Account Executive vs Sales Manager: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Account Executive
Manage the full sales cycle to close new business and expand existing accounts.
Sales Manager
Lead and coach a team of sales reps to hit quarterly revenue targets.
Sales Manager earns more on average — the national median is $7,000/year (6%) higher than a Account Executive. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Account Executive vs Sales Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Account Executive | Sales Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $175,134 | $183,378 | Account $8,244 |
| New York, NY | $146,442 | $147,959 | Account $1,517 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,371 | $178,272 | Account $10,901 |
| Austin, TX | $132,628 | $136,810 | Account $4,182 |
| Chicago, IL | $128,530 | $136,712 | Account $8,182 |
| Boston, MA | $153,915 | $165,180 | Account $11,265 |
| London, UK | £89,364 | £98,056 | Account $8,692 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$156,832 | CA$163,403 | Account $6,571 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Account Executive or Sales Manager earn more?+
A Sales Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Account Executive is $118,000/year, compared to $125,000/year for a Sales Manager — a difference of $7,000 (6%).
Which has better career growth — Account Executive or Sales Manager?+
Account Executive roles are growing at 14% YoY while Sales Manager demand is growing at 10% YoY. Account Executive has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Account Executive to Sales Manager?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Salesforce.
Which is harder to automate — Account Executive or Sales Manager?+
Sales Manager has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.