Control logic in a memory device identifies a first group of wordlines associated with a first subset of memory cells of a set of memory cells to be programmed. A first dynamic start voltage operation including a first set of programming pulses and a first set of program verify operations is executed on a first portion of the first subset of memory cells to identify a first dynamic start voltage level, the executing of the first dynamic start voltage operation includes causing the first set of programming pulses to be applied to at least a portion of the first group of wordlines. A second set of programming pulses including at least one programming pulse having the first dynamic start voltage level are caused to be applied to the first group of wordlines to program a second portion of the first subset of memory cells of the set of memory cells. A second group of wordlines associated with a second subset of memory cells to be programmed is identified. A second dynamic start voltage operation including a third set of programming pulses and a second set of program verify operations are executed on a first portion of the second subset of memory cells to identify a second dynamic start voltage level.