The average salary for an Account Executive in the US is $189,485 per year.
Account Executives drive revenue by managing client relationships, closing deals, and expanding existing accounts. In the US, this role is highly valued across SaaS companies, cybersecurity firms, enterprise software providers, fintech organizations, and consulting businesses. Compensation varies significantly based on commission structure, deal size, and industry focus. High-performing Account Executives with strong closing records can earn substantially above base salary through performance incentives.
Salary Statistics: Account Executive (US)
| Salary Type | Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | $189,485 |
| Median Salary | $136,892 |
| Lowest Salary | $65,800 |
| Highest Salary | $500,000 |
Gender Pay Analysis in Account Executive
Gender pay differences for Account Executives in the US are influenced by commission structure, territory size, industry specialization, and enterprise account exposure.
| Gender | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Compared to National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $194,000 | ▲ +2% |
| Female | $183,000 | ▼ −3% |
| Non-binary / Not Disclosed | $189,000 | ▲ +0% |
Pay gaps tend to narrow at senior levels where compensation is directly tied to measurable revenue performance and quota attainment.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level
Entry-level Account Executives in the US typically earn around $70,000–$90,000 per year. These roles focus on prospecting, qualifying inbound and outbound leads, managing early-stage pipeline activity, and supporting senior sales professionals during deal cycles. Most professionals at this level have 0–2 years of experience in sales, business development, or client-facing roles.
Mid-Level
Mid-level Account Executives earn an average of $87,150 per year. At this stage, professionals manage active sales pipelines, close mid-sized deals independently, maintain client relationships, and contribute to revenue forecasting. This level commonly requires 3–6 years of experience. Strong CRM management skills and consistent quota achievement significantly increase salary potential.
Senior Level
Senior Account Executives earn an average of $137,704 per year. These professionals manage enterprise accounts, negotiate complex multi-year contracts, handle high-value deal cycles, and consistently exceed quota targets. Compensation reflects ownership of strategic revenue streams and long-term client retention.
Executive Level
Executive-level Account Executives earn an average of $196,584 per year, with top earners reaching $500,000 annually. Compensation at this level is heavily performance-based and includes significant commission accelerators, bonuses, and incentive structures tied to enterprise-scale revenue generation.
Certifications for Account Executive
- Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP)
- HubSpot Sales Certification
- Salesforce Sales Representative Certification
- Sandler Sales Training Certification
- MEDDIC Sales Methodology Training
Key Skills That Impact Salary
- Enterprise deal negotiation
- Pipeline and territory management
- CRM expertise (Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Revenue forecasting and quota management
- Strategic account expansion
- SaaS and cybersecurity sales knowledge
Best-paying cities for Account Executive in the US
| City | Avg Salary (USD) | Compared to National Salary ($189,485) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $225,000 | ▲ +19% |
| New York, NY | $210,000 | ▲ +11% |
| Seattle, WA | $198,000 | ▲ +4% |
| Boston, MA | $195,000 | ▲ +3% |
| Austin, TX | $178,000 | ▼ −6% |
| Chicago, IL | $170,000 | ▼ −10% |
| Atlanta, GA | $165,000 | ▼ −13% |
| Remote (US) | $190,000 | ▲ +0% |
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Using Salary Data to Negotiate Better Offers
- Research before negotiating
Use experience-level and location-based salary data to define a realistic and competitive target range. - Show measurable impact
Employers pay more when candidates demonstrate revenue generated, quota attainment percentage, and long-term client retention metrics. - Look beyond base salary
Compensation often includes commission, accelerators, bonuses, stock options, remote flexibility, and performance incentives that significantly increase total earnings. - Keep multiple options open
Applying to multiple roles increases leverage during salary negotiations and strengthens bargaining power.
Future Outlook for Account Executive Compensation
As SaaS, cybersecurity, fintech, and enterprise software markets continue to grow, demand for revenue-generating professionals remains strong. Account Executives who consistently exceed quota, manage enterprise relationships, and contribute to long-term revenue growth are expected to see continued earning potential in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $189,485 a good salary for an Account Executive?
Yes, $189,485 is competitive for mid-to-senior-level roles, especially when commission and performance bonuses are included.
Can Account Executives earn over $300,000?
Yes, enterprise Account Executives with strong performance metrics and large deal cycles can significantly exceed $300,000 annually.
Does the reported salary include commission?
In many cases, reported compensation reflects total earnings, including base salary, commission, and bonuses.
Are remote Account Executive roles common?
Yes, many SaaS and technology sales roles are remote or hybrid, particularly in enterprise software and cybersecurity industries.
Which industries pay Account Executives the most?
Technology, enterprise SaaS, cybersecurity, fintech, and cloud infrastructure companies typically offer higher compensation packages.
How long does it take to become a senior Account Executive?
It typically takes 5–8 years of consistent sales experience, strong quota performance, and enterprise deal exposure.
Is Account Executive a stable career in the US?
Yes, revenue-driving roles remain essential across industries, ensuring strong long-term demand.
