Sales managers
SOC Code: 11-2022Also known as:
Account Manager, Area Sales Manager, BD Director (Business Development Director), BD Executive (Business Development Executive), BD Manager (Business Development Manager)
Median Annual Salary
$138,060
+4.7% growth (2024-2034)
49K
Openings/Year
620K
Current Jobs
What Sales managers Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
💰 Salary
$138,060
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.7%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
49K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
619,500
Projected Employment (2034)
648,500
Related Careers
Advertising and promotions managers
$126,960 •
-2.2% growth
Marketing managers
$161,030 •
+6.6% growth
Market research analysts and marketing specialists
$76,950 •
+6.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Negotiation
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Oversee regional and local sales managers and their staffs.
- Resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service.
- Monitor customer preferences to determine focus of sales efforts.
- Confer with potential customers regarding equipment needs, and advise customers on types of equipment to purchase.
- Review operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
- Plan and direct staffing, training, and performance evaluations to develop and control sales and service programs.
- Direct and coordinate activities involving sales of manufactured products, services, commodities, real estate, or other subjects of sale.
- Determine price schedules and discount rates.
- Prepare budgets and approve budget expenditures.
- Confer or consult with department heads to plan advertising services and to secure information on equipment and customer specifications.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Sales managers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a sales managers:
Business Administration and Management, General
336,590 degrees awarded •
2,332 colleges offer this program
Business/Commerce, General
57,976 degrees awarded •
815 colleges offer this program
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
50,466 degrees awarded •
957 colleges offer this program
Consumer Merchandising/Retailing Management
126 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management
84 degrees awarded •
7 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Sales managers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become sales managers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sales managers make?
The median annual salary for sales managers is $138,060.
What education do sales managers need?
Most sales managers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Business Administration and Management, General, Business/Commerce, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
Is becoming sales managers a good career choice?
Sales managers is projected to see +4.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 49,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for sales managers?
Top colleges for aspiring sales managers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Boston University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, The University of Texas at Austin.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to sales managers?
Sales managers may also be known as: Account Manager, Area Sales Manager, BD Director (Business Development Director), BD Executive (Business Development Executive), BD Manager (Business Development Manager), Business Developer, Channel Manager, Client Relationship Manager, Commercial Director, Commercial Sales Manager, Dealership Manager, Department Store Manager, District Manager, District Sales Manager, Division Manager, E-Commerce Director (Electronic Commerce Director), Export Manager, Fractional Sales Executive, Global Account Manager (GAM), Hotel Sales Manager.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.