If a college degree isn’t an option for you, and you still want to make more than six figures, then you should definitely consider a career in sales. Tech sales, in particular, is one of the most lucrative sales careers today, and given the increasing reliance on the digital products they sell, that isn’t likely to change soon.
It’s often said that a job in sales offers unlimited earning potential, which is hyperbolic, but true in the sense that your earnings directly correlate to your performance, as most salespeople earn commissions.
But just how much can you expect to make in tech sales? It depends on a variety of factors, some of which aren’t so obvious. If you’re looking to learn more, then you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll tell you all about the factors that dictate a tech salesperson’s salary.
How Much Can You Make in Tech Sales?
Many people just starting in tech sales make upwards of $100,000 annually. It all depends on how hard you work, how well you sell, and how much time you put into your career.
What Is a Typical Salary Structure in Tech Sales?
Most salespeople earn a base salary with a commission. The size of that base salary, and the percentage of that commission, vary from company to company. So if you’re applying for tech sales jobs, look for a compensation breakdown that fits where you are in life.
Tech Sales Salary – By Experience
Here are some salary expectations for tech salespeople based on their experience.
Internship
The average salary of a tech sales intern is $77,830, which is quite generous for an entry-level sales position.
Entry-Level
The average salary of an entry-level tech salesperson is $78,509. Entry-level salespeople typically start out with a base salary and may also be eligible for commissions or bonuses.
Mid-Level
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a mid-level salesperson with 4 to 6 years of experience is $75,649.
Senior Level
The average salary of a senior-level salesperson is $122,974, a figure that has been steadily increasing over the years.
Tech Sales Salary – By Job Roles
Tech sales is a competitive industry, and many factors go into determining a tech sales rep’s salary. Let’s look at the average salary of tech sales reps by job role.
Business Development Representative
The average salary of a business development representative is $73,063. This job requires strong business acumen, excellent communication skills, and the ability to think strategically.
Account Executive
A sales account executive is responsible for developing and maintaining client relationships and growing and managing accounts. They make an average of $101,151 per year, with some executives earning even more, depending on the company and their experience.
Sales Manager
Sales managers recruit, hire, and train sales staff. The median salary for sales managers is $140,433, and experienced professionals can earn even more.
Customer Success Manager
Customer success managers work to ensure customer satisfaction, retention, and growth, and also help companies develop strategies to increase customer engagement and loyalty. Their salaries average out to $94,026 annually.
Tech Sales Salary – By Popular Companies
Let’s look at famous companies and their tech sales salaries to understand your earning potential in this field better.
Cisco Systems
The average salary of a tech salesperson at Cisco Systems is $209,945 per year, which includes $112,667 in commissions.
Microsoft
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a tech salesperson at Microsoft is $249,476. Tech salespeople at Microsoft often have access to various incentives and bonuses, including stock options, which can further increase their potential earnings.
Salesforce
The average salary of a tech sales rep at Salesforce is $171,027 per year. Salesforce is widely recognized as one of the top employers in the tech industry, and the company offers a comprehensive compensation package that includes a base salary, bonuses, and stock options.
The average salary of a tech sales representative at Google is $228,806 per year, according to Glassdoor, which is more than double the average wage in the tech sales industry.
Tech Sales Salary – By Location
If you’re in the tech industry, your salary will vary depending on where you live. Here’s how much you should expect to earn.
USA
The average salary of an entry-level tech salesperson in the United States is $78,598, which is a great starting point for those considering a career in tech sales.
UK
The average salary of a tech salesperson in the United Kingdom is £44,596.
India
The average salary of a tech salesperson in India is relatively high, at approximately ₹ 9.0 Lakhs. This figure will likely increase in the near future as technology and digital sales roles become more sought-after.
Spain
The average salary of a technical sales specialist in Spain is €67,336 annually.
Australia
The median salary of a technical sales representative in Australia is $80,000 per year.
South Africa
The average tech salesperson in South Africa makes R300,000 per year, with the average entry-level position starting at R210,000.
Brazil
A technical salesperson in Brazil typically earns around 8,130 BRL per month, with salaries ranging from 3,740 BRL at the lowest to 12,900 BRL at the highest end.
How To Boost Your Tech Sales Salary
Want to make more? Who doesn’t! Here’s how you do that if you’re a tech salesperson.
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Meet and Exceed Quotas
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Choose the Right Location
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Gain More Experience
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Ask for a Salary Review
Meet and Exceed Quotas
If you want to get paid more, you have to sell more. It’s that simple.
Choose the Right Location
The thing about tech sales salaries is that the most lucrative roles are often in cities with the highest living costs. So make sure to balance your earning potential with your living expenses.
Gain More Experience
As with any other industry, experience is vital when the time comes to ask for higher salaries. There’s no getting around this one—the more experience under your belt, the better chance you’ll earn more money.
Look into internships or part-time jobs that will give you valuable experience in your field. Additionally, consider pursuing sales courses or bootcamps, and work with qualified sales mentors that can guide you through your career change.
Ask for a Salary Review
Another great way to boost your tech sales salary is by asking for a salary review once a year. This will allow you to keep track of how much value your employer places on your work and what they’d like from you in return.
Tech Sales Salary FAQs
We’ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What Is the Average Commission in Tech Sales?
The average commission for a tech sales professional is around 10% of the annual contract value of a closed deal.
Is Tech Sales a Good Career?
Tech sales is a great career. You’ll work with cutting-edge products and technologies and have the opportunity to help shape your company’s future. You’ll also make an impact on people’s lives through your work. Sales can also be very rewarding financially. If you work hard, you can easily earn six figures annually.
Is Tech Sales Hard To Get Into?
Tech sales is hard to get into because it’s such a competitive market. But if you’re dedicated, persistent, and confident in your ability to sell, then the sky is the limit.
The first step to becoming a tech salesperson is to get your foot in the door by pursuing a sales certification and getting a job at a company that sells tech products and services. After working there for several years, you may be able to move up the ranks and become a supervisor or manager.
Do You Need a Degree To Work in Tech Sales?
A degree isn’t necessary, but if you don’t have a degree, then you should definitely consider a tech sales bootcamp.
Is Tech Sales a Stressful Job?
Tech sales can be stressful, but it really depends on your personality and what stresses you out. Some people thrive under pressure, deadlines, and quotas—if that’s you, you’ll do great. But if the idea of meeting a monthly quota is anxiety-inducing, then you might want to find ways of mitigating that stress.
Since you’re here…
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