How do I transition from engineer to engineering manager?

Start by taking on leadership opportunities: lead projects, mentor juniors, run meetings. Have explicit conversations with your manager about management interest. Consider a tech lead role first. Read management books, find a mentor who is a manager. The transition often happens when an opportunity arises.

How long does it take to become an engineering manager?

Most engineering managers have 5-10 years of engineering experience before transitioning. However, timeline varies significantly. Some become managers in 3-4 years at fast-growing startups. Focus on developing leadership skills rather than a specific timeline.

Engineering Manager vs Tech Lead - what's the difference?

Tech Leads focus primarily on technical direction while still coding significantly. Engineering Managers focus on people, team health, and delivery with less coding. Some roles combine both (Tech Lead Manager). EMs have direct reports; Tech Leads typically don't. Both are valid career paths.

Do engineering managers still write code?

Varies by company and team size. New managers of small teams often code 20-40% of time. Managers of larger teams code much less. Most stay technical by reviewing code, participating in design discussions, and staying current with technology. Coding shouldn't block your team.

What if I don't like management?

It's common to try management and prefer the IC (individual contributor) track. Many companies have Staff/Principal engineer paths that match manager compensation. Trying management teaches valuable skills either way. It's okay to go back to IC - there's no failure in finding your best fit.

What skills matter most for new engineering managers?

One-on-ones and feedback delivery are foundational. Clear communication prevents most problems. Delegation is challenging but essential. Hiring well saves enormous pain. Build trust quickly. The best technical skills matter less than people skills in management.

How do I handle difficult conversations?

Be direct but kind. Prepare thoroughly. Focus on behavior and impact, not personality. Listen more than you speak. Have conversations early before problems grow. Follow up in writing. Practice with lower-stakes conversations first. Get coaching from experienced managers.

How do I know if I'm a good engineering manager?

Your team is productive and improving. People want to stay and grow on your team. You have high trust with directs and peers. Projects ship consistently. You're not a bottleneck. Team members give honest feedback. Your skip-levels with your reports' team are positive.

2026 Roadmap

Engineering Manager Roadmap

Master people management, technical leadership, hiring, performance management, and organizational skills. Your complete guide to becoming an Engineering Manager in 2026.

2-4 Years•Advanced•High Demand

What is an Engineering Manager?

Engineering Managers lead software engineering teams, focusing on people development, team health, and delivery execution. They bridge the gap between technical work and organizational goals while growing their team members' careers.

As an Engineering Manager, you will conduct one-on-ones, hire and onboard engineers, manage performance, set technical direction, remove blockers, and ensure your team delivers value while maintaining work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop engineering team members
Conduct effective one-on-ones and feedback
Hire, onboard, and retain talent
Manage performance and career growth
Set technical direction and standards
Drive project delivery and execution
Build healthy team culture

Learning Roadmap

Click on any topic to mark it as complete

Your Progress0/21 completed

Technical Foundation

You have technical credibility!

People Management Fundamentals

Hiring & Onboarding

You can build teams!

Performance Management

Communication & Influence

Project & Delivery Management

You can deliver projects!

Technical Strategy

Team Health & Culture

Scaling & Organization

Leadership Growth

You are an Engineering Manager!

Not Started

Completed

Milestone

Engineering Manager Salaries 2026

United States (USD/Year)

New Manager (0-2 yrs)

$150K - $190K

$170K

Manager (2-5 yrs)

$180K - $240K

$210K

Senior Manager (5-8 yrs)

$220K - $300K

$260K

Director+ (8+ yrs)

$280K - $400K+

$340K

India (INR/Year)

New Manager (0-2 yrs)

₹30L - ₹45L

₹38L

Manager (2-5 yrs)

₹45L - ₹70L

₹55L

Senior Manager (5-8 yrs)

₹65L - ₹1Cr

₹80L

Director+ (8+ yrs)

₹90L - ₹1.5Cr+

₹1.2Cr

Engineering Manager salaries vary significantly by company stage and team size. FAANG and well-funded startups pay significantly more. Total compensation often includes significant equity. Director+ roles at large companies can exceed $500K total compensation.

Project Ideas

Build these to strengthen your portfolio

Lead a Project

Beginner

Lead a small project end-to-end

PlanningCoordinationCommunicationDelivery

Mentor a Junior

Beginner

Formally mentor a teammate

MentoringFeedbackCareer GuidanceTeaching

Run Hiring Loop

Intermediate

Own hiring for a role

JD WritingInterviewingEvaluationClosing

Process Improvement

Intermediate

Improve team processes

AnalysisChange ManagementMeasurementIteration

Cross-team Initiative

Advanced

Lead cross-functional project

Stakeholder ManagementInfluenceCoordinationExecution

Team Scaling

Advanced

Double your team size

HiringOnboardingStructureCulture

Frequently Asked Questions

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