OVERVIEW
What Is a Technical Product Manager?
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, companies need skilled professionals who can drive the development of products. A technical product manager (TPM) plays an important role in this process.
Technical product managers oversee the entire product lifecycle—from concept and design to production, completion, and delivery. Unlike traditional product managers, TPMs are more involved in the technical aspects of the product life cycle. They utilize their technological expertise to bridge the gap between engineering and business teams, and they ensure that products meet both technical specifications and consumer demand. Technical product managers often have work experience and a degree in engineering, design, computer science, or software engineering.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Technical Product Manager Do?
A TPM guides the technical direction of a product and is often responsible for tasks such as:
- Research market trends, analytics, competitor products, and user feedback data.
- Contribute to product vision and design the product roadmap.
- Provide oversight to ensure product development aligns with technical standards and best practices.
- Develop testing procedures and establish clear standards for product success.
- Collaborate by working closely with engineering, design, and product teams to turn ideas into actionable technical requirements.
- Write and manage detailed product specifications to ensure clarity.
- Work closely with QA teams to ensure product quality.
- Answer internal and external questions related to the product’s capabilities, functionality, and limitations.
- Prioritize product features based on business value, user needs, and development complexity.
- Troubleshoot technical challenges as they arise during the development process.
- Review and maintain product documentation.
- Communicate with stakeholders to report on development progress and technical decisions.
- Monitor performance metrics and recommend technical improvements and optimizations.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Technical Product Manager?
Aspiring TPMs typically begin their career path by earning a bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as computer science, information technology, or engineering. These degree programs provide foundational knowledge in subjects like software development, systems architecture, data analysis, and technical problem-solving.
After gaining hands-on experience in the tech industry, many professionals pursue advanced education to strengthen their technical, strategic, and leadership skills. An MBA in information technology management or a master’s degree in software engineering or a similar technical discipline can prepare TPMs for more senior roles. Online degree programs offer a practical, career-focused path and the industry-relevant skills needed to break into the field or advance into more strategic leadership positions.
Staying current with emerging technologies and industry trends is essential for success in this constantly evolving field. Continuing education through online degree programs and specialization in areas like UX, software development, or data analytics can help technical product managers stay competitive. Additionally, earning industry certifications like the Certified Technical Product Manager (PMHQ) or Agile Product Manager (AIPMM) can boost a TPM’s expertise and marketability, as these credentials demonstrate a commitment to staying up to date in a competitive industry.
Best Degrees for a Technical Product Manager
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
You can also accelerate your program and complete both a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.S. in Computer Science together, requiring less courses overall and saving you time and money. Learn more about this option.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Artifical Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,725 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Information Technology Management – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,040 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Solutions development
- Project management
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.
Technology
Software Engineering – M.S.
Earn a master's degree in software engineering and boost your career...
Earn a master's degree in software engineering and boost your career options.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
This program features three specializations that help you focus your studies and boost your résumé with specific skills and experience. The specialization areas are AI Engineering, DevOps Engineering, and Domain Driven Design.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include:
- Software design
- Architecture
- Project management
- Testing
- System integration
How Much Does a Technical Product Manager Make?
$133,474
According to Indeed, the average annual technical product manager salary is $133,474 as of April 2025. The bottom 10% earn around $88,400 and the top 10% of product managers can earn upwards of $200,000. Exact income can vary depending on a number of factors such as level of education, years of experience, location, industry, and the size or prestige of the company they work for. In addition to base salary, technical product managers may receive bonuses, stock options, and other benefits that can increase their total compensation.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
7%
Employment of the product management career field is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. As companies continue to invest in AI and other emerging technologies, the demand for skilled technical product managers who can bridge the gap between technical product development and business goals is expected to rise. Organizations are prioritizing digital transformation, and TPMs who can lead complex, tech-driven initiatives are increasingly valuable across industries like healthcare, finance, IT, education, and e-commerce.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Technical Product Manager Need?
A successful TPM relies on a combination of business strategy, technical expertise, and communication skills. A technology product manager job description may look for candidates with the following skills:
- Research skills. The ability to study market trends, evaluate competitors, and gather insights from user data to shape product direction and development.
- Data collection, management, and analysis. Understanding how to collect and interpret user feedback and performance metrics allows TPMs to develop A/B testing and gather further insights.
- Coding knowledge. While TPMs aren’t developers, they should have an understanding of basic coding concepts and languages to grasp technical constraints and possibilities.
- Technical writing. Clearly document and explain concepts, system architecture, and development processes for the engineering team and other cross-functional stakeholders.
- Project management. TPMs often oversee product development cycles and refine the product roadmap throughout the process to stay aligned with evolving priorities.
- Leadership. Effective TPMs keep teams aligned, motivated, and focused, especially in fast-moving environments.
- Communication. In addition to a technical background, TPMs frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams. Strong communication skills help them translate complex technical ideas into actionable product strategies.
- Prioritization. TPMs must evaluate product requirements and business goals with technical feasibility to determine which features or updates to incorporate.
- Product marketing. This skill enables technical PMs to align technical features with customer needs and collaborate with marketing teams to ensure successful product launches.
This unique combination of product management skills makes TPMs essential to creating successful, innovative products in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. By continuously honing their skills, TPMs can drive innovation, bolster communication, bridge the gap between technology and business, and deliver impactful products while ensuring alignment with the overarching product strategy.
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