Sales Manager vs Account Manager: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Sales Manager
Lead and coach a team of sales reps to hit quarterly revenue targets.
Account Manager
Retain and grow existing customer relationships to maximise lifetime value.
Sales Manager earns more on average — the national median is $37,000/year (42%) higher than a Account Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Sales Manager vs Account Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Sales Manager | Account Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $183,378 | $129,913 | Sales +$53,465 |
| New York, NY | $147,959 | $105,329 | Sales +$42,630 |
| Seattle, WA | $178,272 | $125,634 | Sales +$52,638 |
| Austin, TX | $136,810 | $98,015 | Sales +$38,795 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,712 | $96,439 | Sales +$40,273 |
| Boston, MA | $165,180 | $117,944 | Sales +$47,236 |
| London, UK | £98,056 | £66,709 | Sales +$31,347 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$163,403 | CA$113,814 | Sales +$49,589 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Sales Manager or Account Manager earn more?+
A Sales Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Sales Manager is $125,000/year, compared to $88,000/year for a Account Manager — a difference of $37,000 (42%).
Which has better career growth — Sales Manager or Account Manager?+
Sales Manager roles are growing at 10% YoY while Account Manager demand is growing at 12% YoY. Account Manager has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Sales Manager to Account 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 — Sales Manager or Account Manager?+
Sales Manager has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.