What is a program scheduler and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

There are a lot of variables when it comes to managing program schedules. For this reason, the role of a program scheduler is vital to ensuring that the program or project stays on the right track.

The duties of a program scheduler revolve around setting deadlines for various parts of the program, relaying these deadlines to the people in charge of them, and maintaining online calendars and timelines. Usually, they work closely with program managers to ensure that every task is done on time and that all issues are accounted for.

The work of a program scheduler may seem straightforward, but it is rarely easy. With that in mind, this job usually requires a four-year degree in a business-related field as well as extensive experience in the industry, particularly when it comes to project management. Furthermore, a program scheduler must be highly organized and extremely detail-oriented to be effective at their job.

Because this role is often mission-critical, the average pay for a program scheduler is a whopping $123,000 a year or about $60 per hour.

ScoreProgram SchedulerUS Average
Salary
6.6

Avg. Salary $84,969

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.4

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 48.62%

male 51.38%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.5

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
3.7

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

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Program Scheduler career paths

Key steps to become a program scheduler

  1. Explore program scheduler education requirements

    Most common program scheduler degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.5 %

    Associate

    10.0 %

    Master's

    9.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific program scheduler skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Program Management8.97%
    Master Schedule8.37%
    Critical Path Analysis6.25%
    Earned Value Management5.95%
    Microsoft Project5.82%
  3. Complete relevant program scheduler training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New program schedulers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a program scheduler based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real program scheduler resumes.
  4. Research program scheduler duties and responsibilities

    • Develop and manage the SharePoint database.
    • Populate the P6 schedule with program activities, WBS structure, activity codes and program budget
    • Interpret and transfer work breakdown structure (WBS) into project management software.
    • Interface with other team members/companies to negotiate schedule for proposal, including EVMS.
  5. Get program scheduler experience

    Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a program scheduler. The most common roles before becoming a program scheduler include project scheduler, scheduler team lead and master scheduler.
  6. Prepare your program scheduler resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your program scheduler resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a program scheduler resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Program Scheduler Resume templates

    Build a professional Program Scheduler resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Program Scheduler resume.
    Program Scheduler Resume
    Program Scheduler Resume
    Program Scheduler Resume
    Program Scheduler Resume
    Program Scheduler Resume
    Program Scheduler Resume
    Program Scheduler Resume
    Program Scheduler Resume
    Program Scheduler Resume
  7. Apply for program scheduler jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a program scheduler job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Program Scheduler Job

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Average program scheduler salary

The average Program Scheduler salary in the United States is $84,969 per year or $41 per hour. Program scheduler salaries range between $64,000 and $112,000 per year.

Average Program Scheduler Salary
$84,969 Yearly
$40.85 hourly

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How do program schedulers rate their job?

4/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Program Scheduler reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Cons

There isn't much i don't like with the exception that I'm not thrilled about giving presentations or hosting meetings. I don't mind because it's part of the job in some companies, but it really isn't that bad.


profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

Flexibility Working remotely Work at your own pace Freedom Work-life balance

Cons

Attending too meetings weekly Dealing with difficult customers


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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