How Much Does an Account Relationship Manager Make? (2025)
An account relationship manager is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of existing client accounts. This role focuses on long-term planning and selling of a range of products, services, and solutions across multiple lines of business for a defined group of clients.
The Account Relationship Manager ensures that client needs are met while achieving individual and team revenue goals. In addition, the role may include managing major/key accounts, setting sales targets or quotas, and contributing suggestions for product improvements or expanded sales channels.
Continue reading this salary guide to learn more about account relationship manager salary expectations, top-paying cities, how experience affects pay, and answers to common questions about the job.
What is the Average Account Relationship Manager's Salary?
As of October 1, 2025, the average salary for account relationship manager in the United States is $127,000 per year or $61 per hour. The account relationship manager salary range typically falls between $98,916 and $159,860, with most earning between $112,300 and $144,200 annually.
2025 Average Salary for Account Relationship Manager: $127,000 per year ($61 per hour)
An account relationship manager reported an average monthly salary of $10,583, while the average weekly pay is $2,442. Additionally, the average salary for account relationship manager per hour is $61, according to the most recent Salary.com report.
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $48 | $1,902 | $8,243 | $98,916 |
| 25th Percentile | $54 | $2,160 | $9,358 | $112,300 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $61 | $2,442 | $10,583 | $127,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $69 | $2,773 | $12,017 | $144,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $77 | $3,074 | $13,322 | $159,860 |
Aside from base pay, account relationship managers also receive additional compensation through bonuses and various benefits, which raise the average total compensation to $220,160 per year. Many companies also provide health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave, making the overall compensation package highly competitive within their field.
Account Relationship Manager Average Salaries State by State
Account relationship manager salaries vary across the United States based on several factors, including location, job demand, cost of living, and local wage standards. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract account relationship managers.
The table below highlights how pay differs by state, showing which areas offer the highest average annual salary for account relationship managers and which have the lowest.
Based on the data, the District of Columbia ($140,600), California ($140,100), and Massachusetts ($138,200) rank among the top-paying locations. Meanwhile, Arkansas ($114,700), West Virginia ($114,400), and Mississippi ($113,300) have the lowest average salaries.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $116,700 |
| Alaska | $137,500 |
| Arizona | $123,700 |
| Arkansas | $114,700 |
| California | $140,100 |
| Colorado | $129,600 |
| Connecticut | $135,700 |
| Delaware | $128,600 |
| District of Columbia | $140,600 |
| Florida | $120,200 |
| Georgia | $122,500 |
| Hawaii | $132,700 |
| Idaho | $118,500 |
| Illinois | $129,400 |
| Indiana | $121,900 |
| Iowa | $121,500 |
| Kansas | $120,900 |
| Kentucky | $119,500 |
| Louisiana | $120,700 |
| Maine | $123,800 |
| Maryland | $130,900 |
| Massachusetts | $138,200 |
| Michigan | $125,100 |
| Minnesota | $129,900 |
| Mississippi | $113,300 |
| Missouri | $120,700 |
| Montana | $119,900 |
| Nebraska | $119,600 |
| Nevada | $125,700 |
| New Hampshire | $128,400 |
| New Jersey | $137,600 |
| New Mexico | $117,600 |
| New York | $135,000 |
| North Carolina | $120,700 |
| North Dakota | $125,400 |
| Ohio | $123,700 |
| Oklahoma | $117,400 |
| Oregon | $129,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $126,400 |
| Rhode Island | $131,700 |
| South Carolina | $119,000 |
| South Dakota | $115,400 |
| Tennessee | $118,700 |
| Texas | $123,900 |
| Utah | $121,600 |
| Vermont | $124,600 |
| Virginia | $127,900 |
| Washington | $137,700 |
| West Virginia | $114,400 |
| Wisconsin | $124,900 |
| Wyoming | $121,800 |
What are the Best-Paying Cities for Account Relationship Manager Drivers?
Account relationship manager salaries vary depending on the city, influenced by factors such as cost of living, local demand, and industry rates in urban areas.
For instance, cities in California like San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland offer some of the highest average salaries for account relationship managers, at $160,200, $158,600, and $155,100 per year, respectively. These cities are known for their strong industrial presence and high living costs, which contribute to above-average compensation packages.
| City | Average Pay |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $160,200 |
| San Francisco, CA | $158,600 |
| Oakland, CA | $155,100 |
| New York, NY | $147,200 |
| Queens Village, NY | $146,200 |
How Does Experience Affect Account Relationship Manager Salaries?
Account relationship manager salaries increase steadily with experience. According to Salary.com, entry-level professionals earn around $121,415 per year, while those with extensive experience and advanced expertise can make up to $131,290 annually.
As account relationship managers gain more years in the field, they develop deeper knowledge, stronger skills, and the ability to perform additional tasks, factors that contribute to higher pay.
| Levels | Typical Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Account Relationship Manager | less than 1 year | $121,415 |
| Intermediate Level Account Relationship Manager | 1-2 years | $122,073 |
| Senior Level Account Relationship Manager | 2-4 years | $124,267 |
| Specialist Level Account Relationship Manager | 5-8 years | $126,900 |
| Expert Level Account Relationship Manager | over 8 years | $131,290 |
How to Increase Salary as an Account Relationship Manager?
The level of education can impact an account relationship manager's salary potential. While many enter the field with a bachelor's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to Salary.com's 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Account Relationship Manager with a bachelor's degree is between $128,982 and $139,994.
Account Relationship Manager Advancements
A career path for an Account Relationship Manager typically begins with managing a portfolio of client accounts, focusing on building relationships, driving satisfaction, and identifying growth opportunities. At this stage, professionals strengthen their communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills while ensuring clients' needs are met and business goals are achieved.
According to Salary.com, with experience and consistent results, they can advance into senior roles such as Senior Account Manager or CRM Program Senior Manager, overseeing larger client portfolios or teams. Here, the role expands to include developing account strategies, setting performance goals, and aligning client relationship efforts with company objectives. Leadership and program management skills become key to success.
At the executive level, titles like CRM Program Director or SVP of Account Management involve leading the entire client relationship function. These leaders shape the company's vision for client engagement, retention, and growth, managing large teams and driving profitability through strategic partnerships.
Overall, the account relationship manager career path progresses from hands-on client management to organizational leadership, offering opportunities to influence strategy and play a pivotal role in business success.
Account Relationship Manager Skills
Account relationship managers with specialized skills can boost their earning potential. Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report shows that Complex Sales raises salaries by 12.41%, while Key Account Management skills add 11.55%, and Customer Retention skills add 11.13%.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Forecasting | 10.70% | +8.56% |
| Sales Support | 10.50% | +10.89% |
| Complex Sales | 10.50% | +12.41% |
| Sales Planning | 10.50% | +10.89% |
| Key Account Management | 10.50% | +11.55% |
| Customer Engagement | 10.20% | +12.20% |
What are the FAQs About Account Relationship Manager Salaries?
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What is the starting salary for an account relationship manager?
The starting salary for an Account Relationship Manager is competitive, reflecting the importance of the role. According to Salary.com, the entry-level salary (10th percentile) is approximately $98,916 per year, while another estimate for professionals with less than one year of experience is around $121,415 annually. Realistically, someone just beginning their career in this position can expect to earn between $100,000 and $120,000 per year, depending on factors such as location, company size, and industry.
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Is account relationship management a high-paying job?
Yes, account relationship management is considered a relatively high-paying profession. According to Salary.com, the median salary for an Account Relationship Manager is around $127,000 per year, while top earners in the 90th percentile can make up to $159,860 annually.
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Which are highest paying cities for account relationship managers?
Some of the top paying metro areas include:
- San Jose, CA: $160,100/yr
- San Francisco, CA: $158,600/yr
- New York, NY: $147,100/yr
- Boston, MA: $141,600/yr
These higher salaries reflect higher cost-of-living areas and competitive markets for talent.
