect a wellness program manager's salary, including education, location, experience, and skills. Below, we break down each factor to explain how it influences earnings.
Years of Experience
The average salary for wellness program managers, based on years of experience, ranges from $98,740 per year for entry-level to $104,705 per year for managers with over eight years of experience.
| Level | Years of Experience | Average Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Wellness Program Manager | < 1 year | $98,740 |
| Intermediate Level Wellness Program Manager | 1-2 years | $99,347 |
| Senior Level Wellness Program Manager | 2-4 years | $100,764 |
| Specialist Level Wellness Program Manager | 5-8 years | $102,383 |
| Expert Level Wellness Program Manager | 8+ years | $104,705 |
Place of Work
The BLS doesn't provide specific salary data for wellness program managers, but their role overlaps with Compensation and Benefits Managers, who plan and manage employee benefits, including wellness programs, making this the closest category to estimate their salaries.
| Place of Work | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $165,880 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | $156,480 |
| Insurance carriers and related activities | $134,990 |
| Healthcare and social assistance | $128,680 |
| Government | $112,040 |
Based on the data, wellness program managers in professional, scientific, and technical services earn the most, while those working for the government usually earn less. Salaries vary depending on the industry.
Skill Set
Wellness program managers with in-demand skills can increase their salaries. A Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report showed that program managers with Budget Management skills can earn 9.70% more than those without.
According to the same report, a wellness program manager with Benefit Programs skills is more likely to experience a salary increase of 7.75%, followed by skills like Human Resources Operations and Talent Acquisition.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Management | 10.00% | +9.70% |
| Total Rewards | 10.00% | +8.25% |
| Customer Satisfaction | 10.00% | +8.24% |
| HR Compliance | 10.10% | +8.19% |
| Training and Development | 10.00% | +8.13% |
| Talent Acquisition | 10.00% | +8.01% |
Wellness Program Manager Salary by City and State
The location where a wellness program manager works can affect their salary. This information is useful for tracking salary trends, negotiating pay, or planning a career in the field.
Highest Paying States for Wellness Program Managers
Based on Salary.com pay data, the District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for wellness program managers in the United States, at $114,920 per year, followed by California at $114,490.
- District of Columbia: $114,920 ($55 per hour)
- California: $114,490 ($55 per hour)
- Massachusetts: $112,960 ($54 per hour)
- Washington: $112,550 ($54 per hour)
- Alaska: $112,360 ($54 per hour)
Wellness Program Manager Salary by State/Territory
| State/Territory | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $112,360 |
| Alabama | $95,360 |
| Arkansas | $93,770 |
| Arizona | $101,140 |
| California | $114,490 |
| Colorado | $105,900 |
| Connecticut | $110,930 |
| District of Columbia | $114,920 |
| Delaware | $105,110 |
| Florida | $98,210 |
| Georgia | $100,110 |
| Hawaii | $108,490 |
| Iowa | $99,330 |
| Idaho | $96,890 |
| Illinois | $105,800 |
| Indiana | $99,630 |
| Kansas | $98,830 |
| Kentucky | $97,670 |
| Louisiana | $98,690 |
| Massachusetts | $112,960 |
| Maryland | $107,020 |
| Maine | $101,200 |
| Michigan | $102,220 |
| Minnesota | $106,210 |
| Missouri | $98,620 |
| Mississippi | $92,570 |
| Montana | $97,990 |
| North Carolina | $98,640 |
| North Dakota | $102,530 |
| Nebraska | $97,790 |
| New Hampshire | $104,930 |
| New Jersey | $112,500 |
| New Mexico | $96,140 |
| Nevada | $102,730 |
| New York | $110,350 |
| Ohio | $101,070 |
| Oklahoma | $95,970 |
| Oregon | $105,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $103,330 |
| Rhode Island | $107,620 |
| South Carolina | $97,260 |
| South Dakota | $94,330 |
| Tennessee | $97,000 |
| Texas | $101,240 |
| Utah | $99,400 |
| Virginia | $104,520 |
| Vermont | $101,880 |
| Washington | $112,550 |
| Wisconsin | $102,100 |
| West Virginia | $93,470 |
| Wyoming | $99,540 |
Highest Paying Cities for Wellness Program Managers
Salary.com data shows that San Jose, California offers the highest pay for wellness program managers at $130,920 per year or $63 per hour. The other top highest-paying cities for wellness program managers are:
- San Jose, California: $130,920 ($63 per hour)
- San Francisco, California: $129,630 ($62 per hour)
- Oakland, California: $126,750 ($61 per hour)
- New York, New York: $120,290 ($58 per hour)
- Queens Village, New York: $119,510 ($57 per hour)
- Paramus, New Jersey: $118,680 ($57 per hour)
Ways to Increase Your Salary as a Wellness Program Manager
Wellness program managers can increase their earning potential by building experience, learning valuable skills, and moving up in their careers. Here are some effective strategies to help boost salary:
- Gain experience: Employers tend to pay more as you gain experience managing wellness initiatives. For example, entry-level wellness program managers may earn around $98,740 per year, while those in senior roles or with extensive experience can make over $104,705, according to Salary.com.
- Learn in-demand skills: Skills like budget management, talent acquisition, and training and development are highly valued. For instance, managers with budget management skills can see up to a 9.7% salary increase, based on real-time job posting data.
- Get certifications: Professional certifications can boost credibility and job opportunities. Consider earning a Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) or Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS) to stand out in the field.
- Work in high-paying areas: Salaries vary by location. For example, wellness program managers in the District of Columbia can earn $114,920 per year, while those in California average around $114,490.
- Negotiate: Understand current market rates and be ready to negotiate based on your qualifications. As of August 27, 2025, the average wellness program manager in the United States earns $103,800 per year or about $50 per hour.
Average National Salaries by Source
As of August 27, 2025, data from five major salary-reporting websites indicate that the national average salary for wellness program managers in the United States is $87,771.8 (unweighted).
SALARY.COM AVG. SALARY
$103,800/ year
INDEED.COM AVG. SALARY
$68,460/ year
GLASSDOOR AVG. SALARY
$125,163/ year
PAYSCALE AVG. SALARY
$70,170/ year
ZIPRECRUITER AVG. SALARY
$71,266/ year
