Product Management Salaries in 2025
A by-the-numbers look at product management compensation in 2025.
As product managers, understanding compensation in the broader context of the industry is key – helping us navigate negotiation, advancement, or the job market. To help, I've collated data from a handful of sources on the state of product management compensation in 2025.
Hopefully, after this quick read, you'll have a sense of where you stand and where you might be heading – whether that's a step up in your current organization, a job transition, or something else entirely (did someone say founding?).
Key Trends in Product Management Compensation
1. Rise of the Individual Contributor
In 2025, senior individual contributors (ICs) are more valuable than ever. Conventionally, management positions maximize earnings. However, the latest data suggests that may no longer be the case: senior ICs are commanding higher salaries than their managerial counterparts – highlighting the importance of ICs that deliver business value.
The most recent Lenny's Newsletter compensation survey included 1,700+ U.S. product managers. It showed senior ICs earn a median salary of $187,500, surpassing the median salary of managers, $162,500, which corresponds with a trend towards flatter organizational structures across the industry.
2. Salaries by Experience Level
Here is a look at salary benchmarks in 2025 based on experience:
Entry-level PMs: $112,500
Mid-level PMs: $137,500
Senior PMs (ICs): $187,500
Managers: $162,500
Senior Managers: $175,000
Directors: $190,000 - $220,000
Vice Presidents of Product: $200,000 - $275,000
Chief Product Officers: $230,000 - $300,000+
Here, you can see the value of the Senior IC track.
3. Location, Location, Location
Product manager salaries vary by location, driven by cost of living and market demand:
San Francisco Bay Area: $180,000+
New York City: $115,000 - $150,000
Seattle: $130,000 - $160,000
Austin: $110,000 - $140,000
Chicago: $100,000 - $130,000
Remote Roles (U.S.): $120,000 - $160,000
4. Industry-Specific Breakdown
Compensation also fluctuates depending on industry:
Technology (Software/IT): ~$111,000
Finance (Banking/Fintech): ~$98,000
Retail/E-Commerce: ~$88,000
Healthcare: ~$79,000
Manufacturing: ~$75,000
5. Education and Education
I'm a full-time product manager without a college degree, so I can attest that it's possible to succeed without one. Experience is most important. I heard great advice recently: if you're looking to break into product management, start building things. That strategy worked for me – I broke into product management after previously founding a startup, which gave me product experience and illustrated entrepreneurial spirit.
6. Equity and Comprehensive Compensation Considerations
Beyond base salary, total compensation packages include:
Equity (Stock options or RSUs)
Bonuses (Performance-based or signing bonuses)
Benefits (Healthcare, retirement plans, additional perks)
Total compensation is an important consideration in a negotiation. Still, it's necessary not to be blind to the tradeoffs between total compensation and salary – this can be a careful balancing act. Stock options specifically are high-risk: only in some cases resulting in value.
Takeaways for Product Managers
2025 is a good time to be in product management; the numbers show it. The position is high-impact and, as such, highly valued. Whether you're considering a jump to product management or a seasoned pro, here are some key takeaways:
Assess Market Value: Use salary benchmarking and compensation reports to align your expectations with the market.
IC vs. Management Trajectory: The IC track is a viable alternative to traditional management roles in terms of earning potential.
Negotiate Beyond Base Salary: A well-structured compensation package should factor in equity, bonuses, benefits, and base pay.
Beware Total Comp: Be sure not to over-weight long-term, potential value that may or may not materialize.
Industry-Aware: Working in high-value sectors can increase your earning potential.
