Program Manager vs Autonomous Systems Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Program Manager
Coordinate multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives.
Autonomous Systems Engineer
Develop perception, planning, and control systems for autonomous vehicles and drones.
Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $52,366/year (51%) higher than a Program Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Program Manager vs Autonomous Systems Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Program Manager | Autonomous Systems Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,275 | $227,579 | Program $76,304 |
| New York, NY | $124,570 | $135,300 | Program $10,730 |
| Seattle, WA | $144,148 | $225,151 | Program $81,003 |
| Austin, TX | $113,017 | $173,358 | Program $60,341 |
| Chicago, IL | $111,506 | $166,278 | Program $54,772 |
| Boston, MA | $136,287 | $196,361 | Program $60,074 |
| London, UK | £81,547 | £122,075 | Program $40,528 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$139,548 | CA$202,448 | Program $62,900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Program Manager or Autonomous Systems Engineer earn more?+
A Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Program Manager is $102,320/year, compared to $154,686/year for a Autonomous Systems Engineer — a difference of $52,366 (51%).
Which has better career growth — Program Manager or Autonomous Systems Engineer?+
Program Manager roles are growing at 15% YoY while Autonomous Systems Engineer demand is growing at 42% YoY. Autonomous Systems Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Program Manager to Autonomous Systems Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Program Manager or Autonomous Systems Engineer?+
Autonomous Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 36%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.