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Job outlook for lead product engineers in the United States
Lead product engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected lead product engineer job growth rate is 2% from 2018-2028.
About 6,400 new jobs for lead product engineers are projected over the next decade.
Lead product engineer salaries have increased 7% for lead product engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 16,493 lead product engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 149,514 active lead product engineer job openings in the US.
The average lead product engineer salary is $105,767.
Are lead product engineer jobs in demand?
Lead product engineer job and salary trends over time
Lead product engineer jobs over time
Lead product engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 16,493 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 17,023 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 17,554 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 17,177 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 16,433 | 0.00% |
Average lead product engineer salary over time
Lead product engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $105,767 | $50.85 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $103,738 | $49.87 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $102,495 | $49.28 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $100,747 | $48.44 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $98,764 | $47.48 | +0.7% |
Lead product engineer jobs by state
Most common states for lead product engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 421 | 61% |
| 2 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,847 | 33% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 245 | 33% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 612 | 32% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,578 | 30% |
| 6 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 938 | 30% |
| 7 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 840 | 29% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,815 | 26% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,587 | 26% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 268 | 26% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 227 | 26% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 518 | 25% |
| 13 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 420 | 24% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,615 | 23% |
| 15 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 702 | 23% |
| 16 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 676 | 23% |
| 17 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,250 | 22% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 214 | 22% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 164 | 22% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 126 | 22% |
Most common cities for lead product engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | 5 | 13% | $114,890 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 4 | 10% | $104,122 |
| 3 | Hartford | 5 | 4% | $123,911 |
| 4 | Springfield | 5 | 4% | $96,705 |
| 5 | Little Rock | 5 | 3% | $85,820 |
| 6 | Tallahassee | 5 | 3% | $95,272 |
| 7 | Lansing | 4 | 3% | $97,896 |
| 8 | Topeka | 4 | 3% | $99,618 |
| 9 | Baton Rouge | 5 | 2% | $115,159 |
| 10 | Des Moines | 5 | 2% | $93,659 |
| 11 | Montgomery | 5 | 2% | $94,192 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 6 | 1% | $99,525 |
| 13 | Indianapolis | 6 | 1% | $94,679 |
| 14 | San Jose | 6 | 1% | $139,169 |
| 15 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $110,772 |
| 16 | Washington | 5 | 1% | $113,572 |
| 17 | Sacramento | 4 | 1% | $137,817 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 5 | 0% | $120,819 |
Lead Product Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of lead product engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Weber State University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of South Alabama
North Carolina State University
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Marshall University
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Fairfield University
What Lead Product Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: Hit the ground running. If you are asked to put in 40 hours work 50 hours. Prove yourself and always take on new challenges since that is how you grow.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Product Engineer?
Julie Brandis: Oregon State University provides support in salary negotiation, also students can work with mentors who are familiar with company hiring practices and wage structures. If you have internship experience, that can help to boost your starting salary.
What Lead Product Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julie Brandis: The nation needs engineers across many disciplines. There isn’t one skill that is needed. Honesty and integrity (do what’s right, be honest and be dependable) Leadership - ability to meet deadlines, resolve conflict, balance competing demands, communicate in groups and influence peers, manage budgets
What Lead Product Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Davide Masato: As a graduate entering the field of plastics engineering, I recommend focusing on continuous learning, staying updated on industry trends, and seeking mentorship through participation in professional societies. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don't hesitate to network within the industry. Developing strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail will set a solid foundation for your career.
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Lead Product Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Misorski FASM: Maximizing salary potential at the start of your career is not a clear pathway generally. One way that you can be considered more valuable, and hence worth a better salary, is to have participated in a co-op or internship program with a company in your field. This experience gives employers some confidence that you were able to carry out assignments and thrive in a workplace environment. The employer that you worked for may be inclined to offer you a position upon graduation and you are now worth more because you have already proven to them your abilities. Even if they don’t offer you a job (no appropriate open position may be available) your ability to discuss your experiences with the HR recruiter or hiring manager at another company can instill confidence in your selection as a hire. Just remember, if you tell them you did a project, be prepared to explain it so it doesn’t appear you were just in the background of this project, just going along for the ride.
What Lead Product Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Congedo PhD: That comes from your ability to focus on technical product of the highest quality, always seeking to truly understand the customer’s needs. For example, often a customer will phrase a problem by stating the solution he or she assumes. Taking the time to respectfully draw out the thinking further can make you the customer’s hero, and this makes you the person likely to be selected for the challenging and most rewarded assignments.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Lead Product Engineer?
Jhon Smith: Do not be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors (although do not take it to an extreme and become demanding—show initiative). You get the fundamentals of engineering at school and you are equipped to use them but it takes a few years to feel comfortable. Engineering is a profession of practice and it is only through practice that you best learn it.
What Lead Product Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jhon Smith: Expand your network, join professional organizations and committees, become valuable in whatever company you work for, never stop learning, seek for opportunities for professional work, get your PE license. After these you will become more valuable naturally and could comfortably ask for a promotion or a salary increase because you’d know you deserve it.
What will help Lead Product Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jhon Smith: Professional skills such as being able to communicate clearly, being flexible, open-minded, eager to take on challenges, adept and working with others and taking ownership of the projects tasks given to you. Staying grounded to the fundamental concepts you learn in school so every time you run a sophisticated piece of software to do design you must be able to use those fundamentals to check the results.
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat will help Lead Product Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
What will help Lead Product Engineers increase their earning potential?
Richard Davis: Engineering offers career opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change, food and clean water, and urbanization, engineers are in high demand to develop innovative solutions. For example, environmental engineers are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources. Engineering provides opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, making it a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy tackling complex problems. The global focus on sustainability and renewable energy presents exciting prospects for engineers to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society and the environment.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Product Engineer?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: An underappreciated skill that I think will become more sought-after is the ability to validate computer-made decisions and their shortcomings. With the growing prominence of AI use in design, problem solving, and decision making, the engineering field will need experts to error-check decisions made using these technologies. Sometimes there are unexplored gaps that these technologies overlook, and sometimes there are biases or inappropriate assumptions baked into AI-based results. Humans are inherently imaginative and creative. We excel at picking up on things that computer algorithms may miss. Talented experts that recognize and address these issues will remain invaluable in the workforce. Another indispensable skill that is often overlooked in engineering is effective interpersonal communication. Whether in a teamwork context, a leadership role, or a client interaction, competent communication is crucial. This can take the form of conversation, live presentations, written correspondence, and beyond. People that hone their communication skills are often recognized, and tend to be the individuals that are promoted to more senior roles.
What Lead Product Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: To maximize salary potential, I recommend growing your professional network and being flexible within your career. Attending professional gatherings and rubbing shoulders goes a very long way. It’s amazing how you can casually bump into some well-respected team leader that’s trying to fill an opening or glean information about a new project that needs fresh talent. Network with people in diverse fields and roles. You never know who knows who. Making a positive impression and having someone recognize your name down the line can go a very long way!
What will help Lead Product Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mishah Salman Ph.D.: My advice to recent graduates is to be open to non-conventional roles. Taking on responsibilities beyond one’s official discipline provides broader value to employers. Many students that graduate with degrees in mechanical engineering (or similar disciplines) find great success by stepping outside of their expected job title. Sometimes exploring roles with titles like “analyst” or “manager” or “designer” can provide interesting opportunities to apply one’s engineering skillset in an alternate context. The real strength of your degree is the transferable skillset that you developed along your educational journey. Keep your options open!
What Lead Product Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Concurrent with building technical skills, they must build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often the differentiators between good and great engineers.
What will help Lead Product Engineers increase their earning potential?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Continue learning! The field of engineering is continuously evolving with new technologies and methodologies. Pursue ongoing education through workshops or certifications to stay current with industry trends and advancements. After gaining some practical experience, consider applying for a master's degree to further technical knowledge and skills.
What will help Lead Product Engineers increase their earning potential?
Megumi Usui: Even after obtaining a degree, it is crucial to recognize that continuous learning is a fundamental aspect of professional development in the workplace. One must cultivate an open-minded attitude and demonstrate a willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills at any time and in any context. Effective communication with colleagues and clients is essential for successful collaboration and project execution. It is important to understand that the professional environment is significantly different from the academic setting. In a company, the focus is delivering work that meets the expectations and standards set by the employer and satisfies the needs of clients, rather than merely fulfilling personal criteria. Furthermore, it is imperative to produce high-quality work consistently. Mediocre performance is unacceptable, and organizations will not hesitate to seek replacements if the work delivered does not meet their standards. Ensuring that your work is thorough, precise, and aligns with the company's objectives is critical for maintaining the position and advancing their career.
What will help Lead Product Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kelvin Erickson: a. Artificial Intelligence - The use of artificial intelligence as a tool in engineering has been around for awhile, but there have not been many successes. There is a lot more interest now, which I expect will eventually find some uses. Programming - The programming may not be in the “traditional” language sense. But, one will be faced with an occasional programming task like writing an Excel macro, or a JavaScript or Python script.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Lead Product Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Edmund Spencer: Look for jobs that have the highest technical content, and try to develop entrepreneurial skills early.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Product Engineer?
Daniel Armentrout: The excessive number of baby boomer engineers are retiring at high rates and you as a new engineering graduate are desperately needed to make up for their loss in the workforce. You will face challenges in your career we could not anticipate or prepare you for in your education. You will have to adapt and continue to learn new fields of study which did not exist when you graduated. We have given you tools to learn and you will have to use those tools to remain relevant throughout your career. Find your place as an engineer when you can be effective, help humanity, and have fun. Plot a career path where you can utilize your strengths and challenge your mind to do new things. Contribute to making a better world and you will be able to enjoy immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
What Lead Product Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alexey Gulyuk: Being an Engineer means to be educated in many fields and, what is even more important, to be able to get out of your initial field of expertise and quickly learn new things. In essence, good Engineer has no limits or can push through the limits. Being an engineer is to be a highly-skilled individual that works on impactful projects that solve real-world problems. Currently, Engineering is in high demand and the field will continue growth with further advancements of the technologies like biotech, data science, renewable and non-conventional energy. Lastly, Engineering allows us to stay up-to-date and being able to follow the trends in diverse career opportunities.
What will help Lead Product Engineers increase their earning potential?
Alexey Gulyuk: This varies whether the engineer joins Industry or decides to stay at Academia. However, on a daily basis engineers engage in research and development activities, develop problem-solving strategies involving crisis management, perform enormous amounts of scientific reading and writing, as well as collaborate and exchange ideas with colleagues, clients, or various multidisciplinary teams. Writing part typically requires rigorous documentation of all the steps taken during the experiments, troubleshooting steps, interpretation of results, development of new protocols and approaches. The biggest part of being an engineer, in my opinion, is to be a perfectionist, stay on top of things and continuously learn. The world around us changes rapidly and we should keep up with its pace.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Product Engineer?
Mohammed Daqaq: This is a difficult question to answer and is very much dependent on how satisfied an individual is about their job. I can comment on what I hear from students with regards to their ME education. Most engineers choose ME because of its breadth and that it allows them more freedom to maneuver the job market once they graduate. They can clearly see that, despite being one of the most traditional engineering disciplines, it is still very trendy with employers. They also like the hands-on nature of the discipline where they get to design, optimize, and build physical components that work and move together to achieve a desired task. As for the dislikes, some students complain about the fact that ME requires an in-depth understanding of many mathematical concepts which many students find to be challenging.
Dr. Yousef Sardahi
Associate Professor of Mechanical EngineeringMarshall University
Engineering
What Lead Product Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Yousef Sardahi: In the next 3-5 years, several skills are expected to become increasingly important in the mechanical engineering field:
Advanced Computational Skills: Proficiency in simulation and modeling software (like ANSYS, SolidWorks, or MATLAB) will be crucial as these tools become more integral in designing and testing complex systems.
Robotics and Automation: With industries moving towards automation, skills in robotics, automated systems, and knowledge of AI integration will be highly sought after.
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing: Expertise in 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques will be valuable as these technologies revolutionize product development and manufacturing processes.
Renewable Energy Technologies: As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, mechanical engineers with knowledge in solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies will be in high demand.
Data Analysis and IoT: Skills in data analytics and understanding the Internet of Things (IoT) will be important as more mechanical systems are connected and produce large amounts of data.
Materials Science: Knowledge in advanced materials, such as composites or smart materials, will be crucial for developing more efficient and sustainable products and systems.
Systems Engineering and Integration: The ability to understand and integrate various subsystems within a larger system will be key, especially in complex projects.
Project Management and Leadership: As projects become more complex, skills in project management and leadership will be essential for overseeing projects and leading teams effectively.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The ability to work effectively across disciplines, understanding aspects of electrical engineering, computer science, and even business, will be increasingly important.
Communication and Soft Skills: Strong communication skills, both for technical and non-technical audiences, along with teamwork and problem-solving skills, will always be invaluable in the engineering field.
Uises Gonzalez-Valle
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
What will help Lead Product Engineers increase their earning potential?
Uises Gonzalez-Valle: The beginning of professional life is not simple independent of the career path that you follow and ME and MET can have their own complications. However, some good advice would be to develop independence and adaptability which are key traits of an engineer, and always keep yourself updated with the most recent technological developments. If you are independent and adaptable, you have all the skills to learn and further your professional development. In addition, I would say it is essential to start building a network, including peers and mentors. Having a strong network of peers and mentors helps you significantly to progress in your professional line. From day-to-day to daily changing decisions, having a strong network to support would significantly help in building your professional path. Lastly, I would say that having a good Work-life balance is vital too, since our personal life is as important as our professional life. Remember, we should work to live instead of live to work.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Product Engineer?
Dr. Harvey Hoffman: Graduates need to be flexible and open to taking on new projects, exploring new industries, perhaps non-traditional areas where they see growth, while building and maintaining their networking relationships. Go where the demand is for the role you seek. I hate to use a cliche, but remember that your engineering career is a journey that may take you in many directions. Be open to change.
A professional in any field must continue to learn. Your engineering degree gave you the necessary tools. You must engage in lifelong learning to increase your knowledge and improve your skills and competencies to set yourself apart.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Lead Product Engineers?
Dr. Harvey Hoffman: At least shortly, the pandemic will impact us all. Clear communication with our managers, co-workers, and clients will remain vital, especially as we may not be meeting with each other in person. Documenting project details, actions discussed, and following up to close the circle so to speak will go a long way to maintain clear communication. While this should have taken place before this pandemic, it is more important than ever, now. Being flexible, helping when needed, and being proactive when you see something that needs to be done will contribute to a better work environment.
Keeping abreast of new products and processes within the field and continuing to learn new technologies. This will allow workers more agility to change careers and transition into new roles or industries, if need be.