Product Manager vs. Product Owner – Salaries and Responsibilities

Differences between a Product Manager and a Product Owner

While the terms "Product Manager" and "Product Owner" are sometimes used interchangeably, there are significant differences between these roles. Both positions focus on product development, but the scope of responsibilities, level of involvement in processes, and strategic perspective vary.

A Product Manager is responsible for the overall product vision. Their task is to understand market needs, customers, and competition, and then create a product development strategy that meets these needs. PMs often collaborate with marketing, sales, and technology teams to ensure that the product meets market and user expectations.

PMs handle long-term product strategy and development. Key responsibilities of a Product Manager typically include:

• Market analysis and identifying customer needs,
• Creating a product roadmap,
• Overseeing marketing and sales teams,
• Monitoring product success indicators (KPIs).

On the other hand, a Product Owner operates more on an operational level within agile methodologies. A PO manages the backlog, prioritizes tasks for the development team, and supervises the execution of various stages of product development. They focus primarily on delivering business value from each sprint, working closely with the technical team to achieve set goals.

POs are more focused on the day-to-day execution of product development tasks. Their main responsibilities typically include:

• Creating and prioritizing the backlog,
• Managing sprints and the development team’s tasks,
• Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the product is delivered as expected.

Salaries and Responsibilities of PMs and POs

Earnings for Product Managers and Product Owners can vary significantly depending on experience, industry and region. In Poland, a Junior Project Manager may receive a salary in the range of PLN 12 000 - 15 000 gross per month. A PM Specialist earns between 18 000 - 23 000, while a Senior Product Manager can expect to earn between PLN 23 000 - 27 000 gross per month.  

Product Owner earnings are slightly lower, averaging PLN 4,000 gross per month for a junior position, PLN 7,500 gross per month for a specialist, and PLN 13,000 on average for a senior specialist.  Although, depending on the company and scope of responsibility, they can also reach higher values.

Below is a chart comparing PM and PO earnings by position: 

Junior Product Manager – How to Get Started?

Starting a career as a Junior Product Manager requires a thorough understanding of product work specifics, as well as soft and technical skills. Those beginning in this role should gain experience working with technology and marketing teams and develop their analytical skills.

To become a Junior Product Manager, it's advisable to start as a product team assistant, business analyst, or intern. Here are some steps to help kickstart a career in this role:

• Gaining experience in project management or business analysis,
• Acquiring knowledge of Agile and Scrum methodologies,
• Participating in training and courses related to product management,
• Developing communication and teamwork skills.

One path to advancing a career in product management is obtaining certifications such as Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) or Product Management Professional (PMP). These certifications help stand out in the job market and increase the chances of landing a Junior Product Manager position.

In summary, both Product Managers and Product Owners play key roles in product development, but their responsibilities and salaries differ. For those aspiring to work in these roles, acquiring knowledge and experience is crucial to effectively manage both the strategic and operational aspects of product development.