How Product Managers Make Money
Product managers are at the heart of successful tech companies balancing business goals, user needs, and development priorities. But beyond the strategic role they play, one big question often comes up: How do product managers make money? Whether you’re planning to become a PM or already working in tech, this blog will break down how product managers earn, grow their income, and even create multiple revenue streams in 2025.
1. Full-Time Product Management Jobs
The most common way product managers make money is through full-time employment at tech companies, startups, or enterprises. Salaries vary by experience, industry, and location, but many PMs in top markets earn six figures annually.
Average Salaries (2025 Estimates):
- Entry-level PM: $75,000–$100,000/year
- Mid-level PM: $100,000–$140,000/year
- Senior/Lead PM: $140,000–$200,000+/year
- Director/VP of Product: $180,000–$300,000+
Bonus: Many companies offer stock options, performance bonuses, and profit-sharing.
2. Freelance & Contract Product Management
Some PMs choose freelancing or contract work instead of traditional employment. Freelance product managers work with startups or small businesses on a per-project basis helping them with MVP development, product roadmapping, or feature design.
Freelance Rates:
- $50–$150/hour depending on expertise
- $2,000–$10,000+ per project
Freelancing allows flexibility, remote work, and the potential to work with multiple clients at once.
3. Consulting Services
Experienced product managers often transition into product consulting, advising startups or scale-ups on strategy, go-to-market planning, and product-market fit. Consultants can charge premium rates for their insights and frameworks.
Example Consulting Services:
- Product audits
- Feature prioritization
- Go-to-market planning
- Team coaching
Rates: $100–$300/hour or flat fees starting at $5,000+
4. Creating Online Courses or Workshops
Many PMs monetize their expertise by launching online courses, webinars, or bootcamps. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or even YouTube allow product managers to teach aspiring professionals and earn passive income.
Course Ideas:
- “Intro to Product Management”
- “How to Build a Product Roadmap”
- “Agile for Product Managers”
Earnings Potential:
- $500–$10,000+/month (depending on course sales, audience, and marketing)
5. Writing Ebooks or Product Guides
If you enjoy writing, you can create digital guides or ebooks for product managers, startup founders, or tech teams. These can be sold on platforms like Gumroad, Amazon Kindle, or your personal website.
Examples:
- “The Product Manager’s Handbook”
- “100 PM Interview Questions Answered”
- “Startup Product Launch Guide”
Price Range: $9.99–$99 per download
Passive Income Potential: $500–$5,000/month
6. Affiliate Marketing for Product Tools
Product Managers often rely on tools like Jira for task tracking, Notion for documentation, Figma for design collaboration, and Productboard for feature prioritization and roadmapping. By creating content around these tools such as tutorials, comparisons, or reviews . PMs can earn affiliate commissions from referrals.
Where to promote:
- Blog
- YouTube
- Newsletter
- LinkedIn posts
Affiliate income can range from a few dollars to several thousand per month with the right audience.
7. Launching a SaaS or Productized Service
Some entrepreneurial product managers go on to build their own SaaS products or productized consulting services. These ventures can scale over time and generate recurring revenue.
Example Ideas:
- Internal workflow management tools
- Customer feedback platforms
- Project planning tools
- Market research dashboards
- Feedback collection apps
- Notion or Airtable-based products
- Roadmap visualization tools for startups
Revenue Potential: Unlimited, but starting slow (e.g., $100–$10,000+/month)
8. Speaking Engagements & Conferences
As your brand grows, you may be invited to speak at product management conferences, tech events, or virtual summits. These gigs often come with honorariums, travel sponsorships, or brand deals.
Speaker Fees: $500–$5,000 per session (higher for seasoned experts)
Final Thoughts:
Product managers today have more opportunities than ever to turn their skills into income. Whether through a high-paying job, side hustles, or entrepreneurial ventures, PMs can diversify their earnings and build a lucrative career. The key is to leverage your expertise, network wisely, and stay ahead of industry trends.
