Business Development Manager vs Customer Success Manager: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Business Development Manager
Identify and pursue growth opportunities through partnerships and new markets.
Customer Success Manager
Ensure customers achieve their goals and maximise value from the product.
Business Development Manager earns more on average — the national median is $26,258/year (23%) higher than a Customer Success Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Business Development Manager vs Customer Success Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Business Development Manager | Customer Success Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $205,359 | $171,410 | Business +$33,949 |
| New York, NY | $171,357 | $136,958 | Business +$34,399 |
| Seattle, WA | $203,990 | $168,974 | Business +$35,016 |
| Austin, TX | $154,205 | $127,948 | Business +$26,257 |
| Chicago, IL | $150,219 | $125,949 | Business +$24,270 |
| Boston, MA | $185,946 | $154,512 | Business +$31,434 |
| London, UK | £107,326 | £88,196 | Business +$19,130 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$193,355 | CA$152,022 | Business +$41,333 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Business Development Manager or Customer Success Manager earn more?+
A Business Development Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Business Development Manager is $141,794/year, compared to $115,536/year for a Customer Success Manager — a difference of $26,258 (23%).
Which has better career growth — Business Development Manager or Customer Success Manager?+
Business Development Manager roles are growing at 12% YoY while Customer Success Manager demand is growing at 22% YoY. Customer Success Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Business Development Manager to Customer Success Manager?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: CRM.
Which is harder to automate — Business Development Manager or Customer Success Manager?+
Business Development Manager has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 28%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.