Sales Manager Salary in India – The Detailed Guide

Sales managers are vital to a company’s revenue generation and overall business growth. They lead sales teams, craft strategies to meet revenue targets and nurture relationships with key clients. Their ability to align sales objectives with broader business goals plays a critical role in a company’s success, especially in industries like IT, FMCG, and manufacturing. As India’s economy continues to expand, the demand for skilled sales managers is increasing in both domestic and international markets. In this blog, we’ll dive into sales manager salaries in India. Additionally, we will examine how factors like experience, skills, location, and industry influence their compensation.

Average Salary of Sales Manager in India

The average salary for a sales manager in India is approximately ₹7 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum). Monthly earnings typically fall between ₹40,792 and ₹41,945, but these can vary based on factors like experience, location, and the company you work for. Additionally, skills and the specific industry you’re in play a major role in shaping your salary. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the key factors that influence a sales manager’s salary in India:

Sales Manager Salary in India Based on Experience

Sales manager salaries in India can vary a lot depending on how much experience you have. Entry-level sales managers usually earn less because they are still getting familiar with the industry and learning how to build strong client relationships. As they gain more experience, mid-career and senior-level sales managers tend to earn much higher salaries. 

Over time, they develop key skills in market strategies, negotiation, and leading teams, which makes them more valuable to their companies. The table below shows the average sales manager salary in India based on experience level:

Experience Level	Average Annual Salary
2-3 years	₹4.4 LPA
3-4 years	₹4.8 LPA
4-5 years	₹5.1 LPA
5-6 years	₹5.4 LPA
6-7 years	₹5.8 LPA
7-8 years	₹6.4 LPA
8-9 years	₹6.8 LPA
9-10 years	₹7.6 LPA
10-11 years	₹8 LPA
11-12 years	₹9.1 LPA
12-13 years	₹9.4 LPA
13-14 years	₹10.4 LPA

Sales Manager Salary in India Based on Industry

The industry in which a sales manager works has a big impact on their salary. Sales managers in high-revenue industries like pharmaceuticals, IT, and real estate tend to earn more because these sectors have higher profit margins and more competition. 

On the other hand, industries like retail and FMCG often pay less since they work with lower profit margins. The complexity of the products, customer needs, and market conditions in each industry also affect how much a sales manager can earn.

Here is a table showing the average salary of a sales manager in India across various industries:

Industry	Average Annual Salary
Financial Services	₹5.6 LPA
NBFC	₹5.4 LPA
Internet	₹7.7 LPA
Banking	₹6.4 LPA
Insurance	₹5.4 LPA
Manufacturing	₹9.2 LPA
Real Estate	₹7.2 LPA

Sales Manager Salary in India Based on Location

Location plays a big role in determining a sales manager’s salary in India. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore offer higher pay because of the higher cost of living, better business opportunities, and the presence of corporate headquarters. In smaller cities and towns, salaries are usually lower, although certain regional markets or industries can still offer competitive pay. Let us take a look at the average salary of a sales manager in India in various locations:

Location	Average Annual Salary
Bangalore	₹6.8 LPA
Mumbai	₹6.8 LPA
Delhi	₹6.4 LPA
Hyderabad	₹6.3 LPA
Pune	₹6.5 LPA
Chennai	₹6.5 LPA

 Sales Manager Salary in India Based on Company

The company you work for can have a big impact on your salary as a sales manager. Large multinational corporations (MNCs) and well-known domestic companies usually offer higher pay because they have bigger sales targets and more profitable clients. 

Startups or smaller businesses might offer lower salaries but may provide performance-based bonuses or equity options. Companies that deal with complex sales cycles or high-end products also tend to pay their sales managers more.

Here is a table showing the average salary of a sales manager in India in the top companies: 

Company	Average Annual Salary
IBM	₹ 25.9 LPA
Diageo	₹ 21.6 LPA
Perfetti Van Melle	₹ 21.5 LPA
Tata Communications	₹ 18.9 LPA
Wipro	₹ 18.9 LPA

Factors Affecting Sales Manager Salaries in India

The earning potential of sales managers in India is influenced by a variety of factors. Understanding these elements is crucial for sales professionals looking to maximize their income. Here are some key areas that affect the sales manager salary in India:

1. Experience: Sales managers with significant experience in their field generally command higher salaries. Senior sales managers, especially those in strategic roles, tend to earn more due to their deeper understanding of the market and ability to drive revenue growth​.
2. Location: The city or region in which a sales manager works also impacts salary. Metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore tend to offer higher salaries due to the cost of living and the concentration of larger companies​.
3. Industry: Sales managers in sectors like IT, banking, pharmaceuticals, and real estate tend to earn more due to the higher revenue potential in these industries. In contrast, those working in smaller or less profitable sectors may earn comparatively lower salaries​.
4. Educational Background: A sales manager’s educational qualifications, particularly degrees in business, marketing, or finance, and certifications in sales management, can significantly influence their earning potential. Advanced degrees or professional training in sales techniques and customer relationship management often lead to higher salaries​.
5. Company Size: Larger companies, especially multinationals, generally offer higher pay to sales managers because of their broader markets and greater sales volumes. Smaller companies may offer more modest salaries​.
6. Performance and Incentives: Sales is a performance-driven field, so bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing agreements tied to achieving specific targets can substantially increase total compensation. High performers often see substantial earnings beyond their base salary​.
7. Skills and Certifications: Continuous learning and upskilling through training courses in sales management, negotiation, data analysis, and strategic thinking enhance a sales manager’s ability to stay relevant and boost their salary potential.

Tips to Get High Paying Salary

Now that you understand the factors influencing a sales manager’s salary, it’s essential to explore strategies that can help you boost your earnings. Here are some effective tips to increase your compensation as a sales manager:

1. Develop In-Demand Skills: To get higher pay, you need a blend of hard and soft skills. Ensure you have a strong foundation in product knowledge, negotiation, and CRM proficiency. Focus on building skills such as strategic prospecting, active listening, and effective communication, which are vital to succeed in sales roles and boost your earning potential.
2. Target High-Growth Industries: Certain sectors such as software sales, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and advertising sales offer lucrative opportunities. For example, software sales roles, especially in companies like IBM and Microsoft, can offer salaries ranging from ₹3 LPA to ₹31.57 LPA. By working in these industries, you can position yourself to earn more as you progress in your career​.
3. Pursue Continuous Learning: Certifications in sales techniques, data analysis, and digital marketing can help you stand out. Keeping up with the latest industry trends and mastering tools like CRM software will make you more valuable to employers and eligible for promotions and pay raises.
4. Negotiate Effectively: Negotiation is key to landing a high-paying role. When negotiating your salary, aim to counter-offer with an increase of 10-20% from the initial offer. Be specific with your counter-offer (for example, a rounded number rather than a range) and justify your ask to get your desired salary.

Conclusion

The salary of a sales manager in India is influenced by various factors like company, location, and industry. With experience, skills, and strategic thinking, professionals in this job role can significantly enhance their earning potential. Additionally, to secure a high-paying job position, consider upskilling through relevant certifications and building a strong network of clients. Explore the top 10 highest-paying sales jobs in India to find lucrative job opportunities in the field of sales.

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