Here Are the Salaries and Commissions That You Can Expect in Sales

Sales can be a lucrative field. In addition to your base salary, you can also expect to earn commissions for your sales. However, knowing how much money you should be making can be a bit ambiguous. Here’s a guide to how much you can expect to earn in sales.

In San Francisco, base salaries for sales roles can vary depending on factors such as experience, industry, company size, and specific responsibilities. However, here are typical base salary ranges you might expect for different sales positions in San Francisco:

1. Sales Development Representative (SDR):
   • Entry-level: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
   • Mid-level (with 1-3 years of experience): $60,000 – $90,000 per year
   • Senior-level (with 3+ years of experience): $70,000 – $100,000+ per year
2. Account Executive (AE):
   • Entry-level: $60,000 – $80,000 per year (plus commission)
   • Mid-level (with 2-4 years of experience): $80,000 – $120,000 per year (plus commission)
   • Senior-level (with 5+ years of experience): $100,000 – $150,000+ per year (plus commission)
3. Sales Manager/Director of Sales:
   • Manager: $90,000 – $130,000 per year (plus commission/bonuses)
   • Director: $120,000 – $180,000 per year (plus commission/bonuses)
   • Senior Director: $150,000 – $220,000+ per year (plus commission/bonuses)
4. VP of Sales:
   • Vice President: $150,000 – $250,000 per year (plus significant commission/bonuses)
   • Senior Vice President: $200,000 – $300,000+ per year (plus significant commission/bonuses)

It’s essential to note that these figures are rough estimates and can vary based on individual negotiation, industry trends, company performance, and other factors. Additionally, commission structures, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives can significantly impact total compensation packages for sales professionals in San Francisco.

In sales roles, On-Target Earnings (OTE) typically include base salary and commissions, reflecting the total compensation an individual can expect to earn if they meet or exceed their sales targets. Here are the estimated OTE ranges for various sales positions in San Francisco:

1. Sales Development Representative (SDR):
   • Entry-level: $60,000 – $90,000 per year
   • Mid-level: $70,000 – $110,000 per year
   • Senior-level: $80,000 – $120,000+ per year
2. Account Executive (AE):
   • Entry-level: $80,000 – $120,000 per year
   • Mid-level: $100,000 – $160,000 per year
   • Senior-level: $120,000 – $200,000+ per year
3. Sales Manager/Director of Sales:
   • Manager: $110,000 – $160,000 per year
   • Director: $150,000 – $250,000 per year
   • Senior Director: $200,000 – $350,000+ per year
4. VP of Sales:
   • Vice President: $200,000 – $350,000 per year
   • Senior Vice President: $250,000 – $400,000+ per year

These figures represent the combined total of base salary and expected commission earnings based on meeting or exceeding sales targets. However, actual OTE can vary significantly depending on factors such as individual performance, sales quotas, industry conditions, and company policies regarding commission structures and incentives. It’s essential for sales professionals to carefully review and negotiate their OTE package to ensure alignment with their career goals and expectations.

Total compensation for sales roles in the San Francisco Bay Area, including commissions, can vary widely based on factors such as experience, company size, industry, and individual performance. Here are estimated ranges for total compensation (including base salary and commissions) for different sales positions:

1. Sales Development Representative (SDR):
   • Entry-level: $60,000 – $100,000 per year
   • Mid-level: $70,000 – $120,000 per year
   • Senior-level: $80,000 – $140,000+ per year
2. Account Executive (AE):
   • Entry-level: $80,000 – $150,000 per year
   • Mid-level: $100,000 – $200,000 per year
   • Senior-level: $120,000 – $250,000+ per year
3. Sales Manager/Director of Sales:
   • Manager: $120,000 – $200,000 per year
   • Director: $160,000 – $300,000 per year
   • Senior Director: $220,000 – $400,000+ per year
4. VP of Sales:
   • Vice President: $250,000 – $500,000 per year
   • Senior Vice President: $300,000 – $600,000+ per year

These figures represent the compensation package, including base salary, commissions, bonuses, and other incentives. Actual compensation may vary based on individual performance, company policies, and market conditions. It’s essential for sales professionals to carefully evaluate their total compensation package and negotiate terms that align with their skills, experience, and career objectives.

Glassdoor provides valuable insights into salary information based on years of experience for various sales roles in San Francisco, including base salary and commissions. Here’s an overview of the total pay (including commissions) you can expect based on years of experience:

1. Sales Development Representative (SDR):
   • Entry-level (0-1 years of experience): $50,000 – $80,000 per year
   • Mid-level (1-3 years of experience): $60,000 – $100,000 per year
   • Senior-level (3+ years of experience): $70,000 – $120,000+ per year
2. Account Executive (AE):
   • Entry-level (0-1 years of experience): $70,000 – $110,000 per year
   • Mid-level (1-3 years of experience): $90,000 – $150,000 per year
   • Senior-level (3+ years of experience): $120,000 – $200,000+ per year
3. Sales Director:
   • Entry-level (0-1 years of experience): Not typically applicable
   • Mid-level (5-9 years of experience): $130,000 – $210,000 per year
   • Senior-level (10+ years of experience): $160,000 – $300,000+ per year
4. VP of Sales:
   • Entry-level (0-1 years of experience): Not typically applicable
   • Mid-level (5-9 years of experience): $200,000 – $350,000 per year
   • Senior-level (10+ years of experience): $250,000 – $500,000+ per year

These figures are based on Glassdoor data and may vary depending on factors such as company size, industry, individual performance, and negotiation skills. Additionally, commissions and bonuses can significantly impact total pay, especially for sales roles where performance-based incentives play a significant role. It’s crucial to research specific companies and review their compensation structures to understand potential earnings in these roles better.

We hope that this information is helpful as you negotiate your salary and commissions as a salesperson. Good luck!

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