Sales Manager 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.
Sales Manager
Lead and coach a team of sales reps to hit quarterly revenue targets.
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 $70,000/year (56%) higher than a Sales Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Sales Manager vs VP of Sales — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Sales Manager | VP of Sales | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $183,378 | $290,221 | Sales $106,843 |
| New York, NY | $147,959 | $228,925 | Sales $80,966 |
| Seattle, WA | $178,272 | $277,452 | Sales $99,180 |
| Austin, TX | $136,810 | $219,642 | Sales $82,832 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,712 | $213,962 | Sales $77,250 |
| Boston, MA | $165,180 | $258,565 | Sales $93,385 |
| London, UK | £98,056 | £153,845 | Sales $55,789 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$163,403 | CA$265,607 | Sales $102,204 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Sales Manager or VP of Sales earn more?+
A VP of Sales earns more on average. The national median salary for a Sales Manager is $125,000/year, compared to $195,000/year for a VP of Sales — a difference of $70,000 (56%).
Which has better career growth — Sales Manager or VP of Sales?+
Sales Manager roles are growing at 10% YoY while VP of Sales demand is growing at 12% YoY. VP of Sales has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Sales Manager to VP of Sales?+
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 VP of Sales?+
VP of Sales has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.