Business Development Manager vs Growth 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.
Growth Manager
Drive user acquisition and retention through data-driven experiments across channels.
Business Development Manager earns more on average — the national median is $63,034/year (80%) higher than a Growth Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Business Development Manager vs Growth Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Business Development Manager | Growth Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $205,359 | $112,899 | Business +$92,460 |
| New York, NY | $171,357 | $94,483 | Business +$76,874 |
| Seattle, WA | $203,990 | $102,170 | Business +$101,820 |
| Austin, TX | $154,205 | $88,688 | Business +$65,517 |
| Chicago, IL | $150,219 | $85,657 | Business +$64,562 |
| Boston, MA | $185,946 | $103,069 | Business +$82,877 |
| London, UK | £107,326 | £60,520 | Business +$46,806 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$193,355 | CA$107,500 | Business +$85,855 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Business Development Manager or Growth 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 $78,760/year for a Growth Manager — a difference of $63,034 (80%).
Which has better career growth — Business Development Manager or Growth Manager?+
Business Development Manager roles are growing at 12% YoY while Growth Manager demand is growing at 28% YoY. Growth Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Business Development Manager to Growth Manager?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Business Development Manager or Growth Manager?+
Business Development Manager has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.