Program Evaluator

Career Guide

A Program Evaluator measures how well a program is working and whether it is achieving its goals. They design evaluation plans, collect and analyze data, and share findings that help leaders improve services, justify funding, and demonstrate impact.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Clarify program goals and success measures
Design evaluation plans and timelines
Develop data collection tools
Collect data through surveys and interviews
Review existing program records and reports
Analyze quantitative data for trends and outcomes
Analyze qualitative data for themes and insights
Translate findings into clear recommendations
Create reports and presentations for stakeholders
Support program teams with improvement planning
Monitor evaluation quality and data integrity
Ensure ethical handling of participant information

Top Skills for Success

Evaluation Design

Research Methods

Theory of Change

Survey Design

Interviewing

Data Collection

Statistical Analysis

Qualitative Analysis

Data Visualization

Report Writing

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Ethics

Grant Reporting

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Program Evaluator

Monitoring and Evaluation Manager

Research Manager

Impact and Learning Manager

Evaluation Consultant

Transition Opportunities

Data Analyst

Policy Analyst

Program Manager

Grant Manager

Public Health Analyst

User Researcher

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Advanced statistical modelingQualitative codingFacilitationData managementDashboard buildingExecutive level storytelling

Development SuggestionsBuild strength in one quantitative tool and one qualitative tool, practice turning analysis into short decision ready briefs, and get experience leading stakeholder sessions where findings are discussed and actions are agreed.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level55000 to 75000 USD

Mid Level75000 to 105000 USD

Senior Level105000 to 140000 USD

Growth Trend

Steady demand, supported by funder reporting requirements, outcomes focused budgeting, and increased emphasis on evidence based programs in government, healthcare, and nonprofits.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

MathematicaAbt AssociatesRTI InternationalICFNORC at the University of ChicagoDeloitteAccenture Federal ServicesKaiser PermanenteUnited WayBill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Industry Sectors

Nonprofit organizationsPhilanthropic foundationsGovernment agenciesPublic health organizationsHealthcare systemsEducation systemsInternational development organizationsResearch and consulting firms

Recommended Next Steps

Create a portfolio with two evaluation examples and clear recommendations

Learn R

Learn Python

Learn Stata

Learn SPSS

Learn NVivo

Learn Tableau

Practice writing one page evaluation summaries for nontechnical audiences

Seek a project that includes survey design and interview work

Volunteer with a nonprofit to evaluate a pilot program

Join a professional association focused on evaluation

Request informational interviews with evaluation managers in your target sector