Salary Outlook
The Labor Department reports that sales managers earned a median average salary of $101,640 in 2011. The best-paid made more than $187,000 a year, while the worst-paid made around $51,760. The highest earners worked in the metropolitan areas of New York City, and New Bedford, Mass., as well as Lowell, Mass.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $96,700.00 |
| 2004 | $100,600.00 |
| 2006 | $111,120.00 |
| 2008 | $121,740.00 |
| 2010 | $114,110.00 |
Average Sales Manager Pay vs. All Business Jobs
In the business realm, sales managers are on the upper end of the scale in terms of salary. The average sales manager's salary is double that of the average sales representative's. Business operations managers make a comparable salary, at $95,150, while financial managers and marketing managers earn slightly more.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $116,010.00 |
| Financial Manager | $107,160.00 |
| Sales Manager | $101,640.00 |
| Business Operations Manager | $95,150.00 |
| Sales Representative | $53,540.00 |
See Complete List of Best Business Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Sales Managers
The highest paid in the sales manager profession work in the metropolitan areas of New York City, NY, New Bedford, MA, and Lowell, MA. The San Jose, CA area also pays well, as does the city of Wilmington, DE.
New York City, NY
Average Salary: $179,210 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a sales manager working in New York City, NY is $179,210, which is $77,570 more than the average pay in the profession.
New Bedford, MA
Average Salary: $164,140 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a sales manager working in New Bedford, MA is $164,140, which is $62,500 more than the average pay in the profession.
Lowell, MA
Average Salary: $162,020 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a sales manager working in Lowell, MA is $162,020, which is $60,380 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $157,740 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a sales manager working in San Jose, CA is $157,740, which is $56,100 more than the average pay in the profession.
Wilmington, DE
Average Salary: $155,490 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a sales manager working in Wilmington, DE is $155,490, which is $53,850 more than the average pay in the profession.
