How Much Does an Account Executive Make in 2025?
Account executives manage client relationships, drive sales, and ensure customer satisfaction while meeting sales quotas. An account executive's job includes prospecting new clients, negotiating contracts, and collaborating with internal teams to deliver products or services that align with client needs.
As demand for skilled account executives increases, salaries are also rising. As of July 01, 2025, the average account executive earns $100,133 per year. However, the account executive salary can vary based on various factors, which will be discussed later.
What is the Average Account Executive's Salary?
The average account executive salary in the United States is $100,133 per year, as of July 01, 2025. For the hourly wage account executives have an average salary of $48 per hour with rates ranging from $42 to $54 per hour.
2025 Account Executive Average Salary: $100,133 per year ($48 per hour)
Meanwhile, the weekly and monthly salaries for an account executive are $1,926 and $8,344, respectively.
What is the Pay Range for an Account Executive?
According to a recent report, the salary range for account executives starts at $87,663 and can reach as high as $111,653 per year, with most earnings falling between $87,663 and $111,653 per year.
However, as mentioned earlier, the salary range for account executives varies based on education, experience level, and location.
Account Executive Salary Range: $87,663 to $111,653 per year ($42 to $54 per hour)
| Percentile | By Hour | By Week | By Month | By Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37 | $1,467 | $6,359 | $76,310 |
| 25th Percentile | $42 | $1,686 | $7,305 | $87,663 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $48 | $1,926 | $8,344 | $100,133 |
| 75th Percentile | $54 | $2,147 | $9,304 | $111,653 |
| 90th Percentile | $59 | $2,349 | $10,178 | $122,141 |
Account Executive Salary Factors
Several aspects affect an account executive's salary, such as education, location, experience, account size, and skills. Here's how each one impacts pay.
Years of Experience
The average account executive salary varies by experience, ranging from $96,029 per year for entry-level positions to $106,108 per year for expert-level account executives with over eight years of experience.
| Level | Years of Experience | Average Salary (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Account Executive | Less than 1 | $96,029 |
| Intermediate Level Account Executive | 1-2 | $96,404 |
| Senior Account Executive | 2-4 | $98,841 |
| Specialist Level Account Executive | 5-8 | $103,556 |
| Expert Level Account Executive | 8+ | $106,108 |
Place of Work
According to the BLS, the industry or workplace of this job title can also affect their salary. For example, account executives working in high-paying industries can earn much more than their peers in other sectors. Account executives in the management of companies and enterprises earn $239,200 or more annually, while those in professional, scientific, and technical services make around $208,870. In healthcare and social assistance, the median annual salary is $194,360, and in the government sector, it is $137,310.
| Place of Work | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Management of companies and enterprises | $239,200 or more |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $208,870 |
| Healthcare and social assistance | $194,360 |
| Government | $137,310 |
Skill Set
Account executive with in-demand skills can boost their salaries. The Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data report shows that those with Key Account Management skills can earn 11.71% more than those without.
An account executive with Knowledge of Customers skills is also likely to see a 11.64% increase, followed by Direct Selling.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Key Account Management | 10.50% | +11.71% |
| Knowledge of Customers | 10.50% | +11.64% |
| Direct Selling | 10.50% | +11.30% |
| Forecasting | 10.70% | +10.58% |
| Sales Process | 10.50% | +10.39% |
| Customer Acquisition | 10.50% | +10.14% |
Account Executive Salary by City and State
An account executive's location can impact their salary. This helps in spotting pay trends, negotiating better pay, or planning a sales career.
Highest Paying States for Account Executives
Based on Salary.com data, the District of Columbia offers the highest average salary for this rewarding career in the United States, at $110,873 per year, followed by California at $110,453.
- District of Columbia: $110,873
- California: $110,453
- Massachusetts: $108,983
- New Jersey: $108,543
- Washington: $108,583
Account Executives Salary by State
| State/Territory | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $108,393 |
| Alabama | $92,003 |
| Arkansas | $90,463 |
| Arizona | $97,573 |
| California | $110,453 |
| Colorado | $102,173 |
| Connecticut | $107,013 |
| District of Columbia | $110,873 |
| Delaware | $101,413 |
| Florida | $94,753 |
| Georgia | $96,583 |
| Hawaii | $104,663 |
| Iowa | $95,833 |
| Idaho | $93,483 |
| Illinois | $102,073 |
| Indiana | $96,123 |
| Kansas | $95,353 |
| Kentucky | $94,233 |
| Louisiana | $95,213 |
| Massachusetts | $108,983 |
| Maryland | $103,253 |
| Maine | $97,633 |
| Michigan | $98,613 |
| Minnesota | $102,473 |
| Missouri | $95,143 |
| Mississippi | $89,303 |
| Montana | $94,543 |
| North Carolina | $95,163 |
| North Dakota | $98,913 |
| Nebraska | $94,343 |
| New Hampshire | $101,233 |
| New Jersey | $108,543 |
| New Mexico | $92,753 |
| Nevada | $99,103 |
| New York | $106,453 |
| Ohio | $97,503 |
| Oklahoma | $92,593 |
| Oregon | $101,693 |
| Pennsylvania | $99,683 |
| Rhode Island | $103,823 |
| South Carolina | $93,833 |
| South Dakota | $91,003 |
| Tennessee | $93,583 |
| Texas | $97,673 |
| Utah | $95,893 |
| Virginia | $100,843 |
| Vermont | $98,283 |
| Washington | $108,583 |
| Wisconsin | $98,503 |
| West Virginia | $90,173 |
| Wyoming | $96,033 |
Highest Paying Cities for Account Executives
Salary.com data shows that San Jose, California offers the highest salary for account executives at $126,303 per year or $61 per hour. The top six highest-paying cities for account executives are:
- San Jose, California: $126,303 ($61 per hour)
- San Francisco, California: $125,053 ($60 per hour)
- Oakland, California: $122,283 ($59 per hour)
- New York, New York: $116,043 ($56 per hour)
- Queens Village, New York: $115,293 ($55 per hour)
- Paramus, New Jersey: $114,493 ($55 per hour)
Ways to Increase Your Salary as an Account Executive
Account executives can boost their actual earnings by gaining experience, developing in-demand skills, and advancing within their roles.
- Gain sales industry experience: More years in sales, a strong track record of meeting quotas, and experience with diverse accounts can lead to higher pay. Entry-level account executives earn less, but those with more experience can move into senior account executive roles or become sales managers.
- Develop high-demand skills: Focus on skills that employers value most for account executives. Account executives with Key Account Management skills can earn 11.71% more, while Knowledge of Customers and Direct Selling can boost pay by 11.64% and 11.30%, respectively. Other valuable skills include Forecasting, Sales Process, and Customer Acquisition, offering salary increases of 10.58%, 10.39%, and 10.14%, respectively. Many of these skills can be developed or refined through specialized training programs, sales certifications, or professional development courses.
- Negotiate your compensation and other incentives: Know the salary trends in your state. Account executives in Mississippi earn about $89,303, while those in D.C. earn around $110,873. When asking for a raise, mention your sales achievements, account management skills, or success in closing high-value accounts.
- Work in high-paying industry: Your industry can significantly impact your earnings. Account executives working in the management of companies and enterprises earn $239,200 or more, while those in professional, scientific, and technical services make around $208,870.
- Choose a major company: Highest-paying companies also offer high pay. Account executives at firms often earn more due to their focus on high-value accounts and lucrative commission structures.
Average National Salaries by Source
As of July 28, 2025, data from five major salary-reporting websites indicate that the national average salary for an account executive in the United States is $91,185 (unweighted).
SALARY.COM AVG. SALARY
$100,133 / year
INDEED.COM AVG. SALARY
$74,599 / year
GLASSDOOR AVG. SALARY
$134,752 / year
PAYSCALE AVG. SALARY
$67,206 / year
ZIPRECRUITER AVG. SALARY
$79,235 / year
