What do product managers in California earn?

The median salary for a Product Manager in California in 2024 is $140,000. This is significantly higher than the median salary for a PM in the United States, which stands at $110,500.

Looking at west coast states, the highest would be Washington, which is $170,000. Over on the eastern coast, states like Massachusetts are making over $200,000. This places California PMs among the lowest-paid in the US.

Where does this salary data come from?

Our salary insights are drawn from the Product Management Salary 2024 report—an in-depth, annual analysis of product management compensation.

This report compiles data from hundreds of product management professionals to provide a detailed breakdown of salaries, factoring in experience, company size, industry, location, gender, ethnicity, and education level.

It highlights global median salaries, with tailored insights for regions like North America and Europe, empowering professionals at all levels—from junior product managers to Chief Product Officers—to assess their market value. The survey is an essential resource for salary benchmarking and negotiation, offering a clear understanding of compensation trends across roles and geographies.

Dive into the 2024 Product Management Salary report. 👇

Your Product Management Salary report 2024
Staying informed about global compensation trends is essential to advancing your career and negotiating effectively. That’s why we surveyed PMs across the globe to get an in-depth look into what they’re making so you can act accordingly.

What does a Chief Product Officer do?

A Chief Product Officer (CPO) is a key executive responsible for leading a company's overall product strategy and ensuring alignment with business objectives. Acting as a bridge between the executive team and the product organization, the CPO plays a critical role in driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

They collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, marketing, sales, and customer success, to ensure seamless execution and delivery of products that meet customer needs. 

Leadership is at the heart of the CPO’s role. They are responsible for fostering a strong product culture, mentoring product managers, and building high-performing teams. The CPO also acts as the voice of the customer within the organization, leveraging market research, customer feedback, and data analysis to guide decision-making.