Account Executive vs VP of Sales: 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.
VP of Sales
Own the entire sales organisation, strategy, and go-to-market execution.
VP of Sales earns more on average — the national median is $77,000/year (65%) 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 VP of Sales — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Account Executive | VP of Sales | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $175,134 | $290,221 | Account $115,087 |
| New York, NY | $146,442 | $228,925 | Account $82,483 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,371 | $277,452 | Account $110,081 |
| Austin, TX | $132,628 | $219,642 | Account $87,014 |
| Chicago, IL | $128,530 | $213,962 | Account $85,432 |
| Boston, MA | $153,915 | $258,565 | Account $104,650 |
| London, UK | £89,364 | £153,845 | Account $64,481 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$156,832 | CA$265,607 | Account $108,775 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Account Executive or VP of Sales earn more?+
A VP of Sales earns more on average. The national median salary for a Account Executive is $118,000/year, compared to $195,000/year for a VP of Sales — a difference of $77,000 (65%).
Which has better career growth — Account Executive or VP of Sales?+
Account Executive roles are growing at 14% YoY while VP of Sales demand is growing at 12% YoY. Account Executive has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Account Executive to VP of Sales?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: CRM.
Which is harder to automate — Account Executive or VP of Sales?+
VP of Sales has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.