Sales managers are often the driving force behind a company’s growth. They guide the sales team, plan targets, monitor performance, and help businesses increase revenue. Because of this direct impact on business results, sales managers are among the highest paid and fastest growing professionals in India.
If you are exploring a career in sales management or want a clear idea of the sales manager salary in India, this guide gives you a complete and easy to understand breakdown.
Average Sales Manager Salary in India
A sales manager’s salary depends on experience, industry, city, company size, and performance. Here is a realistic breakdown.
Entry Level Sales Manager Salary
People with 1 to 3 years of experience usually earn:
₹35,000 to ₹55,000 per month
This stage is common for professionals who have already worked as sales executives or senior sales executives and have shown strong sales performance.
Mid Level Sales Manager Salary
Professionals with 3 to 7 years of experience earn:
₹50,000 to ₹80,000 per month
At this level, you usually handle a team and meet monthly or quarterly targets.
Senior Sales Manager Salary
With 7 to 12 years of experience:
₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000 per month
Senior sales managers take care of bigger territories and guide multiple sales executives.
Regional or National Sales Manager Salary
With more than 12 years of experience:
₹1,20,000 to ₹2,00,000 per month or more
Top companies often pay significantly higher salaries with large performance bonuses.
Why Sales Managers Earn High Salaries
Sales managers directly influence a company’s revenue. When they perform well, the business grows. Because of this, companies pay more to individuals who can:
• Build strong sales teams
• Meet or exceed revenue goals
• Improve sales processes
• Identify new opportunities
• Train and motivate team members
• Manage key accounts
Sales managers are often rewarded with bonuses, incentives, and performance-based appraisals.
Sales Manager Salary Across Different Industries
Salaries vary across industries because some sectors have higher customer value, complex sales cycles, or larger revenue volumes.
High Paying Industries
1. Technology and SaaS
Salary range: ₹70,000 to ₹1,50,000
Why: High ticket-size products and recurring revenue models.
2. Real Estate
Salary: ₹60,000 to ₹1,50,000
Why: High value deals and strong commission opportunities.
3. BFSI and Insurance
Salary: ₹50,000 to ₹1,20,000
Why: Large customer base and long-term products.
4. FMCG
Salary: ₹50,000 to ₹90,000
Why: Fast moving goods and large distribution networks.
5. Pharma
Salary: ₹45,000 to ₹90,000
Why: High competition and technical selling.
Moderate Paying Industries
• Retail
• Logistics
• Manufacturing
• Staffing
Salary range: ₹40,000 to ₹80,000
Sales Manager Salary by City
Salary also changes based on the city’s business activity and cost of living.
Top Paying Cities
Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Pune, Chennai
Average salary range:
₹50,000 to ₹90,000 for mid-level
₹90,000 to ₹1,50,000 for senior level
Tier 2 Cities
Kochi, Jaipur, Coimbatore, Lucknow, Indore
Average salary:
₹35,000 to ₹65,000 per month
Tier 3 Cities
Salaries may range from:
₹25,000 to ₹45,000 per month
However, incentives are still strong even in smaller cities.
What a Sales Manager Actually Does
Understanding the responsibilities helps you understand why salaries are high.
Sales managers focus on:
• Setting sales goals
• Training and motivating the team
• Managing performance
• Analysing sales reports
• Improving sales strategies
• Increasing revenue
• Managing customer relationships
• Finding new growth opportunities
They often work closely with the marketing and product teams as well.
Factors That Increase a Sales Manager’s Salary
1. Strong Track Record
Companies pay more to managers who consistently deliver results.
2. Industry Experience
Knowledge of high revenue industries increases your value.
3. Ability to Lead Teams
Leadership and coaching skills are highly valued.
4. Knowledge of CRM Tools
Tools like Salesforce, Zoho, and HubSpot increase your efficiency.
5. Location
Top cities offer higher pay due to bigger market opportunities.
6. Performance Based Bonuses
Sales managers often earn extra income apart from their fixed salary.
Skills Needed to Become a High Earning Sales Manager
If you want to grow your salary quickly, build these skills:
• Negotiation
• Communication
• Customer relationship management
• Team leadership
• Problem solving
• Data analysis
• Strategic thinking
• CRM software knowledge
• Market research
These skills not only increase your earning potential but also help you become a stronger leader.
How to Increase Your Sales Manager Salary Faster
Here are practical ways to grow in this field:
1. Switch to a Higher Paying Industry
Tech, real estate, BFSI, and FMCG offer higher salaries.
2. Learn CRM and Sales Automation Tools
It makes you more efficient and valuable.
3. Build a Strong Performance History
Companies pay more to managers with proven results.
4. Train Your Team Well
Your team’s performance directly impacts your salary and growth.
5. Shift to a Tier 1 City
Opportunities are larger and salaries are stronger.
6. Apply Consistently on Trusted Platforms
Platforms like Apna can help you find verified sales manager openings faster.
Conclusion
The average sales manager salary in India ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹80,000 per month at the mid level and can go up to ₹2,00,000 per month for senior leaders. The salary depends on your experience, industry, performance, and ability to lead a team.
Sales management is a high growth career path. If you are good at communication, leadership, and performance driven work, sales can give you a strong income, continuous learning, and long term stability.
FAQs
1. What is the average salary of a sales manager in India
The average salary ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹80,000 per month.
2. Do sales managers earn incentives
Yes, incentives are a major part of a sales manager’s income.
3. Which industries pay the highest salary for sales managers
Tech, real estate, BFSI, pharma, and FMCG.
4. What skills increase a sales manager’s salary
Leadership, communication, negotiation, CRM tools, and analytical skills.
5. How can I become a sales manager
Start as a sales executive, build a strong track record, learn CRM tools, and apply to growing industries.
