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Job outlook for product specialists in the United States
Product specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected product specialist job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 150,300 new jobs for product specialists are projected over the next decade.
Product specialist salaries have increased 5% for product specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 21,071 product specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 103,863 active product specialist job openings in the US.
The average product specialist salary is $85,932.
Are product specialist jobs in demand?
Product specialist job and salary trends over time
Product specialist jobs over time
Product specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 21,071 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 19,992 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 19,653 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 18,481 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 17,268 | 0.01% |
Average product specialist salary over time
Product specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $85,932 | $41.31 | +3.2% |
| 2025 | $83,294 | $40.05 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $82,419 | $39.62 | --0.2% |
| 2023 | $82,563 | $39.69 | +1.1% |
| 2022 | $81,688 | $39.27 | +0.7% |
Product specialist jobs by state
Most common states for product specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 210 | 28% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 193 | 28% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 452 | 24% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 136 | 23% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,245 | 22% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 184 | 21% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 153 | 21% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,617 | 20% |
| 9 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 2,083 | 20% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,204 | 20% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 623 | 20% |
| 12 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,075 | 19% |
| 13 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 258 | 19% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,267 | 18% |
| 15 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 534 | 18% |
| 16 | Delaware | 961,939 | 175 | 18% |
| 17 | Vermont | 623,657 | 104 | 17% |
| 18 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,077 | 16% |
| 19 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 495 | 16% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 336 | 16% |
Most common cities for product specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eden Prairie | 3 | 5% | $69,529 |
| 2 | Medford | 3 | 5% | $74,122 |
| 3 | Miami | 7 | 2% | $59,952 |
| 4 | Birmingham | 4 | 2% | $58,107 |
| 5 | Chandler | 4 | 2% | $84,637 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 7 | 1% | $64,161 |
| 7 | Boston | 7 | 1% | $74,370 |
| 8 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $75,589 |
| 9 | Irvine | 3 | 1% | $110,072 |
| 10 | Orlando | 3 | 1% | $58,291 |
| 11 | Tampa | 3 | 1% | $59,456 |
| 12 | Chicago | 12 | 0% | $61,555 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 5 | 0% | $84,970 |
| 14 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $67,143 |
| 15 | Detroit | 3 | 0% | $71,111 |
| 16 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $60,320 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $111,272 |
| 18 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $108,302 |
| 19 | San Jose | 3 | 0% | $118,033 |
Product Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of product specialist experts
University of South Florida
Metropolitan State University of Denver
The University of Tampa
University of Richmond
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
University of Nevada, Reno
University of Central Arkansas
Southeast Missouri State University
Millikin University
Alverno College
Indiana University Southeast
Rowan University
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
The Ohio State University at Lima
Marymount Manhattan College
North Carolina Central University
Duquesne University
Forsyth County, Georgia
New Mexico State University
Stonehill College
Jay Civitillo
University of South Florida
Business/Commerce
What Product Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jay Civitillo: Good evening, Attached are my responses. I look forward to reviewing the draft. Have a great weekend!
What will help Product Specialists increase their earning potential?
Jay Civitillo: I mentioned this to the department chair. He asked me to develop responses, which he will review with other marketing professors. I can have formal answers back to you by the end of the week. Will this work?
Sally Baalbaki-Yassine Ph.D.
Department Chair, Professor and Digital Marketing Program DirectorMetropolitan State University of Denver
Marketing
What general advice would you give to a Product Specialist?
Sally Baalbaki-Yassine Ph.D.: Be adaptable, coachable, and willing to learn and grow. It is important to use the skills you have learned while earning your degree, but also to adapt to the environment you are in and be able to show your ability to always learn and grow.
Jennifer Burton Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Marketing, Vice President of the Faculty SenateThe University of Tampa
Marketing Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Product Specialists?
Jennifer Burton Ph.D.: The hard skills required for a successful career as a marketing specialist are those involved with building a marketing plan. A candidate needs to be able to: 1) use marketing segmentation to select the target audience, 2) develop a strong positioning strategy and execute it, 3) establish good objectives that align with business goals, 4) execute strategies regarding products, channels, pricing, and promotion. To do these things, you need to have a good understanding of marketing research and be able to use the results to identify the right business strategies to move the company ahead.
What soft skills should all Product Specialists possess?
Keith Webb: Oral and written communication skills are critical. Also, the ability to work within a team orientation, flexibility, and adaptability, to name a few.
What skills will help Product Specialists earn the most?
Keith Webb: While it depends on the industry, I believe students who develop and enhance their skill set in data analytics will ultimately reap significant incomes and longevity.
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management & AnalyticsUniversity of Nebraska- Lincoln
Supply Chain Management & Analytics Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Product Specialists?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Data processing, modeling, and analyses are important technical skills.
What skills will help Product Specialists earn the most?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: In almost all business disciplines, data analytics skills help most to stand out for salary negotiations.
What skills stand out on Product Specialist resumes?
Ozgur Araz Ph.D.: Recently, data management and analytics skills with a global understanding of business operations, including supply chain management, have stood out.
Jim McClenahan
Director of Career and Corporate OutreachUniversity of Nevada, Reno
College of Business
What soft skills should all Product Specialists possess?
Jim McClenahan: As I said, soft skills are desired more than ever. Angela Duckworth describes Grit as "Perseverance, effort, and skill." We can teach the skill; the other two have to come with the new hire. Empathy is important as someone grows in their career-you can't be an effective leader and not have empathy in your skillset.
Anthony McMullen
Associate Professor of Business Law and Director of Forensics, vUniversity of Central Arkansas
Accounting Department
What soft skills should all Product Specialists possess?
Anthony McMullen: Admittedly, I'm not a fan of the phrase "soft skills" v. "hard skills," as some might take such phrases to imply that soft skills are not as important or are easier to obtain. That being said, to answer the question, communication and critical-thinking skills are essential to a successful career. Communication skills (both oral and written) are necessary to convey messages. It does not matter how much technical expertise someone has if that person is unable to convey that expertise to others. Critical-thinking skills are important because skilled workers need to know how to think through problems. The answer will not always be readily apparent. And even when it is, workers need to ensure that they can analyze it to ensure that it is trustworthy. Maybe the information found is outdated, doesn't apply to the situation, or is just flat out wrong, and a skilled worker needs to be able to make that determination.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, adaptability is also necessary to be successful. So many jobs have changed (and will continue to change). Many people left their respective industries during the pandemic because they couldn't (or did not want to) adapt to change. Those who can, or at least try, will find more opportunities in the workplace.
What skills stand out on Product Specialist resumes?
Anthony McMullen: This will depend on the specific field. Business is an incredibly broad area. Anyone with a business type of degree will at least obtain basic knowledge in accounting, economics, finance, management, and marketing. These skills should be highlighted. But when thinking about a resume, workers should think about (and participate in) experiences that allow them to use these skills. And once they have these experiences, they should be able to articulate how they used these skills on a resume. Don't just say, "I did ______." Say, "I used _________ in order to accomplish __________."
What skills will help Product Specialists earn the most?
Anthony McMullen: Acquiring a specialty is great, but specialization should not come at the expense of a broad and diverse knowledge base. Within specialized fields, many people will have the training/education to do the job, but what makes a particular person special? What will give that person the chance to branch out or to think about other avenues to accomplish the task? That will help workers maximize opportunities.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Product Specialists?
Anthony McMullen: Generally, the most valuable hard skills are going to depend on your field. So, it is hard to identify a specific "hard skill" that is most important. The current "buzz words" in business education is data analytics, or the ability to use tools to analyze and present data. Our society is increasingly data-driven. How do people wade through all of this information and provide something useful? Those who can do this well will have the upper hand.
Scott Thorne Ph.D.
InstructorSoutheast Missouri State University
Department of Marketing
What soft skills should all Product Specialists possess?
Scott Thorne Ph.D.: Team building, leadership, co-operation, salesmanship. I always tell my students to show any leadership positions they had while in school on their resumes as businesses value people who can both take the initiative and work well with others.
Dr. Carrie Trimble
Associate Professor of MarketingMillikin University
Tabor School of Business
What soft skills should all Product Specialists possess?
Dr. Carrie Trimble: Communication skills and problem-solving top this list. When less is done face-to-face, businesses and their customers have new problems at hand and fewer communication methods at their disposal. Customers have also been dealing with a high level of stress for over a year now, so applicants who can empathetically, reliably, and efficiently communicate via e-mail and phone will rise to the top.
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Business and Management, MBA Faculty Director, Associate - School Sisters of St. FrancisAlverno College
Business and Management Department
What skills stand out on Product Specialist resumes?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: The skills or competencies that stand out are those that add value to an organization. They complement the skills of those already working there and advance the organization's products, services, or culture. Transferrable or timeless skills transcend industries and stand out on resumes. They include leadership, teamwork, project management, and collaboration. Of course, individuals who list these skills on their resumes should effectively demonstrate that they have developed and are proficient in these areas. Business specialists should be ready to provide examples in writing/print or audio-video media, such as links to their work.
What soft skills should all Product Specialists possess?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: Today's business environment is complex and continues to evolve. Creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage or lead in turbulent times are essential twenty-first-century skills. Critical and strategic thinking, organizing, and planning are also salient skills. Business specialists with these skills make important contributions to their organizations. They often lead when no one else can or wants to. Communicating and being visible throughout one's division, department, or organization are important to the well-being and prosperity of the organization and the individuals who work there. Business specialists can develop and practice these leadership skills on-site or remotely. Internal and external relationship-building leads to trustworthy and mutually beneficial relationships and/or partnerships.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Product Specialists?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: Respectful communication, including email and video conferencing etiquette, is most important across all settings. Different business functions and roles require different skill sets. What is hard for some can be easy or relatively easy for others. Becoming proficient in office productivity software/applications and presentation platforms is vital to one's career development. The ability to effectively network online is also important. I encourage my students to keep their professional profiles on LinkedIn current. If they need to develop their time management skills, I encourage them to use a calendar or scheduling tool.
What skills will help Product Specialists earn the most?
Stephani Richards-Wilson Ph.D.: My experience has been that it depends on the position, organization, and industry, among other variables. Digital and information literacy are key to researching, analyzing, and evaluating credible information, in this case, skills that are in demand and could lead to well-paying jobs. I would emphasize, however, that there are intrinsic benefits that sometimes eclipse salary as the primary consideration. It depends on the individual and how they want to improve their quality of life, earn incentives, or be compensated. For many, contributing to an organization that promotes humane and positive interactions, allows for flexible work arrangements, and aligns with one's personal values is paramount. I encourage business specialists to stay vigilant and knowledgeable about developing industry or marketplace trends. Embrace continuous learning, upskilling, and workplace training to remain relevant in the post-pandemic world.
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorRowan University
Department of Language, Literacy and Sociocultural education
How would you rate the starting salaries for Product Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Kate Seltzer Ph.D.: Educators are not paid nearly enough. However, working in a state with strong teachers' unions helps to ensure a starting salary that recent graduates can live off of and growth opportunities, albeit modest, over their careers.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Product Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Ng'ang'a Muchiri: I think the synergy between AI, machine learning, and the humanities, in general, will be exciting. There are whole product lines and industries currently just beyond our reach.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Product Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Ng'ang'a Muchiri: Initial salary prospects in the Humanities, in general, and English, in particular, trail those in finance, law, medicine, STEM. But I also think the massive paradigm shifts that emerge from creativity within the Humanities CAN rake in a substantial payday. For instance, Shonda Rhimes signing a 9-figure contract with Netflix. Of course, such windfalls are few and far between.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Product Specialists to find work opportunities?
Leah Herner-Patnode: Usually, urban areas of bigger cities and southern states, such as North Carolina, have many openings. Maine, Florida, California, Hawaii, Washington, and Texas are the most open positions.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Product Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Vandana Rao Ph.D.: Skills related to technology will be in great demand. More jobs require a higher level of mastery in designing remote work, learning, and collaborating tools.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Product Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Vandana Rao Ph.D.: Software related to operations management, big data analysis for planning and forecasting, software for virtual collaboration -- all of these will be in high demand. There will be rapid development of more sophisticated tools - and all professionals will need to keep pace with the latest in tech.
Elisha Blankson
Program Director NCCU, Assistant ProfessorNorth Carolina Central University
Communication Disorders Department
What type of skills will young Product Specialists need?
Elisha Blankson: Graduates will need a skill set about the field in which they received training and additional skills useful to the job market. For example, with the changing demographics in the United States, extra skills in information technology and foreign languages will be a plus when entering the job market.
How do you envision technology impacting Product Specialists in the next 5 years?
Richard Longo: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will, by far, have the most significant impact. As this grows and develops, businesses will need to have the requisite skills and mindset to pivot away from traditional working ways. Skills will be needed to train and educate the work to be better equipped to move from human-focused work culture to a more robotic one.
What type of skills will young Product Specialists need?
Richard Longo: Key will be how to use performance metrics to determine and assess productivity. Outbound marketing will be another required requisite for effective management. How e-commerce and AI will force most businesses, both big and small, to think globally.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Product Specialists to find work opportunities?
Donna Kukarola: This one, not so sure of, the southeast continues to see options as well as mid-western states.
Argie Hernandez
Division AdvisorNew Mexico State University
Business & Public Services
What type of skills will young Product Specialists need?
Argie Hernandez: -Problem Solving
-Computer skills
-Writing and Communication
-Critical Thinking
-Team Player (very important)
How do you envision technology impacting Product Specialists in the next 5 years?
Argie Hernandez: Technology today is used in almost all we do, from online banking to our kitchen appliances, and fire science is not the exception. Technology will undoubtedly impact firefighters because tracking devices and drones are a must to save lives and firefighters themselves. One of the latest advances, in technology, in the fire service, is a helmet that incorporates a thermal imaging camera into the facepiece to provide constant visibility.
Glen Ilacqua
Associate Professor of Accounting, Accounting Program DirectorStonehill College
Department of Business Administration
How would you rate the starting salaries for Product Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Glen Ilacqua: The starting salaries are above average, and the job prospects are also above average. The accounting majors tend to move up rather quickly, and the wages are above average all along the way.