Sales Salary Guide

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

What a Sales Manager 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.

Sales Manager pay depends heavily on team size, sector and whether they still sell alongside managing. If you're hiring or benchmarking, the figures below give a realistic picture of what a Sales Manager costs in the current market.

⚡ In short

A Sales Manager in the UK typically earns a base salary of £42k to £70k, with a median of around £55k, 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.

£55k

Median base salary

£42k-£70k

Typical range

+10-15%

London premium

£70k+ OTE

With commission

What affects a Sales Manager's salary

Team size and sector

Bigger teams and higher-value products pay more.

Selling element

Managers who still carry a number earn more in total through commission.

Location

London and the South East pay a clear premium.

Sales Manager salary by experience

Experience Level

Typical Salary

Entry-level / Newly Appointed

£42k-£50k

Experienced

£50k-£62k

Senior / Lead

£62k-£75k

How to benchmark and set the salary

1. Start with the market range
For a Sales Manager, that's roughly £42k to £70k 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
Sales Managers usually earn commission or a team bonus taking OTE 20-40% above base, depending on how the incentive is structured. 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 Manager earn in the UK?

A Sales Manager typically earns a base salary of £42k to £70k, with a median around £55k.

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

What's the starting salary for a Sales Manager?

Entry-level or newly appointed Sales Managers usually start around £42k-£50k.

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

Do Sales Managers earn more in London?

Yes. London and the South East typically add +10-15% to base for a Sales 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.

What affects a Sales Manager's salary?

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

For a Sales Manager specifically, team size and sector tends to move the numbers most, so weigh that when you benchmark.

What bonus or commission does a Sales Manager get?

Sales Managers usually earn commission or a team bonus taking OTE 20-40% above base, depending on how the incentive is structured.

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 Manager?

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 Manager 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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