Top 28 best paying sales jobs
Looking for a High-Paying Sales Job?
Sales jobs can differ significantly depending on the product being sold and the target audience. For example, you could be providing a software solution to solve a company’s efficiency issues, offering a medical device to minimize mistakes in surgeries, or helping a family find the perfect home.
At its core, sales is about identifying a client or customers problem and then convincing them that whatever youre selling is the solution to that problem. When you work in sales, it is your job to uncover the clients pain point, understand the vision of what they want, and be able to explain how your product will bridge the gap from pain point to vision, says Betty Kempa, an executive career change coach that specializes in helping people transition into their dream careers, including sales.
Sales jobs offer high income potential and are a great option for those looking to enter the workforce. Here are seven of the highest-paying sales jobs, along with the skills and experience you’ll need to be successful.
Before we jump into the high-paying sales roles you may want to pursue in your career, let’s quickly cover how we’re defining “high-paying.”
We used data from salary and compensation resource Payscale to evaluate the income potential of a variety of sales roles. When you account for base salary, commission, and bonuses, each of the roles included on this list has a total income potential well over the median household income in the United States, which was $63,179 in 2018, the last year with available data. (Payscale’s database is updated nightly; the figures below reflect the latest information as of May 2020.)
Here are the Top 10 Highest Paying Sales Jobs in 2022
Before you decide on which high-paying sales roles to pursue, it’s important to know what we mean by “high paying.”
We analyzed data from Payscale to evaluate the income potential of a variety of sales roles. When you account for base salary, commission, and bonuses, each role included on this list has a total income potential that far exceeds the median household income in the United States. As of May 2020, the latest year with available data, median household incomes were $63,179.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what it takes to become a successful salesperson, let’s look at some of the highest-paying roles. They’re listed here from top to bottom in terms of average annual compensation.
Salespeople complete a variety of daily tasks with the primary goal of generating leads and improving sales for their company. Sales positions at entry, management, and executive levels often lead to an increase in salary and responsibility.
A commission is a percentage of the profit from each sale. This can lead to high earnings for salespeople in certain jobs, as products or services with higher prices typically generate more profits.
1. Enterprise Sales/Account Executive
Average salary: $75,000
Salary range: $54,000–$133,000
Average commission: $64,709
Average bonus: $32,500
Average profit sharing: n/a
Total average compensation: $172,209
Enterprise sales executives work with enterprise clients, typically large buyers who require a lot of product in order to justify the cost. Their incomes are usually higher than those in other sales roles because they have more opportunity to make a big impact on their company’s bottom line.
There is a lot of pressure that comes with being a business’ biggest client.
Salespeople typically have to work their way up the corporate ladder, although candidates with an MBA may be able to get their foot in the door.
Enterprise Sales/Account Executive
2. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Average salary: $81,798
Salary range: $50,000–$118,000
Average commission: $20,268
Average bonus: $23,974
Average profit sharing: $6,904
Total average compensation: $132,944
Sales representatives visit doctors’ offices, hospitals and other medical facilities to build relationships with physicians and educate them on the drug or pharmaceutical company they are representing. The ultimate goal is to increase prescriptions written for the product being sold. A high GPA and a degree from a top-tier school are generally needed in order to break into this competitive industry.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
3. Realtor
Average salary: $54,451
Salary range: $24,000–$150,000
Average commission: $40,963
Average bonus: $3,600
Average profit sharing: $9,826
Total average compensation: $108,840
A real estate agent is a professional who helps people buy or sell property. They receive commission for their work, which can be in the form of a percentage of the sale price.
To be a successful real estate agent, you don’t need any specific qualifications or experience. However, to be licensed and work in the industry, you must pass an exam from your state’s real estate board. To call yourself a realtor, you must also be a member of the National Association of Realtors.
Realtor
4. Medical Device Sales Representative
Average salary: $60,138
Salary range: $41,000–$98,000
Average commission: $31,123
Average bonus: $14,740
Average profit sharing: $1,200
Total average compensation: $107,201
Medical device sales reps sell medical devices to doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals. In order to be successful in this field, sales reps must know their product extremely well and be willing to go above and beyond in order to ensure that doctors are using their devices correctly.
Medical sales reps typically have a bachelor’s degree and in-depth knowledge of the medical implications of their devices. They also need to be tolerant of watching medical procedures.
Medical Device Sales Representative
5. Sales Engineer
Average salary: $72,953
Salary range: $50,000–$112,000
Average commission: $19,490
Average bonus: $8,213
Average profit sharing: $4,045
Total average compensation: $104,701
Sales engineers are a unique type of professional who have a blend of sales, engineering, science, and technology skills. They help companies sell complex technology products or services to their customers. Sales engineers typically work for companies that sell equipment or mechanical systems. Their responsibilities can include evaluating a client’s equipment or system, getting a clear understanding of the client’s needs, and delivering customized product solutions.
Many sales engineers require a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering (or equivalent experience) to be successful in the field.
Sales Engineer
6. Software Sales Representative
Average salary: $51,782
Salary range: $36,000–$93,000
Average commission: $23,945
Average bonus: $10,000
Average profit sharing: $5,000
Total average compensation: $90,727
Software sales reps typically work for technology companies, selling their company’s software to other businesses and professionals. They have responsibilities similar to those of sales development representatives and/or account executives, with the exact mix depending on the role and seniority.
In order to be successful in selling software, you don’t need any specific background or education. However, many companies want their sales representatives to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Because software can be complex, you need to have the knowledge and understanding of technology so that you can effectively explain and tout its benefits.
Software Sales Representative
7. Major Gifts Officer
Average salary: $69,295
Salary range: $50,000–$95,000
Average commission: n/a
Average bonus: $2,986
Average profit sharing: $50
Total average compensation: $72,281
A major gift officer is responsible for driving charitable giving from individuals, rather than grants from foundations and other institutions. They use their skills and talents to sell the company’s mission to donors, which can lead to large donations for the nonprofit.
If you want to work as a major gifts officer, you’ll need at least a few years of experience working in fundraising for a nonprofit. This isn’t an entry-level role, but if you’re committed to finding ways to combine sales and mission-driven work, this could be the perfect hybrid role.
Major Gifts Officer
8. Google Cloud – Field Sales Representative
- Total Compensation: $448,202
- Base salary: $141,363
- Commission at 100% of Quota: $211,837
- Signing + Stock Bonus ($ Value / Year): $95,000
Google Cloud is the highest-paid field sales organization on our list, with average total compensation of $448,202 and a 40/60 base commission split.
Google Cloud is a relatively new player in the tech industry, but it has been growing rapidly and is now considered a serious competitor to more experienced companies like IBM, AWS, Microsoft, and Oracle. In Q4 of Fiscal Year 2022, Google Cloud reported revenue of $5.5 billion – an increase of 45% from the previous year. This indicates that there are plenty of potential customers who are yet to be converted to GCP.
Google Cloud – Field Sales Representative
9. Amazon Web Services – Principal Account Manager L7
- Total Compensation: $422,500
- Base salary: $180,000
- Commission at 100% of Quota: $120,000
- Signing + Stock Bonus ($ Value / Year): $139,000
According to data from Glassdoor, Amazon Web Services pays its Principal L7 Account Managers the second highest average total compensation out of all sales jobs. They also have the highest average base salary out of all sales jobs, assuming you live in a Tier 1 city such as New York City or San Francisco.
As the leading cloud technology platform, Amazon Web Services offers a variety of products and services to help you sell to the largest global enterprises. You’ll have IaaS, AI, ML, managed DB, and several other cloud products at your disposal to compete with other tech giants. AWS reported earlier this year that their revenue grew by 40% in Q4 2022; this signals there is still an opportunity for high-performing reps.
Amazon Web Services – Principal Account Manager L7
10. Snowflake – Majors Account Executive
- Total Compensation: $425,000
- Base salary: $162,500
- Commission at 100% of Quota: $162,500
- Signing + Stock Bonus ($ Value / Year): $100,000
Snowflake account executives earn an average total compensation of $425,000, placing them in third place on our list. Their salaries are based on a 50/50 base-OTE split with up to six figures in additional compensation from annual stock and signing bonuses.
Snowflake is a cloud-based data warehouse solution that is growing in popularity among major accounting executives. These executives will often pitch Snowflake to global enterprises that are looking to migrate their legacy on-premises workloads into the cloud.
Snowflake is a company that competes with traditional database companies as well as new cloud-based competitors. Their biggest IPO in history was in 2020, and since then they have had significant product growth.
Snowflake – Majors Account Executive
11. Slack – Large Enterprise Account Executive
- Total Compensation: $420,000
- Base salary: $178,750
- Commission at 100% of Quota: $178,750
- Signing + Stock Bonus ($ Value / Year): $62,500
Fourth on the list of highest-paid Slack employees are account executives, thanks to an even $178,750/$178,500 base/commission split. Their average total compensation package is just over $420,000.
Slack is a workplace communication and productivity app that many companies use to interface with customers.
Slack’s biggest competitors are Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace. Slack has been acquired by Salesforce, but is still growing rapidly; in fiscal Q1 2022, it had a 36% YoY growth rate.
Slack – Large Enterprise Account Executive
12. Splunk – Strategic Regional Sales Manager
- Total Compensation: $383,900
- Base salary: $155,000
- Commission at 100% of Quota: $155,000
- Signing + Stock Bonus ($ Value / Year): $73,900
In fifth place on the list of regional sales managers with the highest OTEs is Splunk, which offers a hefty $310,000 annual total compensation amount and a $73,900 average stock and signing bonus package. This high-paying job also features excellent benefits such as a 401k plan with employer contribution matching.
Splunk competes with other cloud-based analytics platforms, such as Datadog, Elastic, AppDynamics, and Dynatrace. These platforms have seen increasing popularity in recent years due to their ability to provide cost-effective analytical solutions for large organizations.
Splunk – Strategic Regional Sales Manager
13. Dell – Global Account Executive
- Total Compensation: $370,000
- Base salary: $175,000
- Commission at 100% of Quota: $175,000
- Signing + Stock Bonus ($ Value / Year): $20,000
Dell Global Account Executives rank sixth on our list of the best sales jobs, and they receive a slightly smaller signing and stock package than the other top sales jobs, but make up for it with a hefty $350k OTE on a 50/50 split.
Dell, headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, offers a myriad of solutions from enterprise on-premises servers to consumer laptops to IT consulting services. As a Global Account Executive for Dell, you will lead the sale of these services to Dell’s largest and most strategic global customers.
Dell – Global Account Executive
14. Workday – Enterprise Account Executive
- Total Compensation: $368,333
- Base salary: $133,333
- Commission at 100% of Quota: $201,667
- Signing + Stock Bonus ($ Value / Year): $33,333
Workday’s average total compensation package of $368,333 puts them in seventh place on our list. They boast an impressive range of benefits, including a 401k plan and profit sharing, which makes them a great choice for anyone looking to manage their finances and HR needs in one fell swoop.
Workday, one of the world’s largest human capital management (HCM) companies, is facing increasing competition from rivals such as SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle, and ADP. Its revenues increased by 19% in fiscal year 2022 and it expects 23% growth in subscriptions for fiscal 2023. This makes Workday an attractive opportunity for any HCM seller.
Workday – Enterprise Account Executive
15. Sprinklr – Global Strategic Account Executive
- Total Compensation: $365,000
- Base salary: $160,000
- Commission at 100% of Quota: $160,000
- Signing + Stock Bonus ($ Value / Year): $45,000
Sprinklr’s $365,000 average total compensation package places it eighth on our list of the best global strategic account executives. The company’s impressive $320,000 OTE and $45,000 average signing and stock grant bonus contribute to this ranking.
Sprinklr is one of the leading social media marketing platforms in the industry. It has seen recent revenue growth of 32% YoY in Fiscal Q3 2022, which means that you have a good chance of exceeding your quota and even surpassing the $365,000 total compensation package.
Sprinklr – Global Strategic Account Executive
16. SAP – Senior Account Executive T4
- Total Compensation: $362,500
- Base salary: $117,500
- Commission at 100% of Quota: $225,000
- Signing + Stock Bonus ($ Value / Year): $20,000
Despite their ninth place spot on our list of highest paying sales jobs, SAP’s Senior Account Executives have the highest commission potential at $225,000 if they hit 100% of their quota. This also probably implies reps get paid at a higher rate on won deals than other companies.
In Walldorf, Germany, SAP is a leading technology company that has recently launched a cloud-first strategy for all of its customers. Its ERP solution is well known, but the company also sells HCM applications, Supply Chain technology, and consulting services.
SAP’s main competitors include Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM. They are all betting on their cloud strategy to work; they predict a 26% rise in cloud revenue in 2022. Reps looking to smash quota should search for roles in the cloud organization.
SAP – Senior Account Executive T4
17. Microsoft – Enterprise Account Manager L65
- Total Compensation: $356,000
- Base salary: $180,000
- Commission at 100% of Quota: $140,000
- Signing + Stock Bonus ($ Value / Year): $36,000
External sales representatives, who rank tenth on our list of highest paying jobs, do have the highest base salary of all job categories with Amazon Web Services. However, their total compensation package is much higher than any other category because they also receive bonuses and incentive payments.
Microsoft is a global technology company that is known for its enterprise software solutions and cloud platform. Enterprise Account Managers will work to grow the Microsoft footprint within their largest customers, while also focusing on increasing adoption of Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform.
Microsoft – Enterprise Account Manager L65
18. Advertising sales representatives
National average salary: $56,406 per year
The primary duty of advertising sales representatives is to sell advertising space to other businesses. This can be done by seeking out clients who want to place their advertisement within a broadcasting company’s broadcast, as the market is typically competitive. Because of high commission rates, these representatives have the potential to earn a good income.
Salaries for this position vary significantly by province and territory. In Montreal, the average salary for this role is $112,736 per year.
Advertising sales representatives
19. Outside sales representative
National average salary: $60,308 per year
Outside sales representatives build and maintain relationships with external clients and customers. They work to identify potential clients, contact them, and follow up on potential sales leads. Sales techniques may vary based on the customer, market, or unique needs of the client. Professionals in Etobicoke earn an average of $104,636 per year.
Outside sales representative
20. Account executive
National average salary: $63,862 per year
As an account executive, you would be responsible for managing a higher-profile or more complex account than an account manager. You would work with clients to develop a sales pitch that is specific to their needs, and also manage budgets and invoices. If you are interested in this role and are able to relocate, the average salary for Ottawa-based account executives is $78,546 per year.
Account executive
21. Pharmaceutical sales representative
National average salary: $64,023 per year
A pharmaceutical sales representative sells products to doctors and hospitals. They need detailed technical knowledge of their products, assess the needs of potential clients, and attempt to sell products that are suitable for their target demographic. The highest paying province for this role is Vancouver, with an average salary of $76,294 per year.
Pharmaceutical sales representative
22. Direct sales representative
National average salary: $65,185 per year
Direct sales representatives work to increase external sales by researching competitors and identifying strategies to build a unique client base. They also assist in the planning and implementation of sales projects, selling directly to individuals. Direct sales allow these professionals to earn an average salary of $100,286 per year in certain provinces.
Direct sales representative
23. Business development representative
National average salary: $65,665 per year
The primary duty of a business development representative is to manage sales leads at the start of the sales cycle. They use marketing campaigns or other promotions to obtain leads, and then contact potential customers to promote the product or services. Business development representatives can also broaden the client base by creating new opportunities for revenue. In Vancouver, business development representatives earn an average salary of $70,407 per year.
Business development representative
24. Sales engineer
Average national salary: $67,871 per year
Sales engineers in Calgary work directly with clients to find the best product solution for their needs. They use their communication skills to explain complex products to potential clients and help them see how the product solves a problem. Sales engineers in Calgary earn an average of $87,821 per year.
Sales engineer
25. Sales professional
National average salary: $69,049 per year
Sales professionals in Edmonton work to obtain new customers and close sales. They provide assistance during each phase of the sales process, including yearly audits and building lasting client relationships. Their expertise about what they sell enables them to overcome any objections clients may have.
Sales professional
26. Sales manager
National average salary: $79,625 per year
Sales managers oversee the sales teams and set individual and team objectives for each sales period. They forecast future sales quotas, adjust prices based on location, competition, and costs, and collaborate with other executive-level employees such as account executives and the vice president of sales. Sales managers in Vancouver earn an average annual salary of $97,209.
Sales manager
27. Real estate agent
National average salary: $107,989 per year
Real estate agents in Barrie earn an average of $149,244 per year. This is a high income for professionals in this industry, as property values are high and commissions are low.
Real estate agent
28. Vice president of sales
National average salary: $110,945 per year
VPs of sales are responsible for developing and implementing profitable sales strategies, managing the recruitment and hiring of successful sales associates, overseeing the budget, motivating the team, and organizing all Sales operations. They often make an average salary of $266,219 per year.
What sales jobs pay the most?
7 High-Paying Sales Jobs and How to Get Them – The Musewww.themuse.com › advice › high-paying-sales-job · Looking for a High-Paying Sales Job? Here Are 7 Roles to Consider ; 1. Enterprise Sales/Account Executive ; 2. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.
What is the best industry for sales jobs?
10 High-Paying Jobs for Natural-Born Salespeople | Monster.comwww.monster.com › career-advice › article › 10-high-paying-jobs-for-sale…10 High-Paying Jobs for Natural-Born Salespeople · 1. Real Estate Agent · 2. Sales Engineer · 3. Financial Services Sales Agent · 4. Advertising Sales Executive · 5.
Is sales one the highest paid profession?
Sales is the Highest Paying Hard Work and the Lowest Paying Easy Work.Sales is the Highest Paying Hard Work and the Lowest Paying Easy …www.nasp.com › blog › sales-is-the-highest-paying-hard-work-and-the-lo…About Featured Snippets
