Sales Salary Guide

Sales Executive Salary UK: How Much Do They Earn? (2026)

What a Sales Executive earns in the UK in 2026, broken down by experience, region and the factors that move the numbers.

By Mark Wilkinson, Managing Director of Coburg Banks

Mark has over 30 years in recruitment, placing sales professionals from SDR to Sales Director across UK SMEs.

Mark's Linkedin Profile

Because 'Sales Executive' covers very different jobs, pay ranges widely - a field or new-business role usually pays more than a desk-based one. If you're hiring or benchmarking, the figures below give a realistic picture of what a Sales Executive costs in the current market.

⚡ In short

A Sales Executive in the UK typically earns a base salary of £25k to £42k, with a median of around £33k, plus commission.

Pay rises with experience, sits higher in London and high-growth sectors, and the total package can be well above base once incentives are included.

£33k

Median base salary

£25k-£42k

Typical range

+10-15%

London premium

£42k-£55k OTE

On-target earnings

What affects a Sales Executive's salary

Type of role

New-business and field roles pay more than desk-based.

Commission

The incentive plan shapes total earnings.

Sector

Tech and higher-value B2B pay above the average.

Sales Executive salary by experience

Experience Level

Typical Salary

Entry-level / Newly Appointed

£25k-£30k

Experienced

£30k-£37k

Senior / Lead

£37k-£45k

How to benchmark and set the salary

1. Start with the market range
For a Sales Executive, that's roughly £25k to £42k 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
Commission or bonus typically adds 20-40% to a Sales Executive's base, though it varies widely by the type of role. 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.

How much does a Sales Executive earn in the UK?

A Sales Executive typically earns a base salary of £25k to £42k, with a median around £33k.

Plus commission, so total earnings are usually higher than base alone.

What's the starting salary for a Sales Executive?

Entry-level or newly appointed Sales Executives usually start around £25k-£30k.

The figure rises with proven results, sector experience and location, so a strong track record commands more from day one.

Do Sales Executives earn more in London?

Yes. London and the South East typically add +10-15% to base for a Sales Executive, reflecting higher living costs and competition for talent.

Remote and regional roles can be pitched a little lower for the same calibre of candidate.

What affects a Sales Executive's salary?

The main drivers are experience, sector, location and company size, plus the structure of any bonus or commission.

For a Sales Executive specifically, type of role tends to move the numbers most, so weigh that when you benchmark.

What bonus or commission does a Sales Executive get?

Commission or bonus typically adds 20-40% to a Sales Executive's base, though it varies widely by the type of role.

Always compare total on-target earnings rather than base alone, since the incentive can be a large share of the package.

How do I set a competitive salary to attract a Sales Executive?

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 Sales Executive role should pay to attract strong candidates, we benchmark it for free as part of the search - no fee until your hire starts.

External citations

Sources:
- REC
- ONS Labour Market
- Coburg Banks Trustpilot

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