Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Career Profile:

Sales Managers See More Careers

Keen competition for jobs is expected. College graduates with related experience, a high level of creativity, strong communication skills, and computer skills should have the best job opportunities. High earnings, substantial travel, and long hours, including evenings and weekends, are common.

Career Salary:

On average, Sales Managers earn $ 91,560 per year.

10% 25% 75% 90% $ 45,140/yr $ 62,140/yr $ 132,910/yr $ 0/yr

Number of People in Profession:

307,960
Job Outlook:

Job Opportunities for Sales Managers are expected to:
Increase faster than average.

Recommended Education Level:

  • Master's Degree
  • Bachelor's plus Work Experience
  • Associate Degree
  • Professional Certificate

Nature of the Job

Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers coordinate their companies market research, marketing strategy, sales, advertising, promotion, pricing, product development, and public relations activities. In small firms, the owner or chief executive officer might assume all advertising, promotions, marketing, sales, and public relations responsibilities. In large firms, which may offer numerous products and services nationally or even worldwide, an executive vice president directs overall advertising, marketing, promotions, sales, and public relations policies.

Training

For marketing, sales, and promotions management positions, some employers prefer a bachelors or masters degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing. Courses in business law, management, economics, accounting, finance, mathematics, and statistics are advantageous. Additionally, the completion of an internship while the candidate is in school is highly recommended.

Employment Opportunities

These managers were found in virtually every industry. Sales managers held more than half of the jobs; most were employed in wholesale trade, retail trade, manufacturing, and finance and insurance industries. Marketing managers held more than a fourth of the jobs; the professional, scientific, and technical services, and the finance and insurance industries employed almost one-third of marketing managers. About one-fourth of advertising and promotions managers worked in the professional, scientific, and technical services industries and the wholesale trade.

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