Product manager vs mobile testing: which to choose in US tech?

Building digital products is an absorbing process, and a well-paid one. But there are different parts to play in it. A product manager takes on the strategy and the product's direction, while a mobile tester takes on the technical side and makes sure the application has no defects.
Each direction calls for a particular set of skills. For anyone deciding which way to go and which course to take, we put together this short guide covering the responsibilities of each, the working conditions and prospects, and what each earns in the USA.

What a product manager does in the USA

A product manager can be involved in building applications, software or web services. Their main job is to oversee development and shape the product's strategy. They work closely with the rest of the team: developers, designers, marketers and clients.

A product manager's responsibilities:

1. Working closely with the client.
2. Researching the market and the competition, and studying what users need.
3. Developing the product's strategy.
4. Setting tasks for the developers and following their progress.
5. Prioritising the work.
6. Testing hypotheses and working with analytics.
7. Improving the product on the strength of the data.

To do well here a product manager needs strong communication skills, business sense and solid hard skills. Among the technical ones:

• an understanding of programming and technology fundamentals;
• product analytics — Google Analytics, SQL, Amplitude, Mixpanel;
• an understanding of Agile, Scrum and Kanban;
• a basic knowledge of UX/UI;
• the ability to run A/B tests;
• assessing ROI, monetisation strategies and unit economics;
• working with Confluence, Figma, Jira, Miro, Trello and Notion.

The profession is about more than managing projects. It takes in analysis, work with technology, a great deal of communication and active involvement in the business. And if America is your goal, put particular emphasis on soft skills: build your leadership, develop strategic thinking, show flexibility and learn to negotiate.

What mobile testing involves in the USA

Every mobile application is tested before release. Mobile testing is about checking that a product works, is secure and is comfortable to use.

A mobile tester in the USA is therefore responsible for:

1. Checking that the application's functionality matches what was originally intended.
2. Assessing how usable the interface is and watching for inconsistencies in the navigation.
3. Testing the product on iOS, Android and different operating system versions.
4. Checking how quickly the application loads.
5. Checking that user data is protected, working with Charles Proxy and Postman.

Like a product manager, a tester needs both technical and soft skills. A mobile testing specialist understands mobile platforms more deeply and has a full command of testing tools such as Charles Proxy, Postman, Appium and Selenium. A tester does not communicate with colleagues as much as a product manager does, but they must be attentive to detail, think critically and be able to put themselves in an ordinary user's place.

Comparing the salaries

To find out what each earns, the vacancies are the simplest and most reliable source. We looked at America, and here is what we concluded:

1. A product manager earns more than a mobile testing specialist.
2. Income depends on the region.
3. The standing of the company matters enormously.
4. In the USA employers weigh each candidate's individual skills. The more you know and can do, the better your chance of higher pay.

According to Glassdoor and Indeed, a mobile tester starting out earns $60,000–$75,000 a year. A junior product manager can expect $90,000–$110,000. Both salaries rise with experience.

Which is better to learn from scratch?

When choosing a direction in tech, weigh more than demand and pay. Make sure the field genuinely interests you and matches your goals. Training in either is not hard to come by today.

What makes a mobile testing career appealing:

1. A quick way into the industry. PASV teaches the profession from scratch in three months.
2. Room for fast career growth. It is easier to move into QA automation and earn more.
3. Good working conditions. You can work remotely, freelance or on staff, and choose your niche.

A product management career has its own advantages:

1. Higher pay from the start.
2. The chance to shape business decisions.
3. Good prospects — you can grow into head of product or CPO.

PASV offers good, fast training in the tech specialisms the market wants. Choose the direction that interests you, gain invaluable knowledge and build the skills that open real career possibilities.

Frequently asked questions

Can you learn mobile testing from scratch?
Yes.

How long is the mobile testing course at PASV?
Three months.

What are the employment prospects after the course?
We help students with their resumes, prepare them for interviews and provide an internship. Our graduates work at Google, Amazon and other leading tech companies.

Can mobile testing be learned remotely?
Yes. PASV courses are online.

Will I get a certificate on finishing the course?
Yes.