Do product managers get paid more than software engineers?

Ever wondered who brings home a bigger paycheck in the tech world—engineers or product managers? It's a common question, especially if you're deciding between coding the next big app or steering its direction. Salaries can be a major factor when choosing a career path in tech.

In this blog, we'll dive into entry-level salaries, career advancement, responsibilities, and how market demand affects compensation. We'll also touch on how platforms like Statsig play a role in this landscape. Let's get started!

Entry-level salaries: comparing initial earnings of engineers and managers

Starting a career in tech comes with a big question: who gets paid more right out of the gate—software engineers or product managers? Generally, software engineers . Their ability to code and build complex systems is highly valued, and companies are willing to pay for that specialized skill set.

But hold on, it's not that simple across the board. Salaries can swing wildly based on the company, where you’re located, and what exactly the role entails. Some organizations might value product management skills more, recognizing the long-term benefits of solid strategic decision-making. Factors like your education, past experience, and how well you negotiate can also tip the scales either way.

As you climb the career ladder, things can change. Experienced product managers who show they can lead, think strategically, and drive business growth might see their salaries surpass those of their engineering peers. This reflects how much companies value the impact of a good product manager on their products' success.

At companies leveraging tools like Statsig, both engineers and PMs collaborate closely to drive product success. Bottom line: while engineers may start out with a salary edge, long-term earning potential really depends on a mix of factors. Building strong skills, taking on more responsibilities, and making big contributions at work are crucial—whether you're coding away or planning the next big product.

Career advancement: how progression impacts salary growth

As you move up in your career, things get interesting. Product managers who climb the ladder into senior strategic roles often see their earnings surpass those of software engineers. That's because with higher-level PM positions comes broader impact and bigger responsibilities.

But don’t count engineers out! They can boost their salaries significantly by specializing in high-demand areas or stepping into leadership roles on key projects. If you're an engineer, think about developing a unique skill set or mastering adjacent disciplines. This not only makes you stand out but can also command higher pay.

Some folks might feel it’s unfair that PMs get paid more, but consider this: their roles involve big-picture thinking, strategic decisions, and coordinating across different teams—all of which can hugely affect a company's success. As an engineer, you can tap into similar growth by taking on leadership responsibilities and clearly showing your value. Tools like Statsig can help both engineers and product managers measure the impact of their work, leading to better recognition and growth opportunities.

At the end of the day, both PMs and engineers have great potential for salary growth. Keep learning, tackle challenging projects, and contribute meaningfully to your team. That’s the recipe for increasing your earning potential, no matter which path you're on.

The influence of responsibilities on compensation

When it comes down to who gets paid more, responsibilities play a big role. Product managers shape the product vision, directly steering a company's success. This strategic position often means they get higher compensation compared to software engineers.

Don't get me wrong—engineers are crucial. They provide the technical solutions that make everything work. But sometimes, their impact on the business side isn't as visible. PMs, on the other hand, define the roadmap and make sure the product fits the market.

There's even chatter online (like on ) about PMs earning more than developers at the same level. This pay disparity often comes down to the PM's influence over product direction and revenue.

However, if you're a top-tier engineer with specialized skills, you can command higher salaries than PMs. Your technical expertise is highly valued and can have a huge impact on product performance.

At the end of the day, compensation is all about perceived value and impact. While PMs' strategic responsibilities might warrant higher pay, exceptional engineers aren't left behind—they can earn impressive salaries too.

Market demand and regional differences in salaries

Salaries aren't the same everywhere—that's for sure. PMs and software engineers' paychecks can vary a lot depending on the industry and where you live. In tech hotspots like the , everyone tends to earn more. But some places might value managerial skills more, while others put a premium on technical know-how.

For instance, industries that are big on innovation and product development might offer higher salaries for PMs. Conversely, sectors dealing with tough technical challenges might prioritize software engineers and pay them accordingly. This means the salary comparison between PMs and engineers can look different from one market to another.

Where you are geographically also matters. In regions packed with tech companies and a fierce talent race, both PMs and engineers can command impressive salaries. But in areas with a lower cost of living, the salary gap between the two roles might not be as wide.

So, do product managers get paid more than software engineers? It depends on a mix of factors. While PMs can earn more, especially in senior roles, top-tier engineers with specialized skills can also pull in big bucks. It's crucial for both PMs and engineers to assess their market value based on their industry, location, and experience level.

Closing thoughts

Whether you’re an engineer or a product manager, there's potential for a rewarding career with competitive pay. It often comes down to the specific responsibilities, your experience, and where you're working. Both roles are vital in the tech industry, and tools like Statsig can help highlight the impact each has on a company's success.

If you're curious to learn more about navigating your tech career, there are plenty of resources out there. Keep honing your skills, seek out challenges, and you'll find opportunities to grow and earn more.

Hope you found this useful!