How much do product marketers really earn?
It’s a question we ask each and every year in our Product Marketing Salary Survey report.
Based on responses from hundreds of product marketing professionals from around the world, the report unpacks all the variables and factors tied to PMM earning potential – all to give you a better idea of whether your salary is competitive.
Among these factors, none has a bigger impact on earnings than location. Where you hang your hat is the single biggest determining factor in how well you’re likely to be paid.
So, if you’re curious about PMM earnings in your part of the world, then read on as we explore the impact of geographic location on product marketing salaries.
North America leads the pack
It should come as no surprise to learn that North America continues to dominate in average total compensation. With total average earnings (including base salary, bonus, and stock) of $170,000, it far outpaces other regions.
More specifically, the United States leads the world in nominal earnings, with US-based PMMs reporting a median salary of $140,000 – $35,000 more than the global median for product marketers.
This figure is, however, heavily driven by a handful of cities and states that serve as particularly lucrative locations for PMMs.
California, Massachusetts, and Washington consistently rank as top-paying states, driven by major tech hubs like San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle. These states attract significant investment, house major tech companies, and foster a highly competitive job market, which drives up salaries.
However, our report also revealed significant variation within the US. States like Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania offer comparatively lower salaries, reflecting differing economic conditions and cost-of-living factors.
Texas is an interesting anomaly, showing a significant year-on-year decrease in median earnings. This highlights that even within a dominant region, market dynamics can shift considerably.
What are the top-paying cities for PMMs?
San Francisco reclaimed its position as the highest-paying city for product marketers, boasting a staggering median salary of $217,000. This represents a significant premium over the national average and underscores the concentration of high-paying tech companies in the Bay Area.
Boston, unsurprisingly, follows closely behind with reported median earnings of $180,000, further reinforcing the concentration of high earnings on the coasts. This geographic concentration of high salaries is a critical takeaway – it emphasizes the cost of living and talent competition in these hubs.
But how do US cities compare to other major commercial centers around the world?
In London and Singapore, two of the world’s most important economic hubs outside the US, product marketers report median earnings of $98,000 and $99,000, respectively – significantly below the United States average.
However, relying solely on these figures paints an incomplete picture. While the US boasts high nominal salaries, factors like cost of living and purchasing power parity (PPP) need to be considered.
The PPP factor: Adjusting for reality
As the Product Marketing Salary Survey report has evolved over the years, we’ve increasingly emphasized the importance of adjusting salaries for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), which considers the relative cost of goods and services in different locations.
This approach reveals a more nuanced perspective. For instance, while a $150,000 salary in San Francisco appears high in nominal terms, it doesn’t stretch as far as a $110,000 salary in, say, Austin, Texas, where living expenses are considerably lower.
This is particularly evident when comparing North America to Europe. While European salaries appear lower in nominal terms, PPP adjustments paint a different picture. For example, salaries in countries like the UK, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands compare far more favorably to the US when accounting for living costs.
This makes Europe, in particular, an attractive option for product marketers seeking a better work-life balance and comparable purchasing power.
Bianca Galan
But perhaps the most significant insight from the PPP analysis is the emergence of Singapore as a global leader in relative earnings. The small island nation boasts exceptionally high PPP-adjusted salaries, putting its product marketers ahead of even their US counterparts.
This makes Singapore a compelling choice for those seeking high earnings combined with a potentially lower tax burden and a thriving tech scene.
Regional trends: Beyond the big picture
Zooming in on specific regions, the report highlights some interesting trends:
- North America: Despite variations within the US, the overall trend shows a strong focus on total compensation, often incorporating stock options and bonuses.
- Australasia: While salaries are generally lower than in North America, the region still offers competitive packages, especially for senior roles.
- Europe: As mentioned, PPP adjustments are crucial here. Countries like the UK and the Netherlands offer comparable purchasing power to parts of the US.
- Asia: A diverse region with significant salary variations. Singapore stands out, while other countries offer varying levels of compensation.
- Other Regions (Middle East, South & Central America, Africa): These regions generally report lower salaries, often influenced by local economic conditions. However, the report notes data skews in Africa due to changing survey respondents.
Key takeaways for product marketers:
Don’t just look at the headline number: Factor in cost of living and PPP to understand the real value of a salary offer.
- Consider your priorities: If work-life balance and affordability are key, Europe might be more appealing than a high-paying but expensive US city.
- Explore emerging hubs: Singapore offers a compelling combination of high relative earnings and a vibrant tech sector.
- Understand local market dynamics: Research salary data specific to your target city or country to negotiate effectively.
Ultimately, location plays a crucial role in determining a product marketer’s earning potential. By considering not just nominal salaries but also the broader economic context, PMMs can make informed decisions about where to build their careers and maximize their compensation.
Get the full report 👇
Explore more product marketing salaries from around the world
- Product marketing manager salary, New York City
- Product marketing manager salary, San Francisco
- Product marketing manager salary, Boston
- Product marketing manager salary, London
- Product marketing manager salary, Canada
- Product marketing manager salary, Australia
- Director of Product Marketing salary
- Senior Director of Product Marketing salary
- VP of Product Marketing Salary
