The Highest Paying Non-Coding FAANG Jobs: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Are you interested in high-paying roles at tech companies that don’t require coding skills? Explore the top non-coding jobs at FAANG companies and their lucrative compensation. Discover the opportunities beyond software engineering!

Top Non-Coding Jobs at Tech Companies

• Software engineers at top tech companies are paid a significant amount, ranging from $175,000 to $1.82 million annually.

• Level 7 or 8 software engineers can earn 7-figure salaries, while it’s more achievable to reach level 5 or 6 by making the right career choices and putting in effort.

• However, not everyone might be suited for a software engineering role, and there are high-paying roles at tech companies that don’t require coding skills.

• One of the top non-coding jobs at these companies is that of a product manager.

• Product managers are responsible for setting product goals, understanding user needs, and coordinating with various teams to bring product plans to fruition.

• The role involves working with abstract concepts and is evaluated based on factors such as user engagement, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.

• While the role does not involve technical difficulty, it requires strong communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to align product goals with business objectives.

Product Management and Program Management Roles

• Product managers at lower levels, like L3, may not have direct reports and often work on subproducts of larger systems such as Instagram’s news feed or YouTube’s like button.

• Product management offers potential career growth up to seven figures as a product director, with many c-suite executives having started as product managers.

• However, breaking into product management is challenging due to the abstract and broad nature of the role, and many products worked on may be experimental and susceptible to cuts during recessions.

• Program managers, on the other hand, are responsible for executing the vision of the product manager, ensuring products are delivered on time and within budget by working with software engineers and solutions architects.

• The role of a program manager is about bringing together all the details to make the product manager’s vision a reality, typically working as DC to the CEO’s product manager.

Job Roles in Technology: Technical Program Manager, Regular Program Manager, and Solutions Architect

• Technical program managers (TPMs) and regular program managers have different focuses and responsibilities within the technology industry.

• TPMs are advised to pursue the technical route, as it not only offers the potential for higher pay but also makes it easier to secure roles due to the requirement of technical know-how. These roles often involve technical knowledge of cloud systems, databases, networks, and enterprise solutions.

• Becoming a software engineering DPM is one option for TPMs, while there are many GPM roles that do not require software engineering skills, focusing instead on technical knowledge of various technologies like SAP, Oracle, and Salesforce.

• In a downturned market, technical program managers can become irreplaceable within an organization, as they are responsible for critical technology infrastructure such as Google Cloud or internal software like SAP S/4HANA.

• Regular program managers, on the other hand, are more likely to focus on non-technical aspects such as supply chain management, marketing, or user interface (UI) testing. For example, a supply chain program manager at Apple would ensure the smooth distribution of iPhones to retail locations.

• Solutions architects have technical roles that are highly specific and competitive, requiring in-depth technical knowledge. However, this specificity also means that competition is limited to individuals with similar technical expertise.

• Overall, choosing between these roles depends on individual preferences and strengths, with technical program management offering a balance of technical skills and non-technical responsibilities.

The Role of Solutions Architects in the Tech Industry

• Solutions Architects can be described as the software engineers of non-coding tasks. They are responsible for handling all technological tasks that do not involve coding, such as migrations, deployments, database management, network management, infrastructure, and security.

• While technical expertise is essential, a significant part of the job involves communicating technical information to non-technical individuals. Internal Solutions Architects work with technical program managers to provide backend solutions, while external Solutions Architects assist enterprise customers in implementing company solutions.

• Job security for Solutions Architects is on par with software engineers, especially if they specialize in areas like cybersecurity. Specialization in sectors like Cloud Solutions or Enterprise Solutions, and mastering platforms like AWS, GCP, Azure, Oracle, SAP, or Salesforce, is common.

• In terms of career trajectory and compensation, Solutions Architects may not reach seven-figure salaries due to limited levels of compensation. However, at each level, they receive comparable compensation to Technical Program Managers (TPMs). Additionally, star Solutions Architects may easily transition to senior TPM roles, indicating a parallel career path.

Tech Roles in Tech Companies

• There are various non-tech roles in tech companies that do not require coding skills, such as product managers, program managers, and solutions architects.

• These non-tech roles are essential in delivering IT solutions and are in high demand across the job market in the modern age.

• For those interested in more business-oriented roles, product management or program management are suitable options, depending on the level of comfort with technical aspects.

• If you are comfortable with technical work but do not want to code specifically, becoming a solutions architect is a highly valuable option, as it does not involve coding.

• Tech companies also hire for non-tech roles like accountants, data scientists, park designers, business analysts, and recruiters, with substantial salaries.

• The most valuable and influential roles in tech companies are primarily tech-related, including software engineers, product managers, program managers, and solutions architects.

• While these non-tech roles are crucial, the most influential workers in tech companies are the tech workers, particularly software engineers and those directly involved with them.

• Even if one cannot directly join a top tech company, there are opportunities to work in supporting companies such as Cisco or Oracle, with the potential to transition into a tech company in the future.

Conclusion

Non-coding roles at top tech companies offer competitive salaries and ample career growth opportunities. Whether it’s product management, program management, or solutions architecture, the tech industry has lucrative paths that don’t require coding skills. Explore the diverse opportunities and secure a high-paying role in the booming tech sector!

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