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Remit and sector
Contract and margin-heavy roles in construction and engineering pay more.
Project value
Managing higher-value contracts lifts pay.
Bonus
Margin-linked bonus tops up base.
Entry-level / Newly Appointed
How to benchmark and set the salary
1. Start with the market range
For a Commercial Manager, that's roughly £50k to £80k base. Pitch too low and you won't get replies; too high and you overpay.
2. Adjust for experience
Use the bands in the table above - entry, experienced and senior - rather than a single figure, and match the level you actually need.
3. Factor in location
London and the South East add 10-15%. A remote or regional role can be pitched a little lower for the same calibre.
4. Add the incentive
A bonus of 15-25% tied to margin or project profitability is typical, and construction and engineering roles often pay at the top of the range. Candidates compare total earnings, so lead with the package, not just the base.
5. Move at the right speed
Strong sales people have options. A competitive offer made quickly beats a slightly higher one that drags.
A Commercial Manager typically earns a base salary of £50k to £80k, with a median around £65k.
Plus bonus, so total earnings are usually higher than base alone.
Entry-level or newly appointed Commercial Managers usually start around £50k-£58k.
The figure rises with proven results, sector experience and location, so a strong track record commands more from day one.
Yes. London and the South East typically add +10-15% to base for a Commercial Manager, reflecting higher living costs and competition for talent.
Remote and regional roles can be pitched a little lower for the same calibre of candidate.
The main drivers are experience, sector, location and company size, plus the structure of any bonus or commission.
For a Commercial Manager specifically, remit and sector tends to move the numbers most, so weigh that when you benchmark.
A bonus of 15-25% tied to margin or project profitability is typical, and construction and engineering roles often pay at the top of the range.
Always compare total on-target earnings rather than base alone, since the incentive can be a large share of the package.
Benchmark against the current range above, pitch at the right experience band, add a clear incentive, and factor in location.
If you'd like a live read on what your Commercial Manager role should pay to attract strong candidates, we benchmark it for free as part of the search - no fee until your hire starts.
Tell us about your role and we'll benchmark the salary and find you the right person. No fee until your hire starts.
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