How Much Does A Sales Manager Make? (Salaries And Benefits)

Updated 26 January 2023

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A sales manager leads and manages an organisation's sales team. They set sales goals, analyse data and develop training programs for sales representatives. From e-commerce to insurance, every industry requires the expertise of sales managers to generate revenue. A career in sales management is both promising and in-demand. In this article, we discuss how much does a sales manager make, enlist the skills required to become one and learn about the roles and responsibilities of a sales manager.

How much does a sales manager make?

The average salary of a sales manager is ₹25,853 per month. In addition to this, sales managers can make earn money through incentives. While hiring for this role, organisations look for different skill sets relevant to their industry. This factor also influences the salary companies are willing to offer to candidates.

The location of the organisation also plays an important role in determining the salary of a sales manager. A sales manager in Mumbai, Maharashtra earns an average salary of ₹44,715 per month.

What does a sales manager do?

A sales manager primarily leads and mentors the sales team in an organisation. They set up goals and quotas, analyse data, guide their sales team and work on strategies to improve the company's sales. They are also responsible for recruiting new people to the sales team. If they work in a large institution, they might also be responsible for taking care of regional or national sales.

Responsibilities of a sales manager

Here are some of the responsibilities that a sales manager undertakes:

analysing customer service data, feedback and satisfaction rates in order to improve ratings
providing the stakeholders with sales reports based on their research
coaching members of the sales team to help them achieve their targets efficiently
recruiting new members of the sales team
monitoring sales in their assigned region and making sure they reach allocated targets

Sales managers also oversee marketing strategies alongside the marketing department. This helps them target new customers to promote and sell their products. Sales managers may need to manage both online and brick-and-mortar stores to help them compete in the e-commerce era. Managers who successfully navigate this challenge can expedite their career growth.

The workday of a sales manager

Here is what a typical sales manager's routine may look like:

prioritise tasks and schedule meetings and calls
keep up-to-date with industry trends
allocate tasks to members of the sales team
welcome and train new team members
monitor the performance of the sales team and calls they make
respond to clients and inquiries
meet with the members of upper management and deliver reports

Factors affecting a sales manager's salary

Here are the factors affecting a sales manager's salary in India:

Experience

Experience is the most important factor in determining how much you make as a sales manager. As you gain more experience, the salary and incentives may increase accordingly. Senior sales managers with six to 10 years of experience typically receive a higher salary package. If you are aiming for high-paying roles such as sales director or national sales manager, gaining experience is often the only way to get them.

Skills

Skills are another important factor in determining the salary of a sales manager. Companies are always searching for candidates who have vital sales skills such as sales forecasting, team management, communication, analytical skills, mentorship skills and strategic thinking. Since sales management is a versatile role across industries, aspiring sales managers need to develop these skill sets to negotiate a higher salary with their employer.

Location

The place where you work also plays a vital role in determining your salary as a sales manager. For instance, sales managers working in Mumbai, Maharashtra earn more in comparison to any other city in India. Similarly, sales managers in Hyderabad and Bengaluru also earn more than the ones working in Delhi and Kolkata. If you are looking to increase your salary, relocating to one of the higher-paying cities is an option. Of course, it is important to consider the cost of living of your destination while doing so.

Company

Your employer makes a huge impact on how much you earn. Different companies have different pay scales depending on their requirements. It is advisable that you research before applying for a job as there can be a significant difference in the pay and incentive structure of companies. You can also lookup salaries of different companies on job portals to see what current and previous employees report they earn in sales managers positions.

Certifications

Although it is not compulsory for sales managers to get certifications, they definitely help in improving career prospects. Completing a few certification courses can help you get a specialised job role and a higher pay package. Some popular certification courses in India are Certified Inside Sales Professional (CISP) and Certified Sales Leadership Professional (CSLP). The former is useful to work with core sales, while the latter is for professionals who would like to take up leadership roles such as vice presidents or company presidents. Depending on your career goals, you can opt for either of these certifications.

How to become a sales manager

Here are the steps you can take to start your career as a sales manager:

1. Get an undergraduate degree

In order to become a qualified sales manager, you require a bachelor's degree in management, accounting or finance. You can also pursue other domains and then get a diploma degree specialising in sales. Some of the bachelor's degrees beneficial in this field are Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

2. Get a master's degree

Although it is not mandatory, a master's degree is surely beneficial for those looking for better job prospects as a sales manager. A master's degree in sales, economics, statistics or accounting usually gives an advantage. However, as an aspiring sales manager, you can also get an MBA in sales and management.

3. Gain experience in an entry-level role

After your education, it is advisable to start your career with an entry-level job as a sales representative. Consider this to be your training period and use it to improve your skills. Entry-level roles provide a good opportunity for you to experiment with various sales methods and see what works for you and what does not. With experience, your ability to take on responsibilities and lead teams also increases.

4. Improve your work experience

One of the useful ways to grow your career as a sales manager is to gather experience. It is important to start as a sales professional and work in the field, at call centres and with customers directly. After years of experience, you become eligible to get a promotion only after showcasing your work ethic and ability. Doing this is typically easier in larger organisations as they may have more opportunities to offer. Adding more certifications to your resume can speed up this process.

5. Improve sales performance and develop leadership

Over the years as you find out which methods work for you to increase sales, use them to improve your overall numbers. Sharing these with your team can also be a good opportunity to display your leadership skills. All of this combined can prove that you are ready for a sales management role as your employers notice your ability to motivate the team towards achieving targets.

6. Apply for sales manager positions

Once you are confident about your skill set and have the required experience, you can start applying for employment opportunities related to sales management. Start with your current employer and see if they are willing to promote you. You may also apply to other companies that have suitable sales manager opportunities that align with your skills and specialisation. Make sure your resume and cover letter are up-to-date, professional and well-articulated. You can also prepare for some common sales interview questions in advance so that you can speak confidently during the interview.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.