How to become sales managerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$148,270
25th–75th pct. $100,360–$207,340
Top pay (est.)
$377,700
Top 10% $290,540
Pay in 5 years
$168,400est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$191,200est.
$164,400–$222,000
Outlook score
58/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
65%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.5%
47K openings / yr
How to become sales managers
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Sales Managers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Selling or Influencing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCoaching and Developing OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving Problems
Important abilities
Oral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionSpeech ClarityOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionDeductive Reasoning
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as sales managers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.