Head of Sales Average Salary & Hourly Rate in 2025
For individuals planning to pursue a career as a head of sales or aiming to stay competitive in sales, understanding head of sales salary trends is critical.
As of July 1, 2025, the average salary for a head of sales in the United States is $340,019 per year, with growth opportunities influenced by several factors.
These factors include experience, company size, industry, and location, such as high-paying cities. This salary guide discusses the factors affecting sales salary for a head of sales, provides insights into head of sales salary trends, and examines the job outlook for the coming years.
An Overview of Head of Sales Salaries
In the United States, the average salary for a head of sales, as of July 1, 2025, is $340,019 per year, or $163 per hour. The typical head of sales salary ranges from $317,651 to $476,400 annually, with most earnings reported between $328,311 to $411,406.
| Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% Percentile | $317,651 |
| 25% Percentile | $328,311 |
| 50% Percentile (Median) | $340,019 |
| 75% Percentile | $411,406 |
| 90% Percentile | $476,400 |
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wages for sales managers differ based on industries.
For example, sales managers working in finance and insurance earn a median of $173,230, whereas those in retail trade earn $92,630.
- Finance and Insurance: $173,230
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: $168,320
- Manufacturing: $150,210
- Wholesale Trade: $135,530
- Retail Trade: $92,630
Head of Sales Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
The head of sales salary can be broken down into hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly figures. According to a report from Salary.com, the average salary for this strategic role in the United States is $163 per hour, $6,539 per week, or $28,335 per month.
- Average salary per hour: $163
- Average salary per week: $6,539
- Average salary per month: $28,335
- Average salary per year: $340,019
As previously mentioned, sales salary for a head of sales in the United States is influenced by location, experience, company size, and stage of the business. The following sections will respond to these factors in detail.
How Experience Impacts Head of Sales Salaries?
Experience plays a significant role in determining the sales salary of a head of sales in the United States. As shown below, the head of sales salary differences between experience levels are relatively close, reflecting the value of seasoned leadership.
According to Salary.com data, entry-level Heads of Sales earn about $328,549, while those with the most experience earn an average salary of $338,224 per year.
- Entry Level Head of Sales: $328,549
- Intermediate Level Head of Sales: $329,965
- Senior Level Head of Sales: $331,852
- Specialist Level Head of Sales: $334,684
- Expert Level Head of Sales: $338,224
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for Head of Sales
Each state or territory has varying average salaries for a head of sales, influenced by the cost of living and local demand for sales leadership.
According to the data, the District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for a head of sales in the U.S., at $376,471.
California ranks second with an average salary of $375,042, closely followed by Massachusetts at $370,044 per year.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $368,654 |
| Alabama | $312,375 |
| Arkansas | $307,173 |
| Arizona | $331,315 |
| California | $375,042 |
| Colorado | $346,922 |
| Connecticut | $363,379 |
| District of Columbia | $376,471 |
| Delaware | $344,338 |
| Florida | $321,726 |
| Georgia | $327,948 |
| Hawaii | $355,389 |
| Iowa | $325,398 |
| Idaho | $317,408 |
| Illinois (Chicago) | $346,582 |
| Indiana | $326,384 |
| Kansas | $323,766 |
| Kentucky | $319,958 |
| Louisiana | $323,290 |
| Massachusetts | $370,044 |
| Maryland | $350,594 |
| Maine | $331,519 |
| Michigan | $334,851 |
| Minnesota | $347,942 |
| Missouri | $323,052 |
| Mississippi | $303,228 |
| Montana | $321,012 |
| North Carolina | $323,120 |
| North Dakota | $335,871 |
| Nebraska | $320,332 |
| New Hampshire | $343,739 |
| New Jersey | $368,548 |
| New Mexico | $314,925 |
| Nevada | $336,517 |
| New York | $361,475 |
| Ohio | $331,077 |
| Oklahoma | $314,381 |
| Oregon | $345,290 |
| Pennsylvania | $338,489 |
| Rhode Island | $352,533 |
| South Carolina | $318,598 |
| South Dakota | $309,009 |
| Tennessee | $317,748 |
| Texas | $331,655 |
| Utah | $325,602 |
| Virginia | $342,400 |
| Vermont | $333,729 |
| Washington | $368,684 |
| Wisconsin | $334,477 |
| West Virginia | $306,187 |
| Wyoming | $326,078 |
Head of Sales Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed
According to Salary.com data, the highest-paying cities for a head of sales in the United States are San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, all located in California.
| Top Paying Cities | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $428,869 |
| San Francisco, CA | $424,653 |
| Oakland, CA | $415,234 |
| New York, NY | $394,050 |
| Queens Village, NY | $391,500 |
| Paramus, NJ | $388,780 |
Explore Head of Sales Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
Apart from their base sales salary, a head of sales often receives benefits, equity, and shares, particularly in start-ups or high-growth companies. According to Salary.com data, the average total compensation for a head of sales is $773,588 per year, which includes benefits such as healthcare, security contributions, and paid time off.
- Social Security: $19,607
- 401K/403B: $10,500
- Disability: $12,626
- Healthcare: $8,352
- Pension: $13,500
- Time Off: $77,699
Head of Sales Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
A head of sales is responsible for developing the overall sales strategy, operational plans, and processes that drive revenue growth and deliver value to companies. They lead the sales team, providing vision, leadership, and strategic oversight to ensure sales development aligns with financial objectives.
Their role is essential in guiding companies through revenue growth and ensuring long-term success. Apart from these responsibilities, other key duties include:
- Setting organizational-level sales goals and using data to measure performance.
- Improving capabilities to analyze the business environment and competitors, often collaborating with marketing teams.
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders to identify market needs and innovate products.
- Overseeing the development of an effective sales team through recruiting, mentoring, and development programs.
- Developing and monitoring program budgets to maximize efficiency, especially in start-ups or varying company size.
- Using technology to enhance sales processes and performance, ensuring security in data-driven strategies.
A head of sales typically takes on a C-suite role, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Most positions require a bachelor’s degree, often with a background in business or marketing, and extensive experience in sales leadership.
Expectations for a head of sales include strong leadership skills, effective communication, proficiency in data analysis tools, strategic decision-making abilities, and a proven track record in sales development.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as a Head of Sales?
If you're working as a head of sales and believe you deserve a raise, here's a guide on the best time and approach to request it.
- Show your value: Highlight your experience and skills as a head of sales. Mention contributions such as driving sales growth, leading sales development initiatives, or securing high-value clients. Additional responsibilities, like managing a larger sales team or optimizing processes in a start-up, can strengthen your case.
- Choose the right time: Ask for a raise when the company is performing well financially or after achieving significant sales targets. Annual performance reviews or after closing a major deal in markets are ideal times for salary discussions.
- Set a formal meeting: Schedule a meeting with your CEO or manager to discuss your sales salary. Avoid casual chats or bringing it up during busy times. A formal meeting shows professionalism and ensures your request gets attention.
- Back up your request: Research the average salary for a head of sales in your area, and compare it to your current pay. Use this information, along with your achievements, to support your request. For example, as of July 1, 2025, the average salary for a head of sales in the United States is $340,019 per year.
Why Does a Head of Sales Make So Much?
A head of sales earns a high salary due to the specialized skills required to drive revenue, lead high-performing teams, and shape strategic business outcomes. Certifications like Certified Sales Leadership Professional (CSLP) or advanced business degrees can further increase their value and earning potential.
Also, some Heads of Sales possess in-demand skills that significantly boost their earning potential. For example, according to recent data, heads of sales with expertise in complex sales can earn 9.56% more than those without it. Similarly, proficiency in metrics management can lead to an 8.70% salary increase.
Other high-paying skills include:
- Complex Sales: 9.56%
- Metrics Management: 8.70%
- Sales Operations: 8.30%
- Sales Forecasting: 8.13%
- Business Strategy: 8.08%
- Key Account Management: 7.63%
The Future of Head of Sales: Job Outlook and Career Trends
Employment of sales managers, including the head of sales, is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 48,600 openings for sales managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The demand for head of sales remains strong as companies of various sizes and stages prioritize revenue growth. The increasing complexity of global markets, particularly in technology and financial security, will drive the need for heads of sales with expertise in specific industries or regions.
