Tech IndustryApr 2, 2019
Applelbtvitub1

Program manager vs TPM at Google

What is the difference between them? Which one has a better career path? Comp wise and also impact to the company wise.

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Google sundaaaaar Apr 2, 2019

In theory the difference is the T (technical judgement), in practice none. Comp - I heard TPM is better. Impact - I like your naïveté.

Apple lbtvitub1 OP Apr 2, 2019

Thanks :) Roles and responsibilities are the same for both?

Google AIMLOK Apr 2, 2019

Program Manager (PgM) and TPM (TPgM) share the same career ladder at Google. The primary difference between these two are that TPMs are calibrated for SWE/engineering judgment during interviews or conversion. Based on the ladder requirements, a TPM at level N is expected to have engineering judgment of a SWE at level N-1, generally speaking. TPM 5/6 should have at least SWE 4 judgment. TPMs generally work on assignments or areas that require a technical background, and are expected to exercise their technical judgment in their work. There is typically a difference in paybands and TC between Program Managers and Technical Program Managers. Anecdotally speaking, people often say about 20%+ difference at the same level. Probably much higher for some fields/backgrounds. The highest TPM or Program Manager at Google, using this ladder is at L8 (Director)

Apple lbtvitub1 OP Apr 2, 2019

What a meaningful response. Thanks a lot. For program manager, what are they compared to when it comes to judgement. Is it SWE N-1 - 20% for Program Manager?

Google AIMLOK Apr 2, 2019

A Program Manager and TPMs will generally be assed for "General Cognitive Ability" (GCA) during interviews. This are signals general problem solving abilities and judgment. Not sure how to interpret your second question (i.e. SWE N-1). Generally TC for SWE will be higher than TPM for similar levels. This can vary based on some factors, such as domain specialization, competing offers. But generally SWE TC will average higher. Also true for Product Manager over TPM. Practically speaking, there are no L3 TPMs at Google, and there shouldn't be based on the nature of the role (in theory).