Account Executive Salary: How much money can you make?
This article answers the question of how much an Account Executive (AE) can make. It also looks at how much a Tech Sales AE earns. At the end, it explains what factors have an impact. Let’s get straight to the numbers:
In this article:
- Account Executive Salary: How much money can you make?
Average Salaries Across the Globe
AE Salaries in the US
According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for an Account Executive in the US is $68,802 – $122,968 per year. Additional compensation, or commission, averages $75,688. The average total annual salary, i.e. base salary plus commission, is $167,424 in the US. Over 100,000 AE salaries were reported.
AE Salaries in the UK
Again, we used Glassdoor as our source. The base salary for an AE in the UK ranges from £25,371 to £48,603. The average commission is £19,345. The average annual salary from both components is £54,460. As of Mid April 2024, this is around $68,000. At the time of our query, there were just under 15,000 AE salaries listed.
AE Salaries in Europe
European Account Executives’ salaries vary widely, with Western European countries generally offering higher pay compared to Eastern Europe. For instance, averages in Germany and France can exceed €50,000. In Germany, for example, the average salary for an Account Executive is € 58,700. We used kununu as source for the German market. At the time of the query, this is just under 63,000 dollars.
AE Salaries in Asia
In Asian markets, the variance is large; countries like Japan and Singapore offer competitive salaries that can rival Western averages, whereas in developing markets, the figures can be significantly lower.
US Tech Sales AE Salaries
For the following data is from Repvue. In our opinion Repvue is a top source for (US) AE salary data and company valuations in Tech Sales. While Repvue also has salaries from other industries, because it focuses so heavily on tech companies, we consider it the best possible source. Note: These are US salaries.
SMB Account Executive
The median base salary for an SMB Account Executive is currently $65,000. The median salary at 100% target achievement, i.e. On-Target Earnings (OTE) is 130,000$. In March 2024, 42% of SMB AEs have reached their target.
Mid Market Account Executive
The median base salary for an Mid Market Account Executive is currently $85,000. The median OTE salary is 160,000$. In March 2024, 38% of Mid Market AEs have reached their target.
Enterprise Account Executive
The median base salary for an Enterprise Account Executive is currently $130,000. The median OTE salary is 250,000$. In March 2024, 36% of Enterprise AEs have reached their target.
Strategic Account Executive
The median base salary for an Strategic Account Executive is currently $140,000. The median OTE salary is 280,000$. In March 2024, 41% of Enterprise AEs have reached their target.
Tech Sales AE Salaries in EMEA
The US is internationally known for paying high salaries. US tech companies also have a reputation paying high salaries overseas. These salaries are often higher than those offered by local tech companies. In fact, U.S. companies sometimes pay up to twice as much as their local counterparts. We have not included the Repvue figures here for precisely this reason, as US companies are still disproportionately represented and we believe they do not reflect the market as a whole. If someone wants to maximize their salary and work for a local company, one good opportunity can be to join a fast-growing, well-funded scale-up.
What Influences an Account Executive’s Salary?
Industry Impact
The sector in which an account executive works significantly affects their compensation. For instance, account executives in technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance often command higher salaries due to the complex nature of products and the high-value contracts they handle.
Local Variations
Geographical location plays a pivotal role in determining salary. For example, account executives in major metropolitan areas like New York or London typically earn more due to the higher cost of living and the concentration of large businesses.
Experience and Education
Naturally, more experienced account executives with a solid track record of success and relevant educational background can negotiate higher salaries. Special certifications in sales or marketing can also boost earning potential.
Benefits and Perks for Account Executives
Beyond the base salary, account executives often enjoy a range of benefits such as commissions, bonuses, health insurance, pension plans, and travel allowances, which can all substantially increase the total compensation package. Depending on the geographical region, a company car is often not uncommon.
Conclusion
In summary, the salary of an Account Executive (AE) varies widely depending on location, industry, and company size. For example, AEs in the US earn on average $167,424 annually, while in the UK, they typically make around $68,000. Tech Sales often offer higher pay due to the complex nature of the products sold.
To boost your earnings as an AE, focus on gaining experience, enhancing your skills, and choosing high-paying industries and regions. Benefits like commissions and bonuses can also significantly increase your total pay. Whether you’re starting out or looking to advance in your career, targeting the right opportunities is key to maximizing your salary potential.