Product management in itself is a rewarding role. But when you’re pleased with the company you’re working for, you’re likely to be more productive and eager to go to work. So, what are the best companies for Product Managers in 2024?
The word best means something different to everyone, and that’s especially true when it comes to job searching. By defining what you’re looking for in a role and employer, it’s easier to narrow your options and focus on a handful of companies that meet your requirements.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the best companies for Product Managers to work in. Because best is subjective, we’re going to put in some common criteria that PMs usually consider when choosing a company.
Criteria for Best Companies for Product Managers
Most would think that the only two criteria a Product Manager considers are benefits and pay. However, there’s so much more to choosing the right company where a PM can grow and flourish.
Definitely, benefits and pay are part of the criteria, but there are also other factors like industry, work-life balance, work environment, and more. We go into detail with each one:
Benefits and Pay
You can expect Product Manager salaries to vary greatly from one company and location to the next. This is also the case with benefits and perks.
Additionally, the role level of a Product Manager is a factor in their compensation rate. For example, a Senior Product Manager or one with a leadership role will certainly receive a higher offer than junior PMs.
If you would like to know more about the benefits and pay of PMs, try reading: How Much Do Product Managers Make in the United States?
Industry
Some Product Managers have no preference for the industry they want to work in, while others have one or two that pique their interest. It can be helpful to focus on a handful of industries so you don’t overwhelm yourself.
Some examples of interesting industries most PMs aim to break into include digital consumer, SaaS, eCommerce, medical, web3, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence—the industries of tomorrow.
There are PMs that not only consider the industry but the product as well. There’s a sense of fulfillment when a PM is working on a product that makes a huge positive impact on the lives of its users.
Work Environment
Definitely, one would want to be at a company with a work environment that’s healthy, safe, and collaborative. How can a PM know even before he or she becomes part of a company? Here are a couple of ways:
1. Research.
Check the company website as well as its different social media profiles. You can also find out what former and current employees have to say about the company by checking forums like TeamBlind or Reddit, and job sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn.
2. Scan through news articles.
Don’t forget Google News when doing your research. There’s so much you can find out about a company and its current undertakings through Google News.
It’s important to know what issues a company has faced in the past and how it handled the issues. It gives insight into who the organization is and what it values.
3. Ask questions during your PM interview.
When you have already done your research, it’s good to have questions prepared so you can ask them during your PM interview. Ask about the company values, mission, and what growth and development look like at the organization.
Job Responsibilities
Even if a job title at two companies is identical, don’t expect the responsibilities to be the same, especially in Product Management. For instance, you may be given more responsibilities at a small start-up with tight resources. But when you are at a larger company, your tasks are more focused and departmentalized.
Product Manager Career Growth and New Challenges
Even before you apply to a company, you might already have your Product Manager career goals in mind. Ask yourself, will you be able to fulfill them if you work for a certain company?
Additionally, stepping into a role that presents you with different challenges is ideal as it allows you growth and experience.
Work-Life-Balance (WLB)
Product Management is dynamic. Some PMs become so absorbed in their role that they forget to balance their work and personal lives—a scenario that can lead to burnout. Look for a company that promotes good work-life balance.
But what does work-life balance look like within an organization? You can translate it as paid leaves, flexible working hours, weekends (time-offs) are respected, and so much more.
Best Companies for Product Managers
1. Meta
It doesn’t matter if you call it Facebook or Meta. Nothing changes the fact that it’s one of the best companies for Product Managers.
As you may know, Meta is currently shifting its focus from 2D screens to immersive social experiences. The company is in the process of building the metaverse, and Product Managers who choose to work with Meta are shaping the future of digital connection.
Additionally, Meta PMs are known for learning to make the best use of their analytics skills, such as understanding metrics and the impact on products and the business as a whole.
Aside from that, Product Managers in the AI/ML sector are currently in demand at this company, allowing you to be part of pioneering major advancements in machine learning.
When it comes to employee benefits, Meta provides:
- Financial Benefits (such as tax and legal consultations, paid internships, matching 401k contributions, and health & wellness assistance)
- Workplace Benefits (including flexible working setups and employee/business resource groups)
Compensation:
- Product Managers – $131,000/year to $282,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $166,000 to $807,000 in total)
- Senior & Leadership PM Roles – $321,000/year to $369,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $1.3M to $2.25M in total)
2. Google
Since day one, Google has set out to create an unconventional workplace. While doing so, the company has become one of the top employers in the world. There’s no shortage of reasons for wanting to land a PM job at Google, especially in terms of compensation.
Being a Product Manager at Google is both challenging and gratifying. Working closely with designers, software engineers, and marketers, Google PMs support the development of the company’s innovative and world-changing products—not to mention its current AI and machine learning initiatives.
Based on some reviews from current and former Google Product managers, the company offers great compensation, work-life balance, and a far-reaching (global) impact of your work.
Additionally, there are so many perks and cushy work benefits. A PM (or any employee, for that matter) can move to roles around the company. You’ll encounter great people, good compensation and benefits, and an overall strong mission and ethos.
Compensation:
- Associate PMs, PMs, Senior PMs – $146,000 to $248,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $164,000 to $452,000 in total)
- Leadership PMs to VP roles – $269,000 to $443,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $647,000 to $2.45M in total)
Google also offers student loan reimbursement for educational opportunities within the position and 1-on-1 financial coaching for its Product Managers and other employees.
3. Uber
As the world’s largest ride-hailing and one of the biggest food-delivery companies, there is no doubt why Uber is considered one of the best workplaces for Product Managers as well.
With its goal of making transportation convenient and dependable for everyone, Uber has changed the way the public commutes from one place to another.
While the company is known for its B2C model, Product Managers at present tend to be more attracted to its shift to B2B. PMs can provide more imaginative ways to improve transportation solutions and likely get rewarded for it.
Plus, with its evolving machine learning model, Product Managers can also train, gauge, and deploy products that can forecast a broad range of business metrics to support the improvement of Uber’s product portfolio.
Uber offers its PMs a collection of benefits that include:
- Life, medical, and disability insurance plans
- Well-being reimbursements (such as gym memberships and fitness apparel)
- Employee assistance programs and parental leaves
- Family planning grants (for IVF, fertility treatment, or adoption)
Compensation:
- Associate to Senior PMs – $125,000 to $196,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $157,000 to $364,000 in total)
- Leadership to Director PM Roles – $222,000 to $309,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $547,000 to $1.14M in total)
4. Amazon
Amazon hires more (or just as many) Product Managers than any other company, but there’s something you need to know: these positions are extremely competitive. This is due in large part to the fact that Amazon is one of the best companies for PMs to work for.
Product Managers love organization and structure, and that’s exactly what you get at Amazon. Its tenets to success include:
- Passion for invention
- Long-term thinking
- Commitment to excellence
- Customer-focused (not competitor-focused)
- Bias for action
Thanks to Amazon’s emphasis on upskilling, you’ll continually hone your PM and other technical skills as you grow your career. In fact, the company aims to invest in free education and training for its approximately 300,000 US employees.
Included in this is Amazon’s focus on communication skills. Not only does this serve you well in your position with the company, but it’s also helpful should you decide to make a change. There’s no replacement for high-level communication skills.
Compensation:
- Product Managers – $151,000/year to $171,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $205,000 to $281,000 in total)
- Principal, Director, & VP PM roles – $243,000/year to $288,000/year + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $542,000 to $821,000 in total)
5. Apple
In the competitive smartphone and computer market, Apple was able to fine-tune its products for consumption and secure a special place for itself. For being able to create highly distinguishable features, Apple is a remarkable arena for Product Managers.
Thankfully, this multinational company is continually seeking PMs for its product portfolio and is also known to offer amazing perks and an ideal work environment. Apple upholds a healthy work-life balance, providing its employees with sufficient paid time off (PTO).
The company offers:
- Apple University (seminars, classes, and beyond-the-classroom resources);
- stock purchase plan;
- employee product discounts & subsidized meals;
- parental leave;
- and more.
Apple continues to push the boundaries of technology, continually innovating in artificial intelligence (AI), wearable technology, and augmented reality, helping Product Managers in the company simultaneously reach their potential in product improvement.
Compensation:
- Product Managers – $155,000 to $192,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $238,000 to $294,000 in total)
- Senior Product Managers – $234,000 to $263,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $441,000 to $740,000 in total)
6. Microsoft
Microsoft is a company that needs no introduction. They have been in the tech space since 1975. Despite being in the industry for quite some time, the company is evolving with the times, allowing employees to work from home.
Given the company size, Product Managers at Microsoft can be assigned to several SaaS products at a time or focus on one, depending on the position. They usually offer assistance in market research, roadmap building, and post-development operations.
Microsoft is also making massive progress in its AI initiatives, having launched its generative AI product called Copilot, which opens more opportunities for AI PMs.
Based on some reviews online, Microsoft is keen on employee development and providing options for career movement and advancement. The organization is also pretty big on diversity and inclusivity among its personnel.
What most employees love about working at Microsoft based on Glassdoor reviews is its aggressive tech advancements, impressive engineering, and diversity when it comes to working in various areas of software development.
Compensation:
- Product Managers – $116,000 to $180,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $148,000 to $261,000 in total)
- Principal, Leadership PMs – $207,000 to $248,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $311,000 to $771,000 in total)
7. NVIDIA
NVIDIA, a multinational tech company that designs and manufactures graphics design units (GPU) has made it to the second spot on Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work” list in 2024, after consistently being in the Top 10 in previous years.
Based on a good number of reviews online, what former and current employees love to highlight is the company’s culture and the great benefits. Although the PMs can earn as much as $229,886 annually, the pay seems to just be a bonus as many former and current employees appreciate the following values within the organization, including:
- Agility
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Performance
In fact, NVIDIA has over 800 job openings for Product Managers, making it an ideal company where PM skills are valued and well-compensated. The company provides life and health insurance benefits, pre-tax savings, and more.
Plus, NVIDIA’s product innovations in the AI/ML and virtual reality sector are transforming the biggest industries in the world. AI PMs can consider NVIDIA as one of the best opportunities for them.
Compensation:
- Product Managers to Senior PMs – $107,000 to $220,000/year base pay + equity + stocks (can range from $240,000 to $365,000 in total)
- Principal, Director, VP PM Roles – $282,000 to $690,000/year base pay + equity + stocks (can range from $471,000 to $725,000 in total)
8. Netflix
While most companies in this list are centered around tech products, Netflix is at the intersection of technology and entertainment. Product Managers at Netflix need to apply their technical background with a profound interest in content creation and distribution, setting the role apart.
Among the best things, if not the top reason to choose Netflix as your workplace is compensation. Many Netflix reviews attest to the good salary rate that the company offers.
Take note that Netflix’s payment model does not include bonuses. Employees have the option to choose how much of their compensation is received in salary versus stocks. Despite this, many still love working at Netflix for its competitive pay.
Aside from this, Netflix also provides free office breakfast and lunch for 5 days a week, and gym discounts available to everyone. If you commute to and from the office, Netflix has also got your Uber and Lyft expenses fully paid.
Compensation:
- Product Managers – $107,000 to $220,000/year base pay + equity + stocks (can range from $240,000 to $725,000 in total)
9. Salesforce
As an industry leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and other enterprise applications focused on marketing and analytics, Salesforce has surely secured a spot as one of the best workplaces for Product Managers.
Product Managers at Salesforce combine CRM, AI capabilities, data management, and client trust to build the future of business. The company is deploying and continually developing its AI-first technologies and other groundbreaking products.
What more could you ask for? Well, in the case of Salesforce, there’s a lot more to like. Other benefits include:
- The promotion of finding a good work-life balance.
- Diversity and inclusion programs.
- Above-average compensation packages (especially for Product Managers)
For more than 20 years, Salesforce has been one of the best companies for Product Managers. And if recent reviews are any indication, this won’t change anytime soon.
Compensation:
- Product Managers to Senior PMs – $161,000 to $204,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $185,000 to $262,000 in total)
- Director to VP PM Roles – $240,000 to $333,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks (can range from $326,000 to $662,000 in total)
10. Notion
Leading the all-in-one productivity platform domain, Notion is an ideal workplace for Product Managers for offering exceptional learning opportunities, competitive payments and benefits, and a hybrid working setup.
Moving beyond the 5-week office workday, Notion only requires its employees for two Anchor Days (Mondays and Thursdays), and another third day in the office. Despite being a considerably young player in the industry, Notion offers generous compensation.
Aside from those, PMs at Notion can enjoy some unique perks, including:
- a pet-friendly office;
- sponsored meals;
- and mental health benefits.
Compensation:
- Product Managers – $150,000 to $250,000/year base pay + bonus + equity + stocks
Final Thoughts
While this is a list of the best companies for Product Managers in 2024, there’s a lot of room for interpretation. As noted above, the word best means something different to every job candidate.
It’s up to you to choose your own criteria and standards for choosing a company where you have the opportunity to grow (professionally and personally), thrive, and be happy.
Of course, before you do all this, make sure that you are well-prepared for your upcoming PM Interview. Always remember: Competition is fierce for PM jobs at these companies, so you need to show up prepared for your interview.
PM Exercises can help in the following ways:
1. PM Interview Prep Course
PM Interview Prep Course with over 100 video hours and more than 100 online lessons that will equip you with knowledge on how you can master your interview skills.
Note: You would need an upgraded account to access the entire course.
2. PM Questions Database
Review possible questions from over 2,000 Product Manager interview questions and responses from members of our community who have been through it on the PM Exercises website.
3. Mock Interviews
Become both interviewer and interviewee by doing mock interviews. This gives you the opportunity to get feedback from your partner and vice versa. There’s a section on the PM Exercises website where you can check community members eager to do mock interviews.
4. AI Product Manager Learning Program
AI-powered products that use models like machine learning are taking the tech industry by storm. If you are gearing toward a career in AI/ML product management, PM Exercises offers a 4-week training cohort to provide you with sufficient technical background on how artificial intelligence products operate.
Our instructors work at some of the top companies for PMs like Uber as AI Product Managers. We tackle the core principles of AI and product management in areas like frameworks, recommendation systems, AI infra chips, and so much more.
FAQs
Which company pays Product Managers the highest?
As a Product Manager, it’s best to check large tech companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, and more if you are looking for higher pay. When you do a Product Manager salary comparison, these companies tend to offer higher rates because they require most of their PMs to have technical backgrounds.
Where is the best place to be a Product Manager?
“Best” is subjective which is why PMs are encouraged to have their criteria for companies they want to work in. The idea is to look for a company with the right compensation package, company culture, and work environment.
A PM would normally find that in MAANG companies (Meta, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google). Still, it’s always good to check the employee reviews from other tech companies as well.
Is there demand for Product Managers?
Yes, definitely. Despite rumors of a recession in 2023, we are seeing a large number of PM openings this year, not only at established companies but also at tech startups.
And while this is the case, there is a continuing shift in the way companies hire their product managers, with them going beyond traditional MBA graduates to those with impressive and demonstrated performance in PM interviews.
Also, new PM skills are being more in demand than ever, making the product management landscape highly competitive.
