Software Engineer vs Product Manager: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
Product Manager
Define product vision and roadmap, working across engineering and design.
Product Manager earns more on average — the national median is $35,290/year (26%) higher than a Software Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Product Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Product Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $244,797 | Software $49,847 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $210,902 | Software $44,072 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $247,751 | Software $58,283 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $196,435 | Software $47,601 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $188,512 | Software $38,546 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $226,765 | Software $50,223 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £88,049 | Software $14,107 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$224,019 | Software $97,867 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Product Manager earn more?+
A Product Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $171,270/year for a Product Manager — a difference of $35,290 (26%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Product Manager?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Product Manager demand is growing at 20% YoY. Software Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to Product Manager?+
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 — Software Engineer or Product Manager?+
Product Manager has a lower AI automation risk (34% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.