How to Become a Sales Manager
Lead sales teams to targets: set strategy, coach reps, and own the revenue number. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $148,270 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$148,270/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
49,000
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Sales Strategy
- Team Leadership
- Forecasting
- Negotiation
- CRM Tools
Helpful certifications
- CPSL/CPSP (NASP sales leadership)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Entrepreneur / Business Founder$213,990 median
- Human Resources Manager$149,280 median
- Purchasing Manager$148,080 median
- Administrative Services Manager$114,130 median
- Facilities Manager$106,660 median
- Operations Manager$105,770 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Sales Manager make?
The median pay for a Sales Manager is $148,270 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Sales Manager?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Business Administration, Marketing, and Communications.
Is Sales Manager a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 49,000 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Sales Manager use most?
Common skills for this role are Sales Strategy, Team Leadership, Forecasting, Negotiation, and CRM Tools.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.