Sales Managers
O*NET 11-2022.00 · SOC 11-2022
Sales Manager is a solid career choice. Median pay is $148k a year with +4.5% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 47,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Set sales targets and develop territory strategies
- →Coach, mentor, and manage sales team members
- →Build and maintain key client relationships
- →Analyze pipeline data and forecast revenue
- →Design incentive programs and sales playbooks
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Sales Manager roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Sales Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Sales Manager?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Sales Manager Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Sales Managers is projected to grow 4.5% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·41% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Sales Manager make?
The median Sales Manager earns $148k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Sales Manager jobs?
Our model puts Sales Manager at 39 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 41% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Sales Manager a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 47,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Sales Manager?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Sales Manager roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Sales Manager?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Sales Manager career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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